Haunting Astrid Read Online Free PDF Page B

conniving, lying witch!” I was yelling now.
    “Your temper is out of control, young lady. We’ll discuss this matter privately when I take you home.” The server approached to take our order, but I was in no mood to be reasonable.
    “I don’t want anything to eat. Please take me home.” I knew that Joseph was embarrassed, but I didn’t care. I jumped up and left the restaurant to wait for him beside his car.” It took him a few minutes to pay for the glasses of wine we’d consumed, and I could tell when he approached the car that he was not happy with me. He unlocked the door and opened it for me. I was so frustrated to learn that Astrid did something to my application that I forgot all about buckling the damned seatbelt. With a meaningful look, Joseph leaned over me and fastened the belt over my body. He then buckled up and started the car. The drive to my apartment didn’t take nearly long enough. Neither of us said one single word, either. When he parked, I struggled to get the seatbelt undone so that I could run inside, but it wouldn’t come undone. Joseph lightly pushed my hands away and the fastening clicked open for him without any difficulty. He helped me out of the car, and took my arm firmly, walking me inside and up the flights of steps until we reached my floor. He held out his hand for my keys, but he tried the door first to make sure it was locked.
     
     
     

Chapter Four
     
    “It’s locked!” I snapped at him as I slapped my keys into his large hand.
    “What has gotten into you tonight?”
    “How would you feel if you learned you were overlooked for a promotion because your application didn’t make it to the desk to be considered? The only other person who knew I was applying was Astrid. You draw your own conclusion.” I led the way into my now unlocked apartment.
    “Why didn’t you say something at the time, Jodi?”
    “And sound like I had a mouth full of sour grapes? I didn’t know until this evening that you didn’t even see my application to consider it. At the time I thought you preferred Astrid!”
    “Dad is the one who made the decision, and I can tell you that he wasn’t real sure that he wanted to give her the position. But, the only other applicant was from outside, and Dad prefers to promote from within.”
    I decided it was time to change the subject. “I’m sorry I spoiled your evening, Joseph. I’ll fix you something to eat.”
    “Not just yet,” he said, and when I looked at him I was suddenly convinced that I was in trouble. I learned quickly that I was right. “Your behavior this evening at the restaurant was unacceptable. You raised your voice and continued to yell at me for something I knew nothing about. What’s more, you have had a problem with Astrid for some time now, and not once did you come to us to make us aware of the problem. Why not, Jodi?” Joseph asked.
    “Because I couldn’t afford to lose my job, Joseph. Simply put, Brian and I live from paycheck to paycheck. Nearly every penny I earn is spent before I get it. If I get fired, then Brian has to drop out of school. I won’t let that happen, even if it means putting up with Astrid’s meanness.”
    “What makes you think we would fire you?” Joseph asked in dismay.
    “I thought you hired her over me, remember? I wasn’t feeling too secure. She is the office manager. In a very real way, I work for her too…”
    “I’m unhappy that you didn’t trust me enough to confide in me, Jodi.”
    “And think how that would look…! I complain to you, my boyfriend, and Astrid gets fired. I just couldn’t win, Joseph.”
    “That’s enough of that kind of talk. You need your fanny smacked for thinking I would allow something like that to happen.” I didn’t get a chance to complain. Joseph had me pinned over his knee in nothing flat, and my dress pushed up to my waist, leaving my red panties on display. “Very pretty,” he said, his hand caressing me over the silken fabric that was trimmed