Outbid by the Boss Read Online Free PDF

few couples, and scattered about the room, several tables for four taken up with men and women in expensive suits. "I mean, really, do I look like I belong here?"
    "Actually, yes." Chas mouth twitched. "I'm sure Mrs. Weekes will be able to find something suitable," he said sizing her up with a practised eye. "Unless of course, you'd rather ride side saddle in one of the little black dresses you were undoubtedly taking to New York."
    Sam’s eyes twinkled. "Life was easier when you were simply Chas ‘bloody’ Porter."
    "Not well-liked, then."
    "Let's just say you are well-respected."
    "I suppose that's something..." he mused. When Sam didn't respond, he went back to his lunch.
    If she could just get through the next few days, Sam decided as she polished off the last of her wine, she would be fine. Older and wiser. And fine.
    "At least, I know you like the burgundy. And no," Chas held up his hands, "that was not intended as a cheap shot." He reached for the near-empty bottle. "More?"
    Samantha felt her face redden. "No, thank you."
    "Good call." He checked his watch. "It's gone three. There is no rush but I would prefer to be there by dark."
    "And where exactly is there?"
    "The Peak District."
    "We're going to the Peak District!"
    Chas cocked his head. "Problem?"
    Sam shook hers. "No, no. It's just...I don't know..." She dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin. "A long way away."
    If Chas was puzzled by her reaction, he hid it well, droning on about estates and how difficult it could be to catalogue them for sale. "Only to have them change their minds," she heard him say, "plays havoc with my schedule." He shrugged. "Occupational hazard, I guess."
    "And today's auction?" she asked, "Was that mere happenstance or were you searching for something in particular?" Not that she thought her employer did anything spontaneous. "You can imagine my surprise...." she continued, "...one minute I'm the lone bidder and the next I'm watching my bank account and my career go down the drain. And just to add insult to injury, you drop out of the bidding. Why was that?"
    "Because the game was wearing thin."
    "Oh." If only she could go back to her flat in London, unpack and pretend today never happened. Everything would be fine.
    But then Chas tossed his own napkin on the table, and leaned in close. The heady mix of his distinctive scent was hers for the taking. And she did, inhaling deeply. "What would you say," he said in an undertone, "if I told you I was at the auction hall today because I wanted to spend more time with you?"
    "I'd call you a liar," she said sweetly hoping her voice didn't betray the quiver in her belly.
    "And you'd be...partially right." He drew back, a sardonic grin on his face. "Nonetheless. You are stuck with me for the next few days. So let's drop the Mr. Porter. I'll be Chas and you'll be what... Sam or Samantha... which do you prefer by the way?"
    "Sam."
    Chas stuck out his hand. "Chas."
    Nodding as much to herself as to the man across the table, Sam placed her right hand in his.
    And instantly realized her mistake.
    His eyes might be shot with steel, but his skin radiated warmth. And strength. Her breath caught as his hand closed around hers...it felt so good, she couldn't hide the shiver of pleasure rippling its way through her body.
    And then she remembered. This was her boss, the man to whom she was seriously indebted. She tugged her hand from his grasp, grabbed her bag and pushed back her chair.
    "I have to go," she stammered. “To the toilets.”
    She took one look at the knowing grin on his face and bolted for the door.
     
     
    Outside the dining room, everything was quiet. Relieved, Sam hurried along the plush carpet of the hallway, past the reception desk and down the corridor to the ladies'.
    She really was bursting for a pee. And a little privacy because this, she fumed as she locked the cubicle door behind her, was probably her last chance for either.
    It would take several hours to get there,