Undercover in the CEO's Bed Read Online Free PDF Page B

it, Jacinta couldn’t help starting. Nerves quavering, she hurried to the door and opened it to find Lex filling up her door frame with his tall figure, tonight smart-casual in slim-fit trousers, black shirt open at the neck and showing just a hint of chest hair, and tapered Italian shoes. His dark hair was immaculately groomed, still slick from his shower, his freshly shaven jaw smooth and angular.
    The corner of his mouth twitched as he scanned her body. “I see you took my advice. I like what you’re wearing.”
    Gratification surged inside her before she squashed it down.
    “It’ll do the job, I guess.” She smoothed her palms down the sides of her ruffled halter neck cocktail dress as the tips of her loose hair brushed against her bare shoulder blades. The soft material clung to her body, flattering her shape, the short skirt showing off her legs. She felt good in this dress, and she couldn’t deny she liked Lex’s appreciation.
    He helped her into his car and soon they were speeding away. “How did your brother take the news about us?” Lex asked.
    “He wasn’t thrilled.” That was an understatement. When she’d told Kevin she was seeing Lex again, he’d looked at her as if she’d thrown a dagger through his chest. Coming on top of his disappointing interview yesterday, it couldn’t have been worse timing.
    “I spoke to the head of the IT department,” Lex said. “There’s an entry-level programmer job available. If Kevin sends in his résumé, someone will give him a soft interview. Tell him it’s been ten months and his record has been wiped clean. Think he’ll go for it?”
    “Oh, by now I think he’d go for anything.” Her spirits lifted. “He’s been in a deep funk for so long.”
    Lex didn’t answer, but the tightness in his jaw said it all. He had no sympathy to waste on her brother.
    “Tell me about this party,” she said. “Who’s throwing it?”
    “My friend Carl. You remember him? He works at Jubilee too.”
    Jacinta had met Carl a few times. He was an easygoing man, an old school friend of Lex’s who now held a top-level executive position at Jubilee Holdings. Attending his party as a couple would definitely set the gossip flowing. Carl would spread the news of their reconciliation right through the company; he wouldn’t be able to help himself.
    “And Carl knows nothing about your leak suspicions?” she asked.
    “No, nothing.”
    So Lex couldn’t bring himself to trust one of his oldest friends. Maybe because his family was involved? He’d only revealed his suspicions to her because he’d had no choice, but to everyone else he’d remained silent. Maybe he didn’t want to bad-mouth his relatives behind their backs, even if he didn’t get along with them. Maybe he was more family-focused than he let on.
    She was still mulling this over when they arrived at a large, brightly lit house already heaving with a crowd of people. As they stepped inside, Lex’s hand came to rest on the small of her back, a familiar gesture from the past, which, as always, sent an electric spark rippling down her spine. She’d barely collected herself when Carl came rushing over, his face flushed and eager.
    “Great to see you again, Jacinta!” He gave her an extravagant hug, then turned to pump Lex’s hand. “Fantastic news, buddy.”
    Jacinta raised her eyebrows at Lex in silent query.
    He lifted his shoulders. “I sent Carl a text earlier saying I was bringing you tonight. I guess that’s what he’s referring to.”
    “Best news I’ve had in months.” Carl grabbed a couple of cocktails from a passing waiter and pressed them onto Lex and Jacinta.
    “As you can see,” Lex said to Jacinta, “Carl is easy to please.”
    “Brooke!” Carl beckoned to his wife who had just entered the room. “Lex and Jacinta are here.”
    Brooke came up to greet them and, after a few minutes of chitchat, she drew Lex away, insisting she had to introduce him to someone. As the press of people