Her Hero Read Online Free PDF Page A

thinking. “Why?”
                  “I have a black tie gala to go to. Plus one and I would like it if you would accompany me.”
                  The question sounded so formal Stacy instantly went into a confused, excited tizzy. Her palms started to sweat and her over analytical brain kicked in.
                  What did he mean by the invitation? Was he asking her out or was it a work request? Did she care, she asked herself as he waited calmly for a response.
                  “I’d love to.” Seeing no sign of relief or excitement on his face she amended, “That is... no problem. I can represent Harper and Son.” She studied his face seeing the corners of his mouth twitched up in an amused response.
                  She wondered, when he turned to go, why he hadn’t asked the stunning receptionist as he parted, the door closing on the date and time he would pick her up. It was only as she sat at her desk racking her mind for something to wear that she realised he knew where she lived.
                  Stacy left the stacks and passed her desk on a mission to fathom her superhero’s alter ego. Hovering back and forth before the front desk she worded her question in her head unaware of the leggy receptionist’s quizzical stair.
                  The lift that had started it all stood behind her, a reminder that life was short, urging her forward.
                  “Hey.. Did Hor... I mean Mr Harper ask you... by any chance, to ah em, a charity thing?” Although Stacy had mulled over the question in her mind she couldn’t seem to articulate it, afraid of what the answer would be.
                  The stunning face opposite her looked on with speculation as she answered, “No. Why? Did he ask you?” This she asked almost concerned.
                  “Yeah. I just wondered if he asked you first. You, working up here longer than myself and everything.” Stacy attempted to sound casual, she doubted she had.
                  “God no!” The receptionist burst out, eyes wide. “Oh my god I can’t believe you have to go with him.”
                  “Why?” Stacy was stunned by her repulsed reaction.
                  “Well he’s so, you know,” She gestured with her hands as if that helped. When Stacy remained clueless she continued, “Doesn’t he scare you just a bit. He’s so intimidating.”
                  “No.”
                  The receptionist went on as if Stacy hadn’t said anything in full revelation of her thoughts on Mr Harper, “Not to mention all the stuff about him. God he was such a delinquent. People say if his father hadn’t died and left him in charge, he would be in prison by now.” Stacy’s hackles rose as the receptionist leaned over the desk and whispered, not so quietly, “Not that he still couldn’t. Some of his take-overs are so ruthless and questionable,” She exaggerated the word with a click of her tongue and a raised eyebrow, “that I wouldn’t be surprised.”
                  Stacy stood tall, instant defenses coming to the tip of her tongue but looking at the receptionist and the way she had already started to study her nails, she found the effort to be pointless.
                  With a last look at the suddenly vulgar woman Stacy said, “I’m sorry I asked.” and turned away.
                  No wonder Horatius had asked her. If general opinion was that of his employees, he must be a very lonely person, she thought staring at her screen trying to get back to work. Stacy once again thought of all the things she had heard said about him in the past and suddenly she felt an overwhelming sadness. She knew he was good. Every encounter told her a different story of generosity and feeling and every time she studied the man behind the business decisions she