A Major Distraction by Marie Harte Read Free Book Online Page B

points when it came to their joint project, and she’d taken a few of his ideas under advisement. But that obnoxious Major Cava she’d dealt with for months continued to push her buttons. Except now, she recognized the repartee for what it was. Verbal foreplay.
    After dealing with more work, placating the G3 and his minions, ignoring the not-so-subtle come-ons from a new captain and his lieutenant, and making a breakthrough with the general’s secretary, she spent her time being productive. Then her civilian boss ruined her mood with a call reporting he’d be visiting earlier than planned.
    “I’m bringing my replacement with me. Toby Westover. You’ll like him. I’m moving up and on to Quantico, so Toby will be the man you need to impress from now on.”
    Terrific. Another schmuck to steer clear of. Knowing that wasn’t exactly fair since she hadn’t yet met the man, she strived to be impartial. “Sounds good, Henry. We’ll miss you around here.”
    Henry Burrows chuckled, and her skin crawled. He reminded her of a lecherous Ichabod Crane married to an evil old crone. He and his cold wife deserved each other. “I know, sweetie. But don’t worry. I put in a good word with Toby. You’re as good as promoted as far as he’s concerned. Colonel Drey’s impressed, and productivity is terrific. Just be as charming with Toby as you are with me. We’ll see you next week.”
    She hung up after a good-bye, praying this new guy was happily married and much less of a jerk than Henry. She’d tolerated him for the past year, knowing his position as her boss had been temporary before he moved to corporate headquarters in Virginia.
    Though she’d loved her time with MTB Systems—with the exception of Henry—if Toby Westover annoyed her past reason or harassed her, she’d file a complaint with HR and take up an offer from one of the competitive contractors always sniffing after her. She’d hate to leave since she’d worked hard to get where she was. But whatever. Her well-being certainly meant more to her than a few dollars.
    Thursday came to a close, and she bumped into Brad on her way out the door. She’d seen him sporadically since Tuesday. He hadn’t bothered her at home either. The perfect neighbor. On the one hand, she’d needed distance to get a handle on her growing crush on the man. On the other, she missed him like crazy. Their past weekend had opened up a closed door inside her, and she realized she wanted to date again. But not just anyone—she wanted Brad, a man she worked with.
    She still wasn’t sure what to do about that.
    “Major Cava.” She nodded at him, aware Marcy stood just behind her, also leaving for the day.
    “Major Cava,” Marcy repeated, her soft voice sounding needy to Genevieve’s ears.
    He nodded, looking crisp and manly and sexy as hell in that uniform. “Hello, Marcy.” Nice that he softened over Marcy’s name. The bastard. “St. James.” He arched a brow at her. “Leaving early, are we?”
    “It’s after six,” she grumbled and pushed past him, still seeing him in her mind’s eye.
    His uniform draped over a well-built frame. The arms of his utility blouse had been rolled up to expose thick forearms and meaty biceps. He had huge hands with callused fingers that had not long ago stroked her skin, her mouth. Touched her ass…
    He came abreast of her as they left the building with several other people. A mass exodus of Marines gearing up for an early weekend, no doubt. She wondered if Brad would be at the beach hitting the bars tonight.
    A glance his way showed his light brown eyes taunting, telling her he’d noticed her attraction. He tried to hide a grin, as if laughing at her. She wanted to kiss— punch —that look off his face.
    “Been a tough week?” he asked. So solicitous. The faker.
    “Yeah. Dealing with men gives me a headache.”
    Near her, two female Marines laughed. “You got that right.” One of them smirked at Brad as the pair saluted him.