The CEO's Surprise Family Read Online Free PDF Page B

relations.
    â€œIrene, you’re going to make me blush.” Lexi interceded before Jethro could react. “There’s actually nothing romantic going on. Jethro knew Alliyah and today was her birthday. We’re just celebrating her together this evening.” She smiled through the sadness. “She would have loved this.”
    â€œOh, my dear.” Sympathy filled Irene’s brown eyes. “She would indeed. My apologies, Jethro. Such a tragedy to lose her so young. Do you know how her—”
    â€œFamily is doing?” Lexi quickly interrupted before Irene could mention Alliyah had a daughter. “Yes. Everyone misses Alliyah terribly but we’re doing as well as can be expected.”
    â€œGood, that’s good. She’s lucky to have had you for a friend. You let us know if we can do anything.”
    â€œAbsolutely,” Thomas confirmed. “And remember, you’re welcome back with the troupe anytime you want.”
    â€œThank you both. You have a good evening now.” She gave them both a peck on the cheek and sent them on their way.
    â€œSorry about that.” She patted Jethro on the arm. “But no harm done.”
    She hoped not anyway. She wanted to be the one to tell Jethro about Jazi. To gauge his reaction and sway him to her cause. He was a sharp guy; she didn’t want him to be wondering about a child in Alliyah’s life and start counting down the months.
    â€œWhat are you after?”
    â€œWhat?”
    Jethro’s firm grip on her arm gave her no option but to join him in a dimly lit hallway.
    â€œHey.” She tried to shake her arm loose, but he held on.
    â€œWho are you?” he demanded.
    â€œI don’t know what you mean. I’m Lexi.”
    â€œHow is it that you know everyone?”
    â€œI don’t know everyone. That’s crazy.” She pulled against his grip. “You’re hurting me.” Not really, but he had her unnerved and that was close enough.
    â€œQuit squirming and it won’t hurt.” His fingers loosened but he retained his hold, forcing her to follow him down the hall.
    â€œLet me go and I’ll quit squirming.”
    He opened the door of a well-appointed office. It had a feminine feel and Lexi guessed it belonged to Lana, the gallery manager.
    Jaw clenched, he released her. Then frowned at the red marks on her skin. “Your skin is too delicate.”
    She rubbed her arm singeing him with a reproachful glare. “Apology accepted.”
    She dropped into a visitor’s chair and crossed her legs.
    â€œSorry,” he muttered belatedly, grudgingly. He sat on the edge of the desk. “Now tell me how you know so many people. I saw you talking with people all over the gallery.”
    â€œJust because I talked to people doesn’t mean I know them. Is this about me not protecting you from the madding crowd? You seemed fine whenever I glanced your way.”
    â€œMocking me will not save you. Answer the question.”
    â€œSave me?” She laughed.
    He didn’t.
    â€œYou targeted me, Ms. Malone. I want to know why.”

CHAPTER FOUR
    L EXI PUSHED THROUGH her front door, slammed it shut behind her and threw the bolts. Unable to shake the sense of being pursued, she backed away.
    Pull it together, girl. The man had better things to do than chase her down.
    After Jethro dropped his question bomb, she’d slipped out when Lana and Ethan walked in carrying the piece Ethan had chosen for Jethro.
    Best timing ever.
    Okay, she’d panicked.
    She hadn’t been prepared for his questions.
    In the bedroom she grabbed a nightgown—a lavender bit of silk edged in black lace—and headed into the bathroom for a shower. She’d bolted. What else could she do? He thought she was some femme fatale intent on getting something from him.
    And, in a way, she was.
    He’d been so intense she didn’t know if she’d ever be prepared to face off