Romantic Promises (Alluring Promises Series, #2) by Janice Baker Read Free Book Online Page A

the ban on dating subordinates, both policies I recently put in place. I smiled to myself as I imagined the smug look on his face drop when he learns this information.
    Thinking about that, I realized a small smile crept over my mouth. I believe Ms. Leonard mistook my smile as a sign she was getting the job. She actually was fairly well-spoken and her résumé did look presentable; however, the look on Mr. Williams’ face was enough to make me not want to bother interviewing her at all. Bitchy as it seems, I didn’t want to give him someone pretty to look at. He does need to focus on his new managerial role, after all.
    On the other hand, if I do hire her as his administrative assistant, he would surely go for her and I could have him terminated for dating a subordinate. Then I could hire someone more qualified for his position. That would alleviate the jealousy and competitive issue that I’m fighting in my head. I was angry with myself for thinking things like that.
    I’m in human resources and should be trying to make sure everyone gets along and the policies are adhered to, not try to dissuade things from happening due to the jealousy and competitive issue I’m having.
    The interview was finally over and I showed Ms. Leonard to the lobby. I let her know I would be in touch soon about the position. I scoffed to myself about the word ‘position’ knowing Mr. Williams would surely enjoy that word with her. Then I was even angrier with myself for thinking things like that.
    As I turned to walk back to my office, the smug salesman I was just thinking of came sauntering towards me. His light brown, almost blonde hair had that mussed look to it. It looked as if a woman had just had her hands thrusting through it.
    Where the hell did that thought come from?
    He was wearing dress slacks and a nice blue golf shirt that brought out a darker hue in his blue eyes. He had this smile that told me most women look him over like I was. I took a deep breath and tried to contain my hormone level from spiking. He definitely had that hard male quality that would make most women’s legs quiver.
    “Mr. Williams, can I help you?” I asked as I quickly looked down at the résumé, pretending to read it. I hated the fact that he was so good looking that it actually made my heart skip a beat. Stupid female hormones. I took a nother deep breath as I continued to glance at the file, determined not to be one of “those” types of females taken by his good looks. I thought about my fiancé, Charles. He’s good looking and women fall at his feet all the time too. The thought made me frown.
    “Hey, Vanessa. I was just wondering if the check was cut for my moving expenses.” He surprised me by asking. I thought for sure he was coming to ask about little Ms. Gorgeous. God, even his deep voice resonates sex.
    I took a deep breath before looking at him to make sure I could sound authoritative and responded, “You’ll have to visit Accounts Payable for that. I’ve submitted the paperwork to them.” I tried to look as annoyed as possible so he would head over there, but decided to add in one more thing — something that would be sure to remind him that I have the upper hand in this office. “And my name is Ms. Hargrave.” That came out slightly bitchier than I had planned, but at this point it was good to set the tone that I have more authority in this office.
    That stupid left eyebrow whipped up just like it had when we first met. It was annoyingly attractive and I decided to stick with the annoying description to make myself not feel anything for him. “Wow, even Perry lets me call him by his first name. I guess I assumed that everyone in this office called each other by their first names. I apologize,” he said dryly, yet it didn’t seem to really convey an apology.
    “Mr. Buchanan lets you call him Perry?” I tried not to sound surprised and pathetic, but I’m sure it came out that way. I cursed myself for even asking that.
    Mr.