Scattered Thoughts (Betrayed by Love Book 1) by HD Kelley Read Free Book Online

controlling as him.
    My phone rang. Excitedly I looked at the screen, a pang of disappointment shooting through me when I saw it was only Tim. I should’ve answered but I wasn’t sure what I’d say. You played a dangerous game and lost! my inner voice snapped. You could tell him that. I tried to shake her off but I couldn’t because, once again, she was right.
    “What have you done, Izzy?” I admonished. Dimarco had strict guidelines on professional conduct and they definitely wouldn’t approve of my behavior tonight. “You’ve worked too hard to throw it all away,” I scolded.
    Even for the sexiest man alive? my inner voice chimed in again, in full temptress mode now. I closed my eyes to fully consider the question but was interrupted before I could come up with an answer.
    “Flight 452 traveling to Pensacola now boarding at gate A15,” the agent announced. I pulled out my boarding pass and photo ID, gathered my bags, and got in line, more than thankful for the distraction this time.
     
    • • • • •
     
    It was nearly midnight when we landed in Pensacola and I still had a forty-five minute drive to Ft. Walton beach ahead of me. I meant to have Jonathan book me a room since I had to be back here tomorrow morning for a mandatory staff meeting, but in my recent absentmindedness I’d completely forgotten.
    There was very little traffic this time of night, so the trip home was quick. Even still it was well after midnight when I finally got there. The house was dark when I entered, with the exception of the light in the foyer that turned on automatically when it got dark.
    Drew and Anna were fast asleep and the house was quiet. I sighed with relief when I remembered Spencer’s trip had been extended. I was much too tired to deal with him tonight. I pulled a bottle of water from the refrigerator and headed upstairs to get ready for bed.
    I’d finally managed to get Alec out of my mind and was ready for sleep to find me. Out of habit I picked up my phone to do a final check of email before turning off the light. Much to my surprise, there was a message from Alec.
     
    Date: April 14, 2015 10:10 PM
    To: Isabella James
    From: Alec Payne
    Subject: Your visit to Tampa
     
    Ms. James,
     
    Please let me know you’ve made it home safely. I look forward to discussing what else you consider professional behavior.
     
    Until then,
    Alec Payne
    CEO, Payne Enterprises
     
    I smiled as I read his email a second time, his words from earlier still ringing loudly in my ear. “Dangerous. Dangerous game,” he’d warned over and over again. While I had no idea what he meant, my heart skipped a beat just thinking about him. These feelings I was having for this man were too conflicting. Part of me wanted to run away screaming, but the other part was begging to play. I decided to email him back tonight so he wouldn’t worry, being Mr. Control Freak and all.
     
    Date: April 15, 2015 12:51 AM
    To: Alec Payne
    From: Isabella (Izzy) James
    Subject: Safe at home
     
    Mr. Payne,
     
    I made it home safely. Thank you again for dinner and for your concern regarding my safety.
     
    Maybe we should discuss what you believe to be professional behavior. As you may recall, you didn’t much care for my earlier consideration on the subject.
     
    Izzy James
    Issues & Reputation Management
    Dimarco
     
    I leaned back against the headboard, a satisfied smile on my face. When my phone vibrated with Alec's quick response my smile broadened.
     
    Date: April 15, 2015 12:52 AM
    To: Isabella James
    From: Alec Payne
    Subject: Your consideration on the subject
     
    Ms. James,
     
    Your earlier consideration was unreasonable. We can start there.
     
    Get some sleep.
     
    Alec Payne
    CEO, Payne Enterprises
     
    “What are you doing to me Alec Payne?” I asked out loud, even more confused now. I closed the email app and put my phone back on the nightstand before switching off the light. I pulled the covers over my head and squeezed my eyes tightly.