A Solitary Romance: Book 1 in the Only Love Series by Violet Sparks Read Free Book Online Page B

fear ran through her when she saw the lights on.  The idea of running into her new boss gave her the jitters.  She guessed Robert came in early again, but didn't see him when she crossed the floor to leave the breakfast treats in the conference room.  She then headed straight for her office, shut the door, removed her coat, and flipped on the computer.  Knowing she'd be out late for the party, she chose an ice blue sweater dress, a favorite strand of faux pearls, and cream suede boots.
    One of her best pieces, the necklace contained Venetian glass, square intaglio cameos every six inches.  The jeweler had carved a different image in each periwinkle piece of glass and left a maker's mark on the clasp, increasing the long strand's value.  Not quite opera-length, the pearls still swished with every step she took.  She'd managed to find earrings, made from a similar glass, on matte wires that matched the gold framing the cameos. 
    The tap on the door startled her.  She braced herself for the awkward conversation that must follow.  She sat silent for a moment.  Since he hadn't burst in, maybe he'd give up and leave.  Don't be ridiculous .
    "Come in," Katrina heard herself say, then watched as the knob turned.
    Robert pushed the door ajar and poked his head inside.  He smiled at her, the way he'd done at the library.  It was almost enough to put her off her guard.
    "Can I have a seat?" he asked.
    So polite.  What's gotten into him?   She had to remind herself that he was a no-good, two-timing womanizer.
    "Of course," she said, feigning a professional friendliness.
    "I like to start my day early as well, so we'll have to get used to being alone together in the office each morning."
    She lifted an eyebrow but kept her gaze trained on her new boss.
    "I mean, I'm just letting you know in case you're feeling a bit awkward."
    "Not at all," she replied with a cool tone.
    "Also, so I won't startle you.  I'm sure we don't want a repeat of yesterday," he said in a conspiratorial tone, lowering his voice and leaning forward.  He had the nerve to grin and dip his chin, gazing at her over the top of his trendy frames.
    She fought the urge to avert her eyes, sensing it would give the man some kind of dominance over her, but could feel the heat of a blush coming on.  Her new boss leaned back in his chair and, using his forefinger, pushed his glasses to the bridge of his nose.  She couldn't help but notice his square jaw, set like granite, his thick hair, dancing eyes and muscular build.  The man resembled a Greek god.
    "So, we're all good, right?" Robert stated more than asked.
    What your management style lacks, you more than make up for in looks, Mr. LaSalla .   Katrina felt all soft, weak, and trembly again.  She reminded herself what a jerk this man was.
    "All good."  She hoped she portrayed indifference in her manner.
    She saw his gaze drop to her lips and linger there.  She expected him to get up and leave, but it appeared he wasn’t going anywhere.  She decided to wait him out.  Minutes passed, as Robert's eyes shifted from her lips to the ceiling, her desk, her face, the windows, the bookshelves, and back to her mouth.  He seemed content to sit, totally comfortable in his own skin.  She decided to get on with her day and punched a few buttons on her keyboard.
    "So, about that report of yours."
    The sound of his voice startled her, shooting her backbone ramrod straight. 
    " Yes? " she said, worried but still staring at her computer screen.
    "Uh, Katrina, eye contact, please, so I know you're with me."
    The nerve!
    She shifted her gaze to Robert and waited for him to drop a bomb.
    "Good work overall.  I'd like a little more background on that privately held company that issued those securities.  Why don't you dig around a little more?  I want to give the client some juicy tidbits that prove our worth.  I'll expect the information by Wednesday.  Can you handle that?"
    She forced her thoughts to focus on