Star Bright by Catherine Anderson Read Free Book Online Page A

then inclined his head at the desk. “This will be your workstation.”
    Rainie stepped around to check out the computer system, which looked fairly new. “How many gigabytes?”
    He dumped the books and papers atop the other desk and rubbed beside his nose. “Damned if I know. I just tell my computer guy what I’ll be usin’ the system for, and he decides what bells and whistles I need.”
    “And you just write a check?”
    “Hell, no, I give him my credit card number. I don’t use checks unless I absolutely have to. I get my check register all screwed up.”
    Rainie shook her head. “You probably shouldn’t give a salesperson free rein. They may overload you with stuff to increase their commissions.”
    “What I don’t know won’t hurt me.”
    “It may do some damage to your bank balance, though.”
    He nodded in agreement. “That’s why I’m hirin’ you, to take care of my finances. I just updated both workstations. I haven’t used this computer yet, but the guy at the shop assured me that it will do everything you need it to, plus some.”
    “Software?”
    He named some programs she knew well, then an accounting program she’d never used. After confessing that to him, she added, “That isn’t really a concern, though. I’ll learn the ins and outs quickly enough. Most accounting programs are similar.”
    He glanced around at the mess, which was considerable. “So, what do you think?”
    She found herself smiling again. “I’d be lying if I said it isn’t a little daunting.” The only window looked out upon the walker and outdoor stalls. In the distance, though, she could see pine-studded hills with the majestic Cascades looming behind them. She’d have a mountain view to enjoy during coffee breaks. “It may take me most of the first week to put everything in order.”
    He nodded. “I’m sorry it’s such a mess in here. But like I said, I’m just not into it.”
    “If you were, you wouldn’t need me.” She followed his gaze, thinking of all the sorting and filing she’d have to do. “I’ll get it whipped into shape.”
    “When can you start?”
    The question made her laugh again. It felt strange to her, as if the person she’d once been had suddenly reentered her body. “I can start tomorrow if you’d like. My schedule is pretty much open. All I have to keep me at home is Thomas.”
    “Ah.” His dark eyes moved slowly over her face. “It figures that there’d be a man in the picture. You’re too lovely to be unattached.”
    Heat crept up Rainie’s neck to pool in her cheeks. “Thomas is a cat.”
    He arched a jet eyebrow. “A cat,” he repeated.
    “Yes, you know, one of those small, furry creatures that sleep in windowsills?”
    He threw back his dark head and let loose with a laugh, the sound so rich and deep that she felt surrounded by warmth. “We’re back to the elk conversation, are we?”
    Rainie almost cringed. Getting lippy with her prospective employer wasn’t smart. But it had just popped out. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound sarcastic.”
    The deep dimple slashed his cheek again as he grinned. “No worries. I enjoy someone who gives back as good as she gets.”
    At one time in her life, Rainie had occasionally enjoyed a bit of verbal sparring herself, but those days were far behind her now.
    “It’s good to know Thomas is a cat,” he said softly. “Can I take that to mean there’s no significant other in your life at the moment?”
    The gleam of masculine interest in his eyes made Rainie’s heart trip. She clutched her purse close to her waist, her fingers embedded in the leather so rigidly that her knuckles ached. “As it happens, I am unattached at the moment, but for the sake of office harmony, Mr. Harrigan, I think we should keep our relationship purely professional.”
    “We don’t have much harmony around here, only chaos. But I see your point.”
    Rainie was relieved to hear it. Having an affair with her boss wasn’t on her agenda.