Billionaire Alpha 1: (A Bad Boy Billionaire Novel) by Ali Parker Read Free Book Online

Hot and disturbing.
    She could see her and Damon in her afternoon fantasies.
    "Why the faraway look?" Ben asked, his short chuckle bringing Bethany back to the present.
    "Hmmm?"
    "You look like you're lost in thought."
    "Oh, just trying to deal with all of the transitions in my life. Sorry. Didn't sleep too well last night. I was nervous like crazy about this morning."
    "I bet. It's not only graduation for you, but a new family and your first accounting job, right?"
    "How did you know?" She tilted her head to the side, her smile dropping as she tried to understand who else knew about her and Damon being family soon.
    Ben held his hands up, standing and shaking his head as he backed toward the door.
    "I'm the only one. I get a full run down on you guys from the boss-man because I'm in charge of the program. I only know what I just shared, though, so no worries about a bulletin board being up with your info for all to see." He laughed and Bethany did too, liking him for his transparency, above all.
    "Damon told you about his father and my mother?"
    "Yeah, and a little about you. I'm pretty excited to have you join us. Graduating near the top of UT's accounting program is a big deal."
    "Thanks. It felt like a great accomplishment. I'm starting my masters in a few weeks. Just trying to pay for it."
    "I totally understand." He moved just outside of the door, his hands reaching up to grip the frame. "So, you're with us on Thursday night?"
    "Yeah, sounds good."
    "Any questions so far?"
    She bit at her lip, wondering if she should ask Ben about Damon's sensual responses, question him on how Damon plays ball in the office. She could tell the man before her respected their boss, but she wondered if part of that wasn't a bromance in the works. Damon had looks and money, prestige and power — everything any man would want.
    "What's the story with Damon?"
    "What do you mean?" Ben took a few steps back into her office, moving to lean against the bookshelf. It groaned under his weight, but held him.
    "I just mean that he has a sexy secretary and he seems to be dating a very attractive blonde … I don't know. Never mind." She shrugged, heat rising to her face. She reached up and rubbed her cheeks, her embarrassment obvious.
    "No, I don't mind answering. I think Linda was someone Mr. Bryant, Damon's father hired. I honestly didn't think Damon was dating anyone, but it's good to hear. He needs to spend a little bit of time away from this place. His dad is looking at retiring in a few years and Damon is the next in line, I guess."
    "What about Seattle? Did you work for them up there or for someone else?"
    "Them. They have a small accounting shop up there, mostly taxes, but it's a good learning experience. I'm originally from Seattle, so it was a natural transition to go to work for them. Damon and I spent some time in college together, though he's a lot older than me. He was a Kappa Alpha and I was pledging his last year as president."
    "He was Kappa Alpha?" Totally made sense.
    "Yeah, we both were." He shrugged and looked around the empty office. "You need to put your diploma and a few pictures up in here. You dating as well?"
    "Me? No. I wish … I just haven't found the right guy."
    "I hear you. I'm looking for the right girl, but when you put in a million hours, it's hard to meet her." He paused and let his gaze fall back on Bethany. "Did Damon do something that made you uncomfortable, or were you just questioning his loving on blondes?"
    She stood, stretching and reaching up to cover her mouth as she yawned.
    "He just said a few thing that seemed kind of … suggestive, but maybe that's because I don't know him. He's my stepbrother, or will be soon, so I ’ m just trying to figure out who he is."
    Ben laughed and moved back to the door, looking over his shoulder. "He's a great guy, very professional. If he seems to be flirtatious, it's just because he's a friendly guy. Half the interns would sell their souls to the devil to have him