Running From Forever by Ashley Wilcox Read Free Book Online Page A

allowed me to exhale in relief,
calming my nerves. “I’m kidding. Well no, I take that back. It’s
encouraged that you answer the phone with your name because it
sounds more professional, but I wasn’t reprimanding you. You,
beautiful, can answer my call however you’d like.”
    I snickered at his statement as happiness soared
within. He certainly had a way with words. Even the simplest
sentence or compliment was invigorating when he spoke. He could
tell me that I sucked at life, but as long as it was spoken in his
smooth, cantered voice, my heart would still beat faster.
    “Duly noted,” I answered flirtatiously, wetting
my lips and resting back in my chair.
    “Did you receive your flowers?”
    “I did. They’re beautiful. You didn’t need to
justify your absence.”
    “You didn’t miss me this morning?” Miles
questioned with what was sure to be a huge grin plastered on his
face. Though I couldn’t see it, I knew it was there. The slyness in
his tone gave it away.
    I smiled and almost giggled, but stopped myself
just in time. “It was different.” Though I’m sure it was apparent
to some degree, I couldn’t show my vulnerability towards him just
yet. As intoxicating as he was, I knew I was playing with fire and
had to keep some kind of guard up for protection. I’ve been burnt
before. I wouldn’t allow it to happen again no matter the amount of
intemperance he carried.
    He chuckled again, making me smile. “You’re a
tough nut to crack, Ms. Reynolds.”
    “Kayla,” I replied.
    “Yes, of course. My apologies,” he said with
charmed empathy. “Would you like to join me for lunch, Kayla ?” he continued with extra emphasis on my name, making
me smirk and shake my head. He was being a smartass, but it was
entertaining, and I liked it.
    ***

 
     
    Even though we were
heavily noticed in the bar last night, keeping our relationship
somewhat private to ETV was something I wanted to maintain. I
wasn’t sure what the rules for dating within the company were nor
did I want to have any issues between Connie and I. Connie was
enough to handle as it was, throwing my dating her brother and
business partner in there would be like throwing a steak to a
lion—I’d be done in seconds.
    So when Miles said he’d meet me at my desk at
twelve, I insisted I’d meet him outside the entrance a few minutes
after. He paused before answering, debating his reply. I was sure
he wasn’t used to being told otherwise or challenged by women. As
much as Miles Blackwell made my skin crawl with delight, I still
had a backbone and would never let a man take my voice. I had no
problem speaking my piece.
    He was already waiting outside when I exited the
building, giving me a short second to gawk before he turned,
noticing me. Miles stood broadly; a man of wealth and authority,
wearing another perfectly tailored suit—this one navy with
pinstripes. I wondered how many he owned. He wore one every day and
I imagined his closet looked exquisitely neat with all of his
expensive clothes impeccably hung in properly lined rows.
    “Don’t you look stunning today,” Miles greeted
me, leaning in to kiss my cheek as his hand held the back of my
head delicately, allowing his fingers to slide through my hair when
he stepped back afterwards. He really did like my hair down.
    My cheeks warmed, blushing at his compliment.
New Kayla wasn’t the flattering type; compliments were something I
took easily in the past, but it was always different with Miles. I
had a feeling most things would be. His words, his gestures, just
the person he was did things to my body I was unsure could happen.
Heart palpations, sweaty palms, nervous jitters, adulation…all
those things I wasn’t used to. No one had ever made me feel
that way. His compliments felt like they were coming from the queen
and I tried my hardest not to stutter when I replied to them.
    Eyes glossed with admiration, I sweetly smiled
as I answered, “Thank you.”
    Winking in response,