Release Me by Ann Marie Walker, Amy K. Rogers Read Free Book Online

initial reaction to seeing Hudson to the details of his co-CEO proposal. “So you think that was his plan all along?” she asked.
    Allie washed a bite of food down with a large gulp of wine. “I don’t know for sure. But he could have made a play for the whole thing, and probably won. Sympathy and nostalgia was only going to get me so far. They all know he’s more qualified for the job.”
    “Maybe he really is sorry for the mess he created. This could be his way of apologizing.”
    “How, by backing me into a corner? I told him I didn’t want to hear any of his excuses, and I meant it. There’s no justification for lying to me every moment we were together.”
    “So what did he have to say for himself when it was all done?”
    Allie poked at the food on her plate. “Nothing.”
    “
Nothing
? The man who tried to set the
Guinness Book of World Records
for number of voicemails left in a single day had nothing to say when the two of you were finally in the same room?”
    “He didn’t have a chance.” When the meeting had finally ended, Allie couldn’t wait to get the hell out of there. But Hudson lingered, chatting with a few people and occasionally glancing in Allie’s direction, all the while strategically placed between her and the door. “I caught Ben’s attention just as he was about to leave and asked if he had a moment to discuss a few items. Hudson had no choice but to step aside and let us pass.”
    “You won’t be able to avoid him forever.”
    No, but she could sure as hell try.
    “I’m actually surprised he wasn’t waiting outside your door. That is one determined man. And when he locks those baby blues on you . . .”
    “Well, he was gone by the time Ben and I finished,” Allie said, interrupting Harper before she had a chance to point out everything Allie was trying her best to forget. “And I spent the rest of the day interviewing new assistants.”
    “Not keeping your dad’s?”
    Allie shook her head. “It would feel like my grandmother was my assistant. She’s going to work in Mr. Weiss’s office.”
    “Any promising candidates?”
    “One. And I think he’d give you a run for your money when it comes to snarky jokes and collecting the phone numbers of hot waiters.”
    “I am not snarky,” Harper said, feigning offense. She pushed a stray curl out of her eyes and tucked it behind her ear. “Although I could use a wingman. Especially since my BFF is a hardworking CEO now.”
    “Co-CEO,” Allie corrected. “And you cannot start hanging out with my assistant.”
    “Why not?
    “Because my personal and professional lives are complicated enough.” Allie yawned before she could even finish the sentence.
    “You must be exhausted,” Harper said. She stood and started gathering the paper cartons.
    “Leave it. You cooked, I’ll clean.”
    “Yeah, I slaved all day over a hot stove.”
    “You know what I mean,” Allie said. “And thanks again. This was just what I needed.”
    “What are friends for if not to binge on Chinese food and borrow your designer handbags?” she said with a laugh. “Hey, do you want me to spend the night?”
    “No, I appreciate the offer, but I’m a big girl—I need to start acting like one. But there is something you can do for me.”
    “Anything. Name it.”
    “My mother was supposed to be presented with some humanitarian award at a black-tie gala at the Art Institute Friday night and they’ve asked me to accept it on her behalf. Will you go with me?”
    “Not sure if I can get a tux on such short notice,” Harper teased.
    “Oh wait, what night is your date with Doctor Hottie?” Allie asked, using the opportunity to tease Harper with a nickname for once.
    “Friday, but I’ll just see if we can reschedule for his next night off.”
    “No way.”
    “Yes way. Chicks before dicks and all that.”
    “Well, this chick has let you sacrifice enough of your own time to sit and hold her hand at some miserable event.”
    “Fancy hors