At the Tycoon's Command by Shawna Delacourt Read Free Book Online Page B

how her harsh words had affected his decision. “What I had in mind was checking the refrigerator to see what’s there and fixing something to eat. I thought maybe I could put a couple of steaks on the grill and you could make a salad.” He cocked his head and shot her a questioning look. “Unless you have other plans for dinner?”
    Had she heard him correctly? Dinner? That’s what he had in mind? Now it was more than simple embarrassment that filled her. It had been a long time since she felt this foolish. Once again the magnetic sex appeal of Jared Stevens worked its way into her reality. Would they be alone in the house or would Fred be having dinner with them? What were Jared’s motives? Could she trust him on a personal level? Perhaps the better question would be could she trust herself alone in a social setting with this very appealing man—a man whose family had been feuding with hers for three generations.
    She hesitated, not sure exactly how to respond to his unexpected invitation. “I, uh, no, I don’t have any other plans. I suppose having something to eat would be okay.” Now what? She had agreed to his request. A nervous twinge told her it might be a decision she would soon regret.
    â€œGood. Let’s go raid the refrigerator. I’ll bring up a bottle of wine from the wine cellar and while I’m doing that you can feed Lurch.” He headed down the hall, indicating that she should follow.
    She stood there, dumbfounded. He had done it to her again—dangled something reasonable in front of her and then as soon as she had agreed to it he quickly added a menial task. It was the same as when he allowed her to work off the debt thinking she would be doing office work. Then he had her run mindless personal errands for him. She shoved down the anger that tried to take hold. She didn’t want to lose her temper with him and blurt something that would only make things worse—again—but she did want to make her position very clear.
    She clenched her jaw in determination and tried to put a calm tone to her voice without being wholly successful. “Feed the dog? That’s some technique you have there…dangle some nice courtesy in front of me, then hit me with your real intention. Well, it’s not going to work this time. Now that I think about it, I do have a previous engagement. So, if you’ll excuse—”
    The doorbell rang, followed by someone pounding loudly on the front door, then the door flew open with a bang. A tall man with dark hair burst into the entryway. He glanced around as if looking for something. His harried gaze fell on Jared. “I need a favor.”
    Kim immediately recognized the new arrival as TerryStevens, the Stevens family member who had tormented her all through her middle school and high school years.
    Jared’s tightly controlled words surprised her. They showed a combination of practiced restraint and exasperation. “You always need a favor. What is it this time?”
    Terry carefully eyed Kim as if he had just noticed her standing there. He turned toward Jared. Sarcasm dripped from his words. “What’s she doing here? Is this ‘be kind to a Donaldson week’?”
    A quick flash of anger darted through Jared’s eyes. “What she’s doing here is none of your business.”
    Terry turned to her as he gestured toward the front door. “Run along, Kim. Jared and I have a personal matter to discuss.”
    Jared immediately stepped between Kim and Terry, cutting off anything she might have said in response to Terry’s bad manners. “Kim and I were about to have dinner. Since you are not invited to join us, it appears that you’re the one who needs to run along. ”
    Kim tried to collect her thoughts. She was rattled and confused. Jared had definitely usurped her position in speaking for her, but had he also just taken her side and defended her against