Meant to Be by E. L. Todd Read Free Book Online Page A

world.”
    “Honestly, I was afraid you were after my girl. When I realized I was being out of line, it was too late. The damage had been done and Janice was upset.”
    He spun his pen between his fingers. “I’ve noticed she’s been in a harsh mood this week.”
    “Because of me,” I said sadly. “Anyway, I wanted to apologize for being a jerk. In reality, I’m actually a nice guy that pretty much gets along with everyone. I would like a chance to prove that to you.”
    “I think you just did,” he said with a smile.
    “Can I take you to lunch?”
    “Wow. You’re really trying, aren’t you?”
    “I really want to get off on the right foot.”
    He stood up then adjusted his suit. “I’ll take you up on that offer.”
    “Thank you.”
    We left his office then walked down the hallway. When we reached the entryway, I spotted Janice talking to the secretary. They were probably discussing my visit. Janice looked up when she heard Cal and I approach. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw us, heading out the door. I gave her a slight nod and kept going, remembering the surprise on her face.
    Cal walked with his hands in his pockets. “You know I’m gay, right?” He said it bluntly and without shame.
    “Janice told me.”
    “But, you didn’t pick up on that before?” He smirked at me while we reached the sidewalk.
    “I think my head was too far up my ass to notice.”
    He laughed. “You should be more worried about me checking you out instead of Janice.” He winked at me. “Not that I would.”
    I knew he was joking so I smiled. “Yeah, I’m feeling more like an ass with every passing day.”
    “But I do admire Janice’s sense of style. She can really make something simple come alive. She has the right curves.”
    “I could have told you that.”
    We entered the Italian restaurant then took a seat in the bo oth. Cal sat upright with perfect posture. His back muscles must be ripped from constant use. “You guys doing better?” he asked.
    “Not really. She’s still pretty mad.”
    “Are you like that often?”
    “No. When she told me some guy got her a job…I assumed the worse possible scenario.” I was feeling dumber with every passing second.
    “When she and I went to college together, I admired her for her smarts. She’s unusual in the fact that she has book smarts and street smarts. And she’s witty as hell. I would hate to argue with her.” He winked at me. “So, when I found out she was already successful with an indie company, I thought she would be perfect for the job. And I knew it was a position she always wanted. After the ordeal at R and R, I thought she deserved a second chance at what she loved—and in an environment where she didn’t feel harassed.”
    I was already liking Cal tremendously. “Thank you for thinking of her.”
    “She was the most qualified. And she’s blowing everyone else out of the water. With the exception of this week, she’s been really happy.”
    I sighed. “God, I’m an ass.”
    He chuckled. “You’re redeeming yourself.”
    “My whole life I’ve never met a woman like her. So now that she’s mine, I’m determined to keep her. I guess I went about it the wrong way.”
    “A little,” he teased.
    We ordered our food then ate quietly. He ate a salad like last time and I ordered a chicken parmesan sandwich.
    Cal wiped his mouth with a napkin even though nothing was on his face. “Just for the record, Janice makes it pretty clear she adores you to the rest of the staff. They could pick you out in a lineup without ever seeing your face.”
    Damn, I was a bigger douchebag then Cortland. “That doesn’t surprise me.”
    “So, even if I were interested in her, I really don’t think it would make her bat an eye. You got her hooked around your finger pretty tight, Ryan. I wouldn’t worry about it.”
    “I hope she’s still wound tight.”
    “She’s still with you, isn’t she?”
    “Thank god.”
    He smirked. “When are you going to