Kissing with Fangs

Kissing with Fangs by Ashlyn Chase Read Free Book Online Page B

Book: Kissing with Fangs by Ashlyn Chase Read Free Book Online
Authors: Ashlyn Chase
wouldn’t be right for me to keep you from that goal.”
    â€œAnthony, I’m not harboring secret dreams of white picket fences. The work staff and regulars were my family. I’m fine with keeping it that way.”
    â€œAre you sure?”
    â€œAbsolutely.”
    He sagged against the back of the sofa and stared at the ceiling. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am.”
    She was relieved too. The thought of caring for infants, then chasing toddlers around, and finally coping with teenagers scared her to pieces. As far as Claudia was concerned, this was just another indication that they belonged together.
    ***
    Over the next two months, Anthony and Claudia studied the tea business in public places.
    He used the excuse that they needed clear heads to discuss products, equipment, and staffing, and if they were alone in her apartment, he might not be able to keep his hands off her. That much was certainly true.
    What he also needed was a way to keep Claudia safe from Ruxandra.
    He thought he’d spotted his jealous ex-girlfriend following him one night. Fortunately, he was able to lose her—that time.
    For now, he had to make his romantic relationship with Claudia appear as if it were strictly business. That was the opposite of what he wanted, but he needed time to deal with a certain dangerous vampiress. How to do that—short of killing Ruxandra—utterly mystified him.
    Claudia seemed to understand his explanation of needing to put the business first and reluctantly agreed. She had her own work to do. The AA program had specific steps and she was taking them seriously. She admitted she wasn’t looking forward to taking a moral inventory of herself, but Anthony couldn’t imagine any of her actions being remotely immoral. If she only knew his history…her worst sin would pale in comparison to some of his normal behavior.
    For now, she was attending meetings during the day and leaving her evenings free for him. If she kept to that schedule, he wouldn’t have to worry about Ruxandra getting her alone in a dark alley.
    His plan was working, at least temporarily. Each time they saw each other, they’d find a secluded table in the back and go over business decisions while waiting for their meals. Well, Claudia’s meal. Anthony explained that he was on a special diet. Not untrue.
    They tried really hard to keep their hands to themselves, but by the time dessert came, they were playing footsie, or if they had one of those padded-bench seats where they could sit side by side, they groped, kissed, and tried to stop short of getting thrown out for lewd behavior. Anthony didn’t know how much longer he could postpone the inevitable.
    He was going to sleep with Claudia. It wasn’t a matter of if, but when.
    â€œHave you considered my proposal?”
    Her eyes rounded. “Your what?”
    Whoa. Maybe I should have been more specific. “My offer to give you the apartment over the shop? It’s brand new, very chic—like you, and the commute can’t be beat.”
    â€œOh.” She chuckled. “That. Yes, I’ve thought about it, but I won’t take it rent free. I know you could get upward of three thousand a month for that place.”
    â€œTrue, but I like to know who’s living in my building.” He reached across the table and took her hand in his. “I’d like to know you’re living in my building. I want you safe.”
    â€œBut I already owe you so much.”
    â€œYou earned every penny I paid you. Who else would work seven days a week without complaint?”
    She smiled but kept her eyes down. “It’s very generous of you, but it could be awkward if things don’t work out between us.”
    He let go of her hand and leaned back in his chair. “Why would you think that’ll happen?”
    â€œI don’t. I mean…nobody does when the relationship is new. But things could

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