Deceiving Her Boss Read Online Free PDF Page B

you."
     
Allie glanced around quickly, saw that things were running smoothly, and
agreed.  Grabbing a glass of wine from one of the roving wait staff, she joined
her friend on the back patio.  They chatted for a few minutes about the party
and about the abundance of food and well-dressed people, before Allie finally
asked, "So what's up?"
     
"I want to ask you about Anna.  I want to plan a honeymoon to knock her
socks off, and I have no idea what she would like best.  When we talk about
travel, we end up all over the map.  Any idea where she really would love to
go?"
     
"Oh, that's super easy," Allie grinned, leaning back against one of
the stone walls.  "Italy.  Rome, Venice, Florence.....  In college, she
read The Agony and the Ecstasy, and kept me up nights telling me all about the
genius of Michelangelo.  Take her there."
     
"Italy?  Really?"
     
"Really."
     
"So here's where you've run off to," came a deep voice from behind
Allie and Paul.  Allie looked up to see Sean standing in the doorway, a deep
scowl on his face. "Allie, I need you inside -- the caterers are looking
for you."
     
"Oh for heaven's sake," Allie said, letting her exasperation show for
a moment.  "I was just in there.  What trouble could they have gotten into
in five minutes?" she asked rhetorically.  Turning back to her friend, she
said, "Paul, it was nice to see you.  Enjoy your evening."
     
Sean stood to one side, letting Allie move by him into the house, then looked
back out at Paul, standing on the patio.  He and Allie had looked very
comfortable out here together, almost like old friends.  And why had they been
discussing Italy? he wondered.  It was where he was thinking of expanding his
business, but he couldn't remember if he'd mentioned it in front of Allie.  Was
his assistant passing information to his competitor?  He couldn't imagine it,
not really.  Allie might be shy and mousy, but she was smart, and he never had
had reason before to question her loyalty to his company.  The situation bore
watching, he thought.  And it was worth asking her about.   Later.
     
     
Much later that evening, Allie's feet hurt, she was tired and cranky, but all
the guests had finally left.  She was in the process of settling up with the
caterers when Sean came into the room.
     
"When you're done here, come into my study.  I want to talk with you for a
few minutes."
     
Allie was surprised, but she tried not to show it.  "Sure.  I'll just be a
few more minutes."
     
After helping the caterers load up the last of their gear and locking up the
back door behind them, Allie headed back into Sean's study before calling her
usual cab-driver to take her home.  The door was open, but Allie knocked anyway
to get his attention.  Sean looked up and waved her in.
     
"Have a seat, Allie," he said immediately.  "Would you like a
drink?  A glass of bourbon, perhaps?"
     
Allie shook her head.  The last thing she needed tonight was a nightcap.  One
sip and she'd be sound asleep on her boss' couch.  "No thank you, Mr.
Greyson," she answered.  "It's late.  I should be getting home."
     
Sean shook off the hint.  "In a minute, Allie.  I want to ask you about
something. "
     
Allie couldn't think what he might be asking her about that couldn't wait until
Monday morning.  "If you're concerned about the response to David Foster's
letter, I sent that out before coming here tonight."
     
"I'm not concerned about that.  You're responsible.  I figured you'd get
it out this afternoon."
     
"Then is something wrong?" she asked.
     
"Come in and sit down," Sean ordered, waving at the couch.  Allie
moved forward and perched gingerly on the edge of the seat.  Standing up, Sean
moved out from behind his desk and sat down on the coffee table in front of
Allie.  When he leaned forward, Allie moved back in the chair, not wanting him
to get close to her.
     
"I want to know how you know Paul Mason."
     
Of all things for Sean to ask, this was one