Her Old-Fashioned Boss by Laylah Roberts Read Free Book Online

nothing in her apartment that could be a problem, but the bakery was so close.
    Maybe she should move.
    Nah, can’t afford it.
    “Ava? Where did you go?” Sam asked gently, taking hold of her arm.
    “Oh. Sorry. Miles away. Umm, may I come in?”
    It was Sam’s turn to flush as he stepped back and let her into the house. “Roarke’s on a conference call. If you’re lucky, he might not notice that you didn’t come with Max. I’ll show you around.”
    Ava followed Sam. “Umm, what will happen if he finds out I didn’t get picked up by Max?” she asked with some trepidation. Would she be fired before she even started?
    Sam glanced over his shoulder at her. “I’m not sure you really want to know.”
    Stilling, she gaped at him, worry about her job making her feel ill.
    Would he fire her?
    Sam turned, obviously realizing that she wasn’t with him, and moved quickly back to her, clasping her face in his hands. “Hey now, don’t be scared. He won’t hurt you.”
    “But he might fire me,” she whispered.
    “No, baby. Is that what you’re worried about? I promise he is not going to fire you.” Sam pushed a lock of hair that had fallen free from her ponytail behind her ear.
    “Okay now? I’m sorry I frightened you.”
    She nodded, feeling silly for her reaction. “Yes, let’s keep going.”
    He stared at her a moment longer before nodding and continuing on. “Now on this level, as well as yours and Roarke’s office, there is a living room, kitchen, bathroom and gym, which you’re welcome to use. On the third floor, which can be reached directly from these stairs is our living space. The club entrance is at the rear of the house and is code access only. Members are the only ones allowed access. The Dungeon is beneath the house and on the second floor are a series of themed bedrooms for club members’ use. It can only be reached from the stairs in the dungeon.”
    “You’re not going to show me through the club?” She admitted to being hellishly curious. She wanted to see if it was anything like what she’d read about.
    Probably not. No doubt she’d be disappointed by the real thing.
    Sam’s bright blue eyes danced down at her. “Oh no, Roarke would have my hide if I did that. You’ll just have to convince him to show you.”
    Ava swallowed at the image of Sam draped over a spanking bench, Roarke reddening his ass. Damn, she had it bad, she thought, thoroughly aroused by the idea.
    “Sam!” Roarke called out.
    “Come on, the big, bad bear wants us.”
    Ava’s eyes widened. “Oh no, I think it was you he called for.”
    Sam simply chuckled and grabbed her hand, sending sharp zaps of pleasure up her arm. Get a hold of yourself, girl. If this kept up, she’d become a walking, talking constantly aroused zombie.
    Stilling the nerves in her stomach, she followed Sam through the small room that she guessed would be hers, and into Roarke’s office. He looked up from his desk, his gaze warm as he looked at Sam. For an insane moment, she wished he’d look at her that way. With approval. With love and caring and a hint of sternness.
    When he turned that dark gaze on her, that sternness grew.
    “Ms. Scott, good morning.”
    “Morning, Sir.” Jeez, where had that come from?
    Roarke’s gaze warmed slightly. Just slightly.
    “Please, have a seat. Sam, could you get us coffee, please?”
    “Ava, how do you take your coffee?” Sam asked.
    “I don't drink coffee. But maybe I should come with you, learn how Mr. Landon likes his coffee.”
    “Black,” Roarke answered her shortly. “Sit.”
    She sat.
    “What do you drink?” Sam asked.
    “Green tea or water,” she answered absently, her gaze hooked by Roarke. He was a man who could not be denied, not with a gaze that seemed to see straight through her. Damn, it would be hard hiding secrets from this man should he ever decide he wanted to know everything.
    Foolish girl. Stop lusting after your gay boss and his gorgeous partner.
    “Now, Ms. Scott,