Corporate Fire: Corporate Romance Book 1 by Evelyn Aster Read Free Book Online

you to stay. I had no idea she'd ask me some of those questions. Please go ski more, or if it’s too late go back to the bar.” She hung her head and mumbled out, “Find another woman to send notes to.”
    The thought of him flirting with another woman made her heart drop. Maybe it was the way he'd chased off Doug and Eric, or the way he calmed her with the touch of his hand when all other men made her cringe, but she'd forgotten her hatred.
    He put his hand on her cheek and forced her to face him. When she kept her eyes lowered he said, “Hey.”
    She looked up. Sincerity mixed with concern gazed back at her. He said, “I think tomorrow you're going to be embarrassed and not want to see me again, and I'm going to have to start all over gaining your confidence. So tomorrow could you please remember that I'm happier holding your hand in a doctor's office than I've been in a very long time.”
    He knew all the right things to say. Grace relaxed her grip a fraction. “Why are you being so nice to me? You could be drinking at the bar with beautiful women surrounding you. Please, go and enjoy your Saturday night.”
    He moved his hand to the back of her neck. She tensed her muscles in an attempt to prevent from shaking. She imagined what it would be like if he kissed her right then. Amazing, she was sure.
    He said, “When you bounced into the office Friday morning, you were so excited and filled with energy that I knew I had to meet you. Do you know how rare your attitude is? Most people I lay off are going through the motions, but you're so passionate. I listened to your program manager and CFO fight about you and hoped your boss would win. I don't want to be at the bar surrounded by beautiful women. I want to comfort this one gorgeous woman sitting in front of me.”
    She caught her breath. He understood how much she loved her job. And she'd never been called gorgeous.
    The nurse returned, and Royce pulled away. She gave Grace Vicodin with a small cup of water and said to Royce, “I'm going to wheel her into the X-ray room. You can wait here if you like, and she'll be right back.”
    After that speech Grace wanted him to stay more than anything, but she didn't want him to feel obligated. “You don't have to wait,” said Grace. “I'll be fine now. I can feel the medicine taking the edge off already.” Not exactly true.
    “I'll go if you want me to, but I'm happy to wait.”
    She nodded, and the nurse wheeled her away. Royce would be perfect if it wasn't for his job. He was great at building her up; he shouldn't be tearing people down for a living.
    In the X-ray room Grace wished they'd given the painkillers a little more time to kick in. The nurse set her leg this way and that, making Grace want to yell, but she kept her mouth shut. About halfway through, numbness set in, and all her muscles relaxed. Her hand felt empty without Royce's hand to grip. His palm had been so soft and his strength so reassuring. Maybe it didn't matter anymore that he'd fired her. She didn't know any guy who'd stick by her through this after knowing her for one day. Just a day. It seemed like forever.
    Whoa. The medication was really kicking in. Euphoria pulsed through her veins and made her forget everything but Royce and his concerned eyes. A small worry pushed itself in: maybe he'd left. She hadn't answered his question about staying or going.
    The Vicodin stole her worries. She returned to blissful thoughts about seeing him again. She was sure she would. He'd stuck through the worst part after all.
    The nurse wheeled her back out saying, “The doctor will see you soon,” but Grace hardly heard her.
    Royce was gone.
    Her euphoria tumbled down. Logically it was silly to think that he'd wait for her. The discussion with the nurse had been embarrassing for both of them. She imagined talking to the doctor wouldn't be much better. Maybe he finally realized that skiing or drinking at the bar would be a lot better than sitting in a clinic with