Falling for the Boss by Erica Matthews Read Free Book Online

crossed paths lately. Has that been by design?”
    Though the question sounded innocent enough, Marcus’ eyes had a gleam in them that gave Maggie pause. She stepped back, forgot where she was, and fell through the open door of the wardrobe. After a second’s hesitation, during which he carefully removed the grin from his face, Marcus reached in and helped her back on her feet. Though the contact lasted just a few seconds, Maggie tingled all over.
    “ You look like a frightened mouse trying to escape a very hungry cat. What do you think I’m going to do?”
    Maggie bit her lip and tried to look anywhere but at the man standing so close she had only to reach out to touch him. Marcus sank down on one of the beds with the air of knowing exactly what had happened and being amused by it. No doubt he was fully aware of his effect on women. When the silence had gone on too long, he spoke again.
    “ Keeping in mind the way we parted, I didn’t expect to see you today.”
    “ Why would I risk getting fired for the sake of a disagreement?” Maggie offered irritably.
    “ There would be no risk. I’m not quite as unreasonable as that. Only a few things would actually get you fired.”
    “Such as?” she asked leadingly.
    “Lying comes immediately to mind.  I have a violent dislike of deceit – a product of my profession no doubt. By the way, how did you come to be in this room?” The green eyes were all at once serious. 
    “Nancy brought me. Why? Am I not supposed to be here?”
    “My room is being repainted. I’ve been using this one for the past week.” He waved a hand to the dresser upon which rested several masculine articles.
    Maggie’s eyes widened in dis may. “She must have misunderstood which room I was to be given.”
    “ Either that or she was trying to be cute. In any case, it’s a mistake that is easily corrected. You’re supposed to be in the Rose Room.”
    “Now that makes more sense. I can’t see you sleeping in there.”
    His fascinating eyes narrowed slightly. “The incentive would have to be prodigious.”
    “ Leave the all-pink rooms to romantic females like me.”
    “ Aren’t most females romantic with their dreams of white lace and happily ever after? They hunt and hound every man that crosses their path until they find one fool enough to marry them.”
    In the act of removing her clothes from the wardrobe, Maggie stopped and glanced back at him with a wry smile. “You paint a grim picture of women and marriage. I’m old-fashioned enough to believe that in marriage two people can attain a joy and fulfillment not found anywhere else.”
    Marcus laughed derisively. “Few, if any, marriages ever reach such lofty heights. The entire venture has overwhelming odds of failure.”
    “ One has to be willing to take a few chances in life.”
    “ I’d have to believe your view of marriage is the right one.” He stood as if to indicate that the conversation was over. “Can I help you get your things moved next door?”
    “ No thanks; I’m sure you have other things to do.”
    “ Not really – that’s the beauty of hiring such excellent staff. I’m left with nothing to do but entertain myself as best I can.”
    Maggie began throwing things haphazardly into her open suitcase, wishing all the while that Marcus would leave. Hesitating briefly, she darted him an annoyed glance which should have sent him out of the room. Marcus ignored the look and didn’t move an inch. He continued to watch her movements as if there was nothing else in the world worth doing.
    Just as she threw in the last item, a bedroom slipper, she allowed herself another peak his way. His eyes were alight with a devilish gleam that made Maggie feel very strange. No wonder he had no problem with women, she thought idly. It was impossible to resist such determined charm and downright sex appeal.
    “ I believe you’re a dark horse, Maggie Pelham,” he said softly.
    “Am I? How so?” Maggie knew better than to look