Driven to Date Read Online Free PDF

Parnell here.”
    “Hi, Dad.” I faked the enthusiasm in my voice. “How was your trip?”
    “Great, Ace.” He sounded happy to hear from me. “How does it feel to run your own department?”
    My shoulders slumped. Why had I been so quick to brag about the promotion? “Actually, that’s the reason I’m calling . . .”
    “Want some tips from your old man? Huh, Ace?” He chuckled. “I’m proud of you, but don’t forget to make some time for fun. That’s my tip.”
    I dropped my head on the desk. Was there a conspiracy around me?
    “I remember when I made partner, and it didn’t pay off like I thought it would. Turns out I just had more work.” He laughed.
    Partner? I couldn’t even make Managing Attorney. I banged my head against the desk. “Dad, I need to tell you—”
    Beep! Beep! Beep! “That’s my alarm, honey. I’ve got to run. Big golf game to go to. Congratulations again!”
    The dial tone rang in my ear and I set the phone back in its cradle. Glancing at the clock, I realized it was time for the dreaded meeting anyway. A lump rose in my throat. Hot tears stung my eyes. May as well meet my new boss and get this over with.
    Holding my head high, I strode out of my office, and followed Troy Monaghan down the hall. Troy was another attorney in my office and definitely practiced the art of fun. He’d dated several women in our firm, was the first to leave the office at night, and was habitually the last one to arrive at a meeting.
    Except for now, since I was trailing after him.
    “Sorry they didn’t give you the position, Jill.” He gave me a side-glance. “That was a raw deal.”
    A slice of pain stabbed my heart. “Thanks, Troy.”
    I slid in the conference room behind him, and took the standing spot next to him against the wall. With the entire Personal Injury Department in here, it was a tight fit, but I spotted the partners seated at the table. I knew Charlie was in court today, but I didn’t see a new (thieving) face next to the partners.
    Jim Shaw’s face beamed. “Now that we’re all here, I don’t see any sense in wasting time. We all know why we’ve gathered. It’s time to meet our new Managing Attorney for the Personal Injury Department.”
    My eyes closed briefly as nausea crept up my throat, so I tried to focus on the positive. Perhaps my new boss would be hands-off like Charlie had been, and it would be business as usual around here. That wouldn’t be so bad.
    Jim made eye contact around the room. “Our newest asset to Corbett, Gray, & Shaw comes to us from San Diego where he worked for a prestigious law firm and recently commanded a seven-figure jury verdict for his client. Team, I’m very proud to introduce you to our new Managing Attorney . . . Ryan Shaw.”
    Clapping erupted around the room and Troy nudged me with his elbow as I somehow managed to bring my hands together several times. All eyes floated toward the corner of the room where I noticed a man wearing a blue polo shirt and khakis. He leaned with his shoulder against the wall, hands in his pockets, one foot crossed over the other.
    Talk about casual. The nephew didn’t even have the decency to dress up for the position he’d heisted from me. Taking a deep breath, my eyes traveled upward to look into the face of the man who’d ruined my life.
    Sexy hazel eyes stared back at me, holding my gaze. My stomach twisted, and my eyes narrowed. My new boss was Ethan’s best man, Ryan.

Chapter Three
    On Tuesday morning, I’d almost dozed off—using my twelve-inch Somerset file for a pillow—when someone tapped my shoulder. Startled, I snapped up and stared into my assistant’s laughter-filled eyes.
    Sarah smiled. “Someone have a late night?”
    I groaned. “My friend, Ginger, called last night and we talked for two hours about a guy she’s seeing.”
    She shook her head. “Not going well, I take it.”
    “No.” I leaned back in my chair. “She’s such a sweetheart, but he sounds like a player. She