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

when it’s cooler out. So don’t let me stop you from swimming.”
    “I have it on good authority that I’ll be on a jet back to Rhode Island tonight, Mr. Delaney. So it will hardly matter.”
    “I have it on good authority that you won’t, Miss Rockwell. But if you’d like to scale down the reaction you ’ ll get when I see you out in my private pool half naked, you can pick up a one-piece suit in the women’s shop on the west end of the hotel and charge it to your room.”
    He makes this little bow with his head and says, “Good day, Ivy. I look forward to the meeting.” And just as he turns he whispers, so low, I might not have been supposed to hear it, “And our midnight swim tonight.”
    I stare at his ass until he disappears out of view. He called me Ivy. He’s flirting with me. But why?
    “Miss Rockwell,” a familiar stuffy voice says from behind me.
    Shit. “Ms. Delaney,” I say, standing up and turning around.
    “Are you deliberately trying to piss me off?” She hisses the words in a whisper through clenched teeth. That sweet perfume smell is there again and I realize I hate it. I might even hate her.
    “Uh… no.”
    “Then why can’t you follow my simple instructions? I already told you not to interact with my brother. How much clearer can I make it?”
    “He came up to me. Sat down uninvited. What do you propose I do? Blow my chances at this job by telling him to get lost?”
    “We’ve already discussed this—”
    “We have, Ms. Delaney. And I’m done discussing it. Your threats are highly inappropriate. I’m here as an applicant, on Mr. Delaney’s request. How that got screwed up and these silly details about your friend the headhunter are not my concern. I’m here and I’m applying for this job. End of discussion.”
    “For now,” Claudette snaps.
    “For now,” I agree.
    “He’s dangerous.”
    “I’ve been warned.”
    “Then I wash my hands.”
    “Consider them clean.” My last words stand final in the ensuing silence and then Claudette shoots me one more angry look and turns away. I don’t watch her as she disappears. Just take my seat and try to pretend that all four diners in this room didn’t hear that.
    They aren’t looking at me, so maybe they didn’t. I’m not sitting close to any of them, but still. Who the hell does Claudette think she is? I might be inexperienced in the bedroom but I’m not one to let people walk all over me. I can be a competitive bitch with the best of them and that Claudette has another think coming if she thinks I’ll cower.
    There’s no way in hell I’m getting this job now. Not with Claudette on the hiring team. But I can show these people what I have to offer. I don’t even want their recommendation anymore. Screw all of these people.
    My new objective is to show them what they’ll be missing when I leave.
     

Chapter Seven - Nolan
     

    “Goddammit, Corporate! Where the fuck are you?” I tab the screen on the phone and end the call. I need to know more about Ivy Rockwell and her file doesn’t give me nearly enough information. Maybe I can call Mr. Mysterious? He’s got connections. I’m not sure what kind or with who, but I am sure that if you need info in LA, he’s the guy you call to get it.
    Nah. I hardly talk to him anymore. And we were never tight. Not tight enough for him to owe me a favor. Plus, Ivy is from the East Coast. He probably won’t have a lot of connections out that way.
    Still, I’m dying to know more about Ivy Rockwell. And if I can’t get it through prying, then I need to get it the old-fashioned way.
    Seduction.
    She ’ s so self-assured. And while I’m not really turning on the charm or making a play—yet—she’s not very intimidated by me.
    I like it.
    I know Claudette will throw a fit, but I like it. And I need an excuse to get rid of Claudette this evening so I can have that midnight swim. Maybe Ivy will wear that tiny yellow bikini again? Maybe she’ll take my advice and try to find