Guarding His Heart by J.S. Cooper Read Free Book Online Page A

be necessary.”
    “Feel free to call down with any questions.”
    “Thanks. Ready Hannah?”
    “Yes, boss.” She barked at me. “Do I gather from your comments that I won’t be eating dinner tonight?”
    “No.” I said slowly. “You gather that you won’t be eating dinner in a restaurant and going to watch Phantom of the Opera afterwards. We’ll order room service and work while we eat.”
    “Yippee.” She rolled her eyes and I grabbed her bag. “What are you doing?” She grabbed my arm and stopped me. “I can take that up myself.”
    “I know you can, but I thought I’d be nice.”
    “You don’t need to be nice to me.” Her warm fingers gripped my arm. “You’re my boss.”
    “So bosses can’t be nice?”
    “I want to carry my own bag.” She stood there stiffly and I sighed.
    “Fine.” I shrugged and let go of it. “Let’s go.” I walked ahead of her and I could hear her doubling up her pace to keep up with my quick strides.
    “There’s no need to walk so fast.” She huffed as we reached the elevator. “This isn’t the Olympics.”
    “Oh, it’s not?” I said sarcastically.
    “No need to take out your stress on me.”
    “My stress?” I raised an eyebrow at her, but realized she was right. I was starting to feel anxious inside. This was the biggest moment in my career so far and I’d only just started the job.
    “What time do you want me to come to your room to start going over the paperwork?” She asked softly. “I need to have a quick shower and change first.”
    “What about in two hours? I guess we can both freshen up and I’ll order some food.”
    “Okay.” She nodded.
    “Anything you’d like in particular?”
    “Surprise me.” She smiled and then paused. “And don’t forget desert.”
    “You eat dessert?” I looked at her in surprise. I didn’t know many women in Los Angeles- asides from Lucky- that ate desert.
    “Of course I eat dessert.” She laughed. “I’m not a wannabe actress or model. I don’t need to watch my figure.”
    “No, you sure don’t.” I surveyed her curves and licked my lips.
    “Leo, that’s so inappropriate.” She shifted and gazed at me.
    “What is?” I replied innocently and licked my lips again. “I’m thinking about dinner and dessert. I got hungry and so I licked my lips. What’s wrong with that?”
    “Nothing.” She shook her head at me as we exited the elevator. “Nothing at all.” We walked down the corridor in silence and reached her room first. I waited for her to walk into the room and then continued onto my room. “I can’t help it if I’m hoping you’re the desert.” I whispered to myself as I opened my door and chuckled.
     
    ***
     
    “Hey,” I opened the door to let in a freshly showered Hannah. “You look refreshed.” I stared at her still wet hair and makeup free face. She was wearing a baggy grey t-shirt and a pair of black sweats.
    “Sorry, I had a quick nap and didn’t have time to dry my hair.” She shook her head and sprinkles of water fell onto my skin.
    “No worries.” I stepped back into the room and guided her to the desk and two chairs. “I’m glad you were able to take a nap, it might be a late night.”
    “I figured.” She nodded and sat down. “What do you want to do first?”
    “Let’s go over the financials from this year.” I opened a file and handed her some paperwork. “I want to make sure that we’re able to articulate why this is the best offer for them in the current market.”
    “Yeah.” She nodded. “Hopefully they can see that and don’t try to play hardball.”
    “It looks like Rob Martin has a gambling problem.” I sighed. “I’m not sure he’s going to be levelheaded. If he’s losing millions in Vegas, I’ve a feeling he’s willing to gamble with billions.” I shook my head. “He’s going to hope for a higher offer.”
    “And that’s off the table right?”
    “Yeah, that’s off the table.” I sighed. “Though I think I can convince