Mr. Forrester: An Alpha Billionaire Romance by Lauren Landish Read Free Book Online Page B

going to have plenty of family to support it. Who do you think gets to play Aunt Tina and take care of him when Mommy's busy?"
    Erica thought for a moment, then her face settled in a look of determination. Tina's offer was kind, but she knew she needed more. "Tina, hold my calls. I'm taking my smartphone with me, but book me a flight. I'm going to Chicago."
    "That's my girl. Go get 'em, boss!"
    Tina watched Erica rush out the door, smiling. She was glad that her friend and employer was chasing her heart's desire, but she had to admit there was another reason she wanted Erica out of the way. For the past month, Tina hadn't been able to even sneeze wrong, it felt like. Having Erica out of the office for a while would let her relax. Reaching for her phone, she dialed up a number from heart, Enrico. An instructor at a local fashion college she had met when she was dropping off some reports for an intern he had sent EW, their relationship was casual, no-strings attached. He was compact, lean, and powerful, with a constant smirk to his features that made him look more innocent than he was. The only flaw, if she was looking at it from a fashion perspective, was that his face was nothing at all like what models were supposed to be, with a rugged face that looked slightly Neanderthalic. Two thousand years ago, Enrico would have been a celebrity, hacking limbs and crushing skulls in the sands of the Roman Coliseum alongside the other gladiators.
    "Hey babe, what's up?" Enrico said, picking up. "I haven't heard from you in quite a while."
    "Well, I've been rather busy," Tina replied, sliding down deeper into her chair. It was always naughty talking with Enrico in the office. His voice had just enough of an accent that it could turn her on while practically reading a laundry list, but she needed it so much right now she was willing to take the risk. "I hope you haven't missed me too much?"
    "Oh, you know what I've been missing about you," Enrico purred in reply, a slight rasp in his voice. "Should I tell you, or should I show you what I've been missing?"
    Tina smiled and thought for a second. "You know what baby? I think I need showing more than just telling. Think you can meet me for drinks at five thirty?"
    "Five thirty? Your boss must be out of town if you're getting off work early enough to meet up at five thirty."
    Tina chuckled. "That doesn't really matter, does it? Just bring yourself, and make sure the rest of your evening is clear."
    "I can do that. Want me to pick you up, or should we meet there?"
    "Meet me at Reflections at five thirty. You remember where it is?" she asked, naming her favorite little tapas bar. Not famous, but she didn't need famous for what she wanted to do.
    "Of course. Okay babe. Five thirty at Reflections."
    The line went dead, and Tina smiled in anticipation. She knew Enrico was bad for her in so many ways. He was a little older, a self professed player who was not above sleeping with his students, although he had been very clear that he and Tina would never have more than a casual relationship.
    It took care of one need, she thought. Still, at the back of her mind she wished she could find someone permanent, or at least someone she could be with for more than a night.

Chapter 5
    T he flight into Chicago-O'Hare airport left Erica with a queasy stomach. She didn't know if it was a side effect of the pregnancy, or the emotions roiling within her. But as soon as she landed, she had Tina send her all the information her assistant had been able to dig up on the Forrester Hotel chain and Dwayne's whereabouts.
    Taking a cab from O'Hare to the Forrester Headquarters, she got out to stare up at the impressive skyscraper. While it wasn't the tallest in Chicago, the Forrester Building was still forty stories of steel, glass and concrete, an opulent highlight that oozed money, it seemed. Taking a deep breath, Erica marched her way towards the front entrance, not caring if she had to make a scene in order to get in