Mr. Romantic: A Mister Standalone (The Mister Series Book 2) by J.A. Huss Read Free Book Online

practically melt. His sister was right. The charm oozes out of him, even from a distance. How does a man with so much negative baggage have the right to be so damn handsome?
    Shit, here he comes. What will I say? I look around nervously, aware that I’ve already pissed off Claudette once this afternoon.
    Be cool, Ivy. Be cool.
    “Miss Rockwell,” Nolan says when he’s close enough to my table to talk in a normal tone.
    “Mr. Delaney,” I say back with a smile. “Your sister doesn’t want me to talk to you. She says you’re quite a player.”
    What the hell, Ivy? That is not the definition of cool!
    “Is that right,” Nolan says, slipping into the booth across from me. “Mind if I sit?”
    “Of course not.”
    “Claudette’s warnings aren’t enough to scare you off?”
    “I’m not afraid of a challenge,” I say back. Smooth, Ivy. Smooth recovery.
    One eyebrow lifts up and his grin becomes lopsided. His expression says, Oh, really ? and That’s interesting , at the same time.
    Yes. He’s got all the moves.
    “Mrs. Watters sends her thanks.”
    “Who?” I ask.
    Nolan waves his hand towards the window. “Mrs. Watters. I adjusted her mister and told her you discovered they were misaligned. She is eternally grateful for your attention to detail.”
    “I like to please, Mr. Delaney.” Too late I realize how that sounds. And so does he, because that other eyebrow is raised now, and his expression is one of keen interest.
    “I have to admit, Miss Rockwell, you intrigue me.”
    “How so?” I ask, my heart suddenly beating fast. His gaze goes to my chest, which is heaving as I try to breathe through my mistake. Can he tell that he’s having this effect on me? Can he see how flustered I get when he speaks? When he looks at me?
    “Weston Conrad is an experienced headhunter. He supplies the perfect candidates for the perfect positions in every Fortune 500 company in the US, and many lucrative businesses overseas as well. And yet he sent you . ”
    It’s my turn to raise my eyebrows. “You say that like it’s a surprise.”
    “It is, Miss Rockwell. West doesn’t normally make mistakes. I’d ask him what he was thinking but he’s conveniently out of the office today. I have a feeling it was a joke.”
    “A joke?” I can’t stop the sudden anger in time to keep the disgust out of my voice. “I’m not a joke , Mr. Delaney. And your sister has already informed me that this was a pity invitation, so I am expecting to go home very soon. But since you’re forced to see me today, I will give you my expert opinion about your resort.”
    “Is that so?” Nolan says, leaning back in his chair. “Then by all means, commence with said expert opinion.” He waves his hand at me like some sort of king talking to a subject.
    “I’m still making my assessment, Mr. Delaney. You’ll get a full report at the meeting tonight.”
    “Will I?” he asks, grinning like a boy.
    Why is he so fucking handsome? I’d like to slap his face right now. I even picture it in my head, but decide Nolan Delaney would not tolerate that kind of outburst from a woman.
    Stay away from him . Claudette’s voice is in my head.
    I can’t quite decide if she’s exaggerating about his personality or not. But I am certain of one thing. Nolan Delaney is not a man who likes to be fucked with.
    “You will,” I say. “I was right about the misters and the temperature of the pool. I bet you’ve already called engineering and asked that they adjust the threshold on the AC.”
    “I have,” Nolan says. “I know good advice when I hear it. And yours came with proof. It was clever to take a dip in the pool. Especially wearing those few scraps of clothing you’re calling a bathing suit.”
    “It was the only thing I packed, Mr. Delaney. I won’t wear it again if it distracts you.”
    “It was very distracting, Miss Rockwell,” he says, sliding out of the booth. “But it would be a shame if you weren’t able to enjoy the pool tonight