Beautiful Entourage by E. L. Todd Read Free Book Online Page A

his obvious strength and power. I stared at them for a moment before I forced myself to stop. “How are you?” he asked.
    The beautiful creature had manners too? “Well. You?”
    “Great,” he said. “Thank you.”
    “I apologize if I seem nervous. I’ve never done anything like this before.” I could only imagine the look on my face. I probably looked like a love-struck teenager at a New Direction concert.
    “I understand,” he said. “A lot of my clients are uncomfortable in the beginning. It’s normal.”
    I nodded.
    “Can I get you some coffee?”
    “Sure. Thank you.”
    “What would you like?”
    “Earl grey tea is fine.”
    “Coming right up.” He rapped his knuckles on the table quietly then walked away.
    Don’t look at his ass. Don’t look at his ass. Don’t look at his ass.
    Harper’s voice came into my head. “You better look!”
    “No!” I mentally screamed to shut her up.
    “Do it,” she yelled.
    I turned my gaze and snuck a peek. Damn, it was nice. I quickly turned away again when I realized how hypocritical my behavior was. I hated it when men stared at my ass. Here I was doing it to someone else. But I admit, I was more understanding of men’s behavior after seeing Rhett.
    He returned with the drinks. “Not a fan of coffee?”
    “I am but I already had plenty today.”
    “Caffeine addict?” he asked. “I’m the same way.”
    “It’s a sickness, really.”
    “The world runs on coffee,” he said. “Without it, the sun would probably burn out.”
    “Literally.” I took a sip then returned it to the table.
    “Aspen is a beautiful name.”  Rhett said it randomly, like it was on his mind the entire time but he didn’t know when to say it.
    “Thank you.”
    He took a drink of his coffee then set it down. “Danielle told me about you but I’d like to hear a few things from you.”
    “Sure.”
    “So, your father won’t give you his company until you get a boyfriend?”
    “Yes,” I answered.
    His eyes shifted away, like he was deep in thought. His eyes were always stunning, hypnotizing, but like a mood ring, they changed depending on his emotional state. Now they were darker as he remained quiet. Then he turned his gaze back to me. “With all due respect, that’s hard to believe. What does your relationship status have to do with taking over an energy company?”
    I really didn’t want to mention John. That catastrophe followed me everywhere I went and I just wanted to forget about it. The fewer people who knew, the less often I would be reminded of it. If I told Rhett, he would pity me or think less of me, just like everyone else. I didn’t need charity, even if it was in the form of wordless thoughts. “I haven’t been consistent about dating and my father wants me to be more invested in my marital future. He wants to make sure I choose someone that will represent his image well. A single woman running a company doesn’t always get public approval. He insists a woman with a husband and family is better.” I made all that up on the spot and hoped he would believe it. If he really was interested in me, all he had to do was Google me or my father and he’d get all the dirt. But judging the fact he asked that question, he had no idea of my public disgrace.
    “I see,” he said. “Does that mean you intend to keep a long relationship with me? Having me act as your husband?”
    “No,” I said immediately. “I just want him to see that I have good taste in men. We don’t need to take it that far.”
    He nodded. “Okay.” He sipped his coffee again, and while he drank, his eyes were focused on me. I wondered what he was thinking, what he thought of me, but I didn’t ask. “Danielle told you the rules of this arrangement?”
    “She did,” I said with a nod. “I’m sorry you have to establish rules at all. It’s unfortunate you have to protect your dignity in such a strict way. You deserve more respect than that.”
    He examined me with crystal blue