How to Seduce a Billionaire Read Online Free PDF Page B

They just can’t help themselves.
    The hot chocolate was divine though, and just cool enough to allow a long, reviving sip. She took one, then another, and then met his sea-blue gaze.
    ‘You’re not an ogre, Mr McKenna, and nobody calls me Jessica as a rule, just “Jess”.’ Good God, she couldn’t imagine ever saying that to old Jacobson in this room, but it seemed easy with Ellis McKenna.
    ‘“Jess” … I like that.’ He paused, and took a sip of his own chocolate, his tongue lingering suggestively over his lower lip. ‘And I’m “Ellis” … and you don’t know me well enough to know whether I’m an ogre yet. But I’m hoping we can rectify that soon.’
    Jess nibbled a biscuit. Finished it. It was heavenly, soft and buttery and crammed with juicy sultanas, but she barely tasted it. What was he talking about? Was he really coming on to her? She sat up straighter on the deep sofa, trying to regain a semblance of control of her wits. Sitting here, with this beautiful man, and feeling his effect on her, was addling her brain.
    ‘Look, Mr McKenna, what am I doing here? I’m just your employee. One of thousands I don’t doubt. I … I shouldn’t be sitting here with you, half dressed, scoffing biscuits and drinking hot chocolate. It’s … um … well, it’s not right.’
    He laughed, a clear, light, joyous sound. Damn him, he was so relaxed. This was all so easy to him, while she had no clue how to act.
    ‘I’m “Ellis”. Call me “Ellis”, I beg of you.’ He set down his cup and swivelled to sit and face her. ‘And you’re not “just” an employee to me.’ He fixed her with his penetrating gaze. ‘Don’t you realise that?’ A slight, intent frown puckered his brow, almost as if he wanted to see her – read her – more accurately.
    Jess put her cup aside, even though the chocolate was delicious, and reviving. She didn’t want to spill it because her hands were shaking madly. ‘No, I don’t realise anything. This is all too weird. Fantastical … like something out of one of those novels with a pair of handcuffs or a lace blindfold on the cover, not real life.’ She flashed a pointed look at his ring finger, then cursed herself for a prissy Victorian miss. But then, she was one, really, wasn’t she? Apart from the era. And it didn’t sit right with her, him making a pass when he was married. It wasn’t … heroic.
    ‘I’m real,’ said Ellis softly, reaching and enfolding her fingers in his. Raising their joined hands, he tilted his left one, making the narrow ring glint. ‘And if that bothers you, Jess, I’m not married any more. I’m a widower.’ For just an instant, the playful light went out of him, and his face was stark and sad. Then, just as quickly, his sunny charm was back again, on full beam, like something he could flip on and off at will.
    Jess’s mind prepared to run off down a path of speculation. Just how long ago had his wife died? Did he still love her? She opened her mouth, to say ‘I’m sorry,’ but then, almost as if to rein her back in from such thoughts, Ellis gave her what could only be described as a quelling look, and started to rub her palms and her fingers, massaging firmly but at the same time with great gentleness. No discussion of his marriage allowed then.
    ‘You’re cold. Why is that? The heating’s almost tropical now, but you’re still shivering,’ he said. There was speculation in his eyes, and on his handsome face, almost puzzlement.
    He doesn’t get it because he’s not used to women who don’t have a clue. He’s used to partners … and a wife … who know how to respond.
    The realisation made her shake harder. Ellis’s smooth brow puckered in a frown, and then his eyes widened, and brightened. He looked as if he were about to gasp. And perhaps to accuse her of her ‘secret’.
    ‘I’m sorry. I’m just nervous. You’re my big boss and you could sack me, just like that.’ Such nonsense. She barely knew him but she knew