Sarah's Child by Linda Howard Read Free Book Online

it easy, avoids stress, and doesnt have another attack, he may live a number of years, but he wont be able to work. Hes going to take an early retirement. Rome is being promoted to senior vice president.
    Again Sarah risked a quick glance at Rome, to find him still watching her with that unnerving intensity. He leaned forward in his chair and offered, I cant hire you as my secretary. Kali has been my secretary for years, and of course shell move up with me.
    That wasnt a surprise. Sarah gave him a gentle smile that ripped through his insides, causing his fist to clench suddenly. She hadnt expected to be his secretary; it would never have worked anyway. She simply couldnt have worked so closely with him, every day. It had been bad enough just seeing him occasionally. Yes, of course. Am I being fired?
    Good lord, no! Mr. Edwards said, startled. No, dont think that at all. But we wanted to give you a choice. Im bringing a man in from Montreal to replace Rome, and his secretary doesnt want to relocate. If you want the job, its yours, and hes agreeable. If youd rather transfer to some other department, just say so. Youve done an outstanding job for Spencer-Nyle over the years; the choice of jobs is yours.
    Sarah thought of transferring, but she really liked the intense atmosphere of the executive offices, where decisions were made that affected thousands of people. The challenge kept her interested, and though she was in proximity to Rome, the fast pace of her work tended to keep her mind off him during the day.
    Id like to be his secretary, she finally answered gravely. Whats his name?
    Maxwell Conroy. Hes been directing our Montreal office very competently. I believe hes English.
    Yes, Rome confirmed. Probably Rome had already pulled Maxwell Conroys personnel file from the computer and memorized every word of it.
    Good, Mr. Edwards said heartily, rising to his feet and signaling that they were dismissed. Rome followed Sarah out the door, but didnt return to his own office. He was close behind her as she went into her office, and he closed the door behind them. Feeling absurdly nervous, Sarah moved away from him and sought refuge behind her desk.
    I want you to know, he murmured, leaning over the desk and bringing his face close to hers, I want you for my secretary badly but my common sense tells me that Id never get any work done. Id be the stereotypical boss who chases his secretary around the desk, so for the sake of the company, I suppose Ill have to keep Kali.
    Sarah stared at him, losing herself in the dark wells of his eyes. I understand, she whispered.
    Do you? He straightened, his smile quizzical as he looked down at her. Im not so certain that I do. Maybe you can explain it. Will you go out to dinner with me tonight?
    She normally didnt make dates during the week, as she never knew when she would have to work late, but when Rome asked her, her usual caution flew out the window. Yes, please. She couldnt hide the pleasure in her eyes, and he stared at her for a moment before he leaned down once again and kissed her once, hard.
    Ill pick you up at eight. How does Chinese sound?
    Wonderful. I love Chinese.
    Her hands shook after hed gone when she tried to get through her routine paperwork. This was beginning to look like a serious relationship, and there was no way she could back off from it, no way she even wanted to. She thought of Diane, and her eyes closed briefly. She would have died in Dianes place, if she could have, but no one had been given a choice. Rome was free now, physically and legally if not emotionally, and whatever chance she had with him, Sarah meant to take it.
    * * *
    If he didnt have a business dinner scheduled, Rome took her out every night that week. Sarah didnt question her good fortune; she simply enjoyed every moment she had with him. Reminding herself that hed asked only to be friends, she tried not to say anything or make any gestures that he could interpret as being flirtatious, though sometimes