Passion in the Heart by Diane Thorne Read Free Book Online Page A

and withdrew her purse.
    “I opt for the not returning option too.”
    Gwen stood. “Yeah, but then who pays the bills?”
    “Good point. I guess I’m stuck in the rat race.”
    Gwen grinned. “I’m in it with you.”
    Melanie stayed near her side as she strolled from her cubicle. “Get with me after lunch and let me know how it turned out.”
    “Curious about him?”
    “He’s kind of cute and now that we know he’s single…”
    Gwen paused several feet away from Travis’ office. “Maybe you should ask him out for lunch.”
    “Depending on how your lunch goes, I might.” Melanie shrugged.
    “Why wait? If you’re interested, just ask him.”
    “I don’t know. I might. Get with me later.”
    “Count on it.”
    After Melanie had left, Gwen proceeded to Travis’ door. She stopped outside his office and found him sitting behind his desk, staring at his computer. She lifted her hand to knock on the frame, but halted when he saw her.
    “Hey. Come in,” he said.
    Gwen entered his office. “Staying busy this morning?”
    He pushed back his chair and stood. “Yes. I’m working on a special petition on a nasty case. I didn’t think the paralegal would be able to handle it properly.”
    “Ick. I guess that’s one reason why you make the big bucks.”
    He stepped around his desk then gazed down the length of her body. “You look very nice today.”
    “Well, black and white always works well together.”
    “That it does.” He stretched his arm out toward the door. “Shall we?”
    Gwen headed for the exit. “Do you have a preference as to where we go?”
    “No, I’m open to anything.” He stayed beside her as they left his office.
    “There’s a nice deli about a block and a half from here. It’s decent and we can sit outside since the weather’s nice.”
    “That sounds good to me.”
    They passed through the office before leaving from the main door. Travis opened and held it like a gentleman. Gwen reached the elevator first and hit the button.
    “Are you liking it here, so far?”
    “Oh yes. Everyone’s great to work with.”
    The elevator dinged and a group of people carrying bags exited. Gwen took a step out of the way. She stood next to Travis as the employees passed. Travis put his hand on Gwen’s side and the light touch surprised her. A chill zinged through her. Once the people had left, his hand slid lower to her ass and he gently nudged her forward.
    Gwen entered the elevator then stopped on the side farthest from the panel. She gripped the handles of her purse as anxiety coursed through her. Why would he touch her ass when they barely knew each other? Was he hitting on her? She swallowed hard as he punched the button for the ground level. She hoped like hell that he wasn’t going touch her intimately during lunch.

Chapter Five
     
     
     
    Gwen stood in line at the deli. Chatter from the customers in front of her along with the jazz music from the sound system filled her ears. She stared at the menu even though she’d eaten there enough times over the years to have every item memorized. Travis stood behind her and she didn’t know what to say to him. He’d touched her ass and it had left her uncomfortable.
    “Do you have any recommendations?” he asked, breaking the silence.
    She twisted to face him. “Everything is good.”
    “I take it you’ve been here plenty of times.”
    “Yes.” She nodded.
    “I hear you’ve worked for the firm for a long time.”
    “I have.” She wondered what else he’d heard about her. Had he been asking people for information about her?
    “You must like it.”
    “I do.” Again with the short replies. She really needed to calm her unease. “What are you having?” she asked, changing the subject.
    “I think I’ll have the turkey and bacon wrap.”
    “That’s one of my favorites, but there’s not a bad entree here. Trust me.”
    The line moved and she stepped up to the counter. She gave the server her order then followed the train of