Gone - Part One by Deborah Bladon Read Free Book Online

a small grin on his face is Clive Parker.
    "He's so fucking hot," Kathryn whispers into the air. "I'd cheat on my husband for that."
    I lift my hand to my mouth to stifle the laugh I can't contain. It's what every woman in the room must be thinking judging by the way all female eyes are following every step he's taking.
    "He's coming over here," Bernie announces even though no one has stopped staring. The entire room has gone quiet.
    I pull the wineglass up to my mouth. I don't give it a second thought as I push it against my lips and down it in one quick swallow just as he stops next to Kathryn.
    "Is everyone having a good time?" His voice is cultured and refined. There's a playful lilt in his tone that I haven't heard before.
    "Your parties are always the best, Mr. Parker." Bernie tips the short glass of amber liquid in his hand towards Clive.
    "I'm glad you're having fun, Bernie," Clive says the words through a smile although his gaze is locked on me. "How about you, Lilly? Are you enjoying your first mixer?"
    I nod slowly. "I am."
    His eyes sweep over my body, soaking in the green shift dress I'm wearing along with black heels. "I'd like to see you in my office."
    My heart stops. I literally feel it stall within the confines of my chest. "Now?"
    "If I can tear you away from this, now is perfect."
     

Chapter 10
     
    It's almost seven o'clock. That means that I'm free to do what I want according to Clive Parker's rules.  That would be more exciting if I wasn't stuck in the middle of a meeting I don't belong in.
    My eyes travel slowly over the handsome face of Clive's assistant, Bruce. He's slightly older than I am. By first glance one would think that he's happy to be here late on a Friday but the scowl that took over his expression when Clive turned his back to him made it clear there's more than a small bit of hostility there. I haven't heard much about Bruce since I started here, other than the fact that he worked his way up in the company to become Clive's right hand man.
    He was gracious to me the moment I walked through the office door on Clive's heel. He'd offered me something to drink almost immediately and the tender way he said my name helped volley my mood.
    It's a stark contrast to Clive who hasn't said more than two words to me since I followed him out of the conference room. I'd spent the entire elevator ride to the floor that houses all of the corporate offices, listening to him talk football scores with a man my age. I honestly was having more fun at the mixer and I'm beginning to feel a bite of resentment for being pulled out of that.
    "I need you to firm up my itinerary for London next month." Clive's eyes don't leave his tablet's screen as he continues with the never-ending list of things he wants Bruce to take care of. "I'll need to have that on my desk on Monday."
    "I'll have it ready by tomorrow." Bruce taps something into his smartphone. "Is there anything else?"
    I've heard him ask it at least three times since we walked through the office door almost thirty minutes ago. I've occupied myself by sitting patiently on one of the chairs near Clive's desk clearing all the old messages out of my phone.
    "I think that's it." Clive finally stands and I'm tempted to do the same. "I'll see you out."
    "I should probably be going too." I toss my phone back into my purse.
    "You'll sit right there until I get back, Lilly."
    "It was nice to meet you." Bruce throws me a look that screams of quiet understanding. "I'll see you around the office."
    I nod as I try and pull a small smile to my face. I lean back, rest my head against the luxurious leather and settle in for whatever Clive has in store for me.
     
    ***
     
    "It's a beautiful city, don't you think?" His voice is barely more than a whisper as it edges over the back of my neck. "I love New York."
    When he didn't return immediately, I'd walked to the bank of windows that overlook the darkened city. I stood in silence, focused on the many people moving along