In Love With Lucy (NSFW) Read Online Free PDF Page B

exploit them or explain how to fortify them. Though he could have easily used his abilities to tear businesses down, he didn’t. Instead, he helped those who needed his expertise, usually charging a satisfying chunk of change. I’d been surprised during my tenure, however, at how often he helped failing companies for little or no fee. At least once or twice a year, he would take a significant pay cut and help someone truly in need. I never asked him why. Probably because I knew it would affect my ability to remain aloof, and I needed the emotional distance.
    I forced myself out of my own head, diverting my attention back to what was happening around me.
    The hostess smiled sweetly at Chris. “Mr. Barden, how lovely to see you this evening.”
    “Table for two, please.”
    She gathered menus and silverware and gestured for us to follow her. I shot Chris a look when his hand rested on my lower back to guide me after her. He’d touched me more in the last three days than he had in the entire time I worked for him. He ignored my killing glance and pulled out my chair when we reached our table.
    “Thank you,” I murmured. I hated that he was being so polite when I really wanted to snarl at him.
    He took his own seat and the hostess handed us our menus.
    “Your server will be right with you.”
    Chris nodded to the hostess before she moved off. I took a moment to fully appreciate the ambiance of the restaurant. It was dim, lit only with candles and a few recessed lights. Each table was adorned with pale golden tablecloths, a tiny bouquet of fresh flowers, and sparkling water goblets. Overall, the impression was cozy and romantic. It also made my skin itch.
    “Lucy.”
    Chris’ voice was soft when he spoke my name. I shivered with apprehension as something exhilarating ran down my spine along. I still had no idea what happened to suddenly make me so sexually aware of my boss. Over the course of a weekend, my attitude went from all business to give me the business . It was unnerving and I couldn’t seem to get past it.
    Determined to remain indifferent, I met Chris’ eyes. Then it hit me hard. I hadn’t changed. He had. The way he looked at me, the way he spoke to me, it wasn’t the same. Prior to Friday night, I was Ms. Lucy Daniels, administrative assistant extraordinaire, barely distinguishable from any other employee. Now, I was Lucy, a woman he was attracted to. A woman he wanted to take to bed. At least, that was the impression I was getting by the glint in his eye and his body language, and, as a photographer, I understood body language. At that moment, Chris was leaning slightly toward me, the tips of his fingers toying with mine. His chin tilted a bit and his pupils dilated slightly. He was clearly displaying his attraction to me. He never looked away, even when an incredibly gorgeous Indian woman approached our table, filled our water glasses and asked us if we were ready to order.
    I realized I was staring at Chris like an idiot and slid my hand away from his, reaching for my menu. I blinked, shifting my eyes to the waitress.
    “Hi,” I said with a smile, “can we have just a few more minutes?”
    She smiled back and nodded, her eyes darting over to Chris. I couldn’t blame her for the quick ogle. Even though he annoyed me, he was truly a beautiful man, especially in nothing but a white shirt, unbuttoned at the throat, and black pinstripe slacks. He looked like a walking Armani ad.
    I examined my menu carefully, refusing to look him in the eye again. “So what do you recommend?” I asked casually.
    He didn’t respond, so I chanced a glance at him over the top of the menu. He was leaning his elbows on the table, watching me steadily over his steepled fingertips. Again, my treacherous hormones began to quiver. This time I didn’t look away, I met his gaze head on and kept my face free of all emotion except for a vaguely pleasant expression.
    Chris sighed and picked up his own menu. “Everything here is