Married To The Boss by Lori Foster Read Free Book Online

kiss where she’d made a total fool of herself, he’d been more distantly polite than ever. Dana had gone out of her way to reestablish their professional relationship, burying her feelings deep. R.J. had seemed to welcome her efforts, and returned them in kind.
    But now, his eyes burned with a harsh light. “You’re early.”
    â€œSo are you.” Dana surveyed his features and then turned briskly to make coffee. “First things first, R.J. I need coffee, and I assume you do, too.”
    Rather than wait for her, he unfolded himself from the chair and followed her out. “Thanks. I could use a cup.”
    Dana looked at him sharply. “Are you all right?”
    â€œJust dandy.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and leaned against her desk while she measured coffee and water.
    Once she was done and the coffee machine had begun to hiss, Dana turned to him and crossed her arms over her sand-colored suit jacket. “What’s wrong?”
    R.J. dropped his head forward with a humorless laugh. “Shall I add mind reading to your repertoire of sterling qualities?”
    There was more bite in his tone than usual. “It doesn’t take a mind reader to know something’s upset you. What’s happened?”
    â€œHell, what hasn’t happened? This infernal situation has gone from bad to worse.”
    â€œYou want to explain the worse part?”
    He gave her a cynical smile. “Sure, why not? Last night, one of our more high-profile mothers checked out of the clinic.”
    â€œThe movie star?”
    â€œBingo.” He shook his head in disgust. “And right now, three prominent families are packing up to go, too.”
    â€œBut…I don’t understand. I thought since you’d been cleared, everything would have calmed down some. It doesn’t make sense that they’re leaving now—”
    â€œNothing has calmed down. Chelsea Markum made an announcement late last night that they’re upping the reward from five thousand dollars to fifty thousand for an exclusive with the real mother. Thismorning, dozens of women showed up to lay claim to the title.”
    â€œOh my God.”
    â€œDamn right.” He gave her another cynical smile. “And guess who they’re naming as the father.”
    Dana groped for her chair and then fell into it. “ Dozens of women?”
    â€œAt least forty.” R.J. managed a rough laugh. “Hell, I don’t know whether I should be insulted or complimented. What kind of a Lothario do they think I am? My social calendar has never been busy enough to accommodate forty women. But does that concern Markum?” He snorted. “Right now, she’s interviewing each and every one of them, hoping like hell she can nail me to the wall. We’re losing patients because of this publicity. Every paper from the most respected to the worst rags are lobbying out in our parking lot, hounding everyone who goes in or out.”
    Dana shut her eyes. Several people had approached her when she’d arrived this morning, but at the same time, a limo had pulled up to the curb and drawn them away. She’d thought someone in the limo was checking in, but now wondered if it was someone preparing to pick up a patient and check out—a more likely possibility.
    She swallowed hard. “I can’t believe all those women are trying to name you—”
    â€œOh, it’s not just my blood they’re after. Since Jake isn’t around to defend himself, he’s become another prime target.”
    Dana had met Jake Maitland once, but she wasn’tsure what he did for a living. She’d heard rumors of him being a government agent of some sort. She knew whatever he did was secretive and kept him away more often than not. “At least they’re not singling you out.”
    â€œIt doesn’t matter.” R.J. began pacing, his movements agitated and stiff. “All this