Boss by Sierra Cartwright Read Free Book Online

minute since they’d each offered a peace token, and the very next time they spoke, they were at odds. It wasn’t just his words, it was his implacable, immovable tone. The man was obviously accustomed to being obeyed. In all things.
    Kelsey knew her capitulation wouldn’t come easily, and it wasn’t an option in the long term. She just wasn’t capable of it.
    “You’re a bigger asset to me if you’re at the far end of the table,” he continued. “Divide and conquer, as it were. If there’s gossip, you’ll be able to stanch it. And if we’re separated, we’ll be able to answer twice the questions.” The coffeemaker spit out the last few drips, and he grabbed the cup. “By placing you there, I’m also sending a message that I hold you in high regard. It’s a good strategic move.”
    His logic was sound and reasonable, but no less annoying for it.
    “Please,” he added.
    She exhaled. “Of course, Mr. Donovan.”
    “You have no idea how much I like hearing those words.”
    On the contrary. She suspected she did.
    He took a drink of his coffee and closed his eyes. For a moment, she caught a glimpse of the stress that he, too, had obviously been experiencing.
    Afraid that she was close to feeling a little sympathy for him, Kelsey shoved it away. After gathering her belongings, she carried them to the far end of the table.
    Moments later, Martha swept in smelling as if she’d bathed in lavender. Her long silver hair had shocking chunks of black laced through it. Her toenails were still Halloween orange, and her black T-shirt bore a picture of her oldest grandchild. If that hadn’t been enough to demolish the tension between Kelsey and Nathan, her infectious smile would have. It was as if she’d personally hand delivered a ray of sunshine.
    “ Ciao. ” She waved a hand that was weighted down with rings bearing the birthstones of her kids and a dozen grandkids.
    “Morning, Martha,” Kelsey replied.
    The older woman angled her head toward Nathan with a puzzled frown.
    “Martha, I’d like you to meet Nathan Donovan.”
    “Donovan?” After pursing her lips, the woman faced him. “And what are you doing here, young man?”
    Kelsey turned away to hide her smile, really happy she hadn’t warned Nathan about the woman’s directness.
    He greeted her with a smile and a handshake before resting his hips comfortably on the edge of the table. The act made him look less intimidating, more approachable. “I’ve heard great things about you,” he said.
    The intractable tone had vanished from his voice, as if it had never existed.
    Kelsey clenched her back teeth.
    “I know it’s a shock, but Mr. Newman is in the hospital.” He held up a hand, forestalling her next question. “He’s expected to make a full recovery. Ms. Lane will be sending flowers on behalf of the company.”
    Kelsey scowled, more than a little frustrated that it hadn’t already occurred to her to do exactly that.
    “As for what I’m doing here…” Conversationally, Nathan relaxed his shoulders.
    It wasn’t just his posture that invited trust, it was the warmth in his tone, something she hadn’t heard until now.
    “Mr. Newman would never have wanted it to be announced this way, but he was in the process of selling the company. We were originally planning to close next year. Obviously the timeline has been moved up, something no one would have wanted or been able to foresee. From here forward, it will be known as Donovan Logistics. Because you’ve been here so long, we wanted you to be among the very first to know.”
    He was good. Friendly, direct, inviting trust. Not at all what she’d expected based on his reputation.
    “While there will be some changes, I can assure you that there are no immediate plans to restructure. We’re pleased with the way things are going, and we’ll continue forward.”
    She noted the way Martha responded to his charm, part sympathy for Mr. Newman, part reassurance for the future. And giving her