Married To The Boss by Lori Foster Read Free Book Online Page B

options, Dana. I thought about it last night, before Markum even offered the money for the exclusive. If I marry, I’ll immediately represent the settled, domestic family man instead of a free-swinging bachelor.”
    Obviously agitated, she got up to pour herselfmore coffee. It struck him that they spent a lot more time talking lately than usual. When she’d come in, Dana had set a large stack of files on her desk. Work she’d taken home? His resolve hardened as he considered that possibility.
    â€œDana, have I put you behind in your work by bringing my personal problems into the office?” He wasn’t used to sharing his worries so openly, so he hadn’t even noticed the amount of time he’d kept her away from her desk.
    She waved the suggestion away. “No, of course not.”
    She sounded positive, but he couldn’t let it go. “You’re the most industrious woman I’ve ever known. I can’t remember a time when you haven’t filled every available minute with work, but for some time now you’ve been coddling me while I sit here and grumble.”
    â€œThat’s not true!” Her head lifted with a brief show of temper, ready to defend him—even against himself. “You’ve had a lot on your mind and I’ve…I’ve enjoyed our chats.”
    He nodded at the stack of files. “Have you been working at home?”
    Her expression turned wary. “Just a little.”
    â€œThen how have you been keeping up, because I know you too well to think you’d ever let yourself fall behind. You’re as conscientious about work as I am.”
    Her eyes narrowed and her shoulders squared. “Ifyou must know, I’ve been coming in earlier, getting things done before you arrive.”
    â€œGoddamn it.” Filled with disgust for himself, R.J. sighed loudly. “That’s what I was afraid of. But it’s at an end right now, honey, you understand?”
    At the use of the endearment, she froze, and her slender brows shot up a good inch. She turned mute on him, merely staring.
    R.J. chuckled. “Well, that certainly got your attention, didn’t it?”
    â€œI—”
    â€œNo, don’t start explaining things to me. I’m sorry if I took you by surprise.”
    She crossed her arms over her chest and he noticed how the gesture made the bottom of her jacket flare open, displaying the curves of her hips. Damned if he’d ever noticed before that Dana had hips! The discovery filled him with disquiet and a simmering curiosity, which he doggedly suppressed. “No more working before or after hours, understood?”
    â€œWhatever you say, R.J.”
    Which meant she’d do whatever she damn well pleased, R.J. thought. He sighed again in massive frustration, then decided to let it go. After all, if things went according to plan, he’d soon be in a better position to know if she was working more than she should. “I think we need to get back on the topic.”
    That got her moving. She darted around the office, busying herself with everything and nothing. But instead of her usual smooth movements, every gesture seemed strained and jerky, as if driven by temper.
    â€œDana, will you settle down? I’m trying to talk to you.”
    She glanced at him as she bustled past. “About your marriage? Good luck. Oh, and congratulations.”
    He caught her arm and drew her to a standstill in front of him. “I’m not done explaining.”
    She glared at him, her eyes every bit as bright as the emerald just visible at her throat. She’d worn the necklace every day since he’d given it to her, and there were times when he wondered if she’d taken it off at all. Picturing it on her while she slept or showered had provided him with a few uncomfortable moments.
    â€œWhat’s to explain? It’s an idiotic plan, but then I’m just the secretary, so what do I know?”
    Her