The Billionaire Boss by J.A. Pierre Read Free Book Online Page B

wasn’t sure she wanted to continue the conversation with Dominic, but he continued.
    “But if you like him, you like him.” Dominic shrugged. “Just don't give in so easily. He’s probably used to that.”
    Now you tell me.
    Dominic’s words made January wonder what it was about Ariel that made women weak.
    He’s freaking sexy. There’s no point fighting your attraction.
    Still, she had to consider what Dominic was saying.
    “I guess you’re telling me that he’s a user.”
    Dominic glanced at her. “Maybe, but I don't know for sure. All I know is that the man has power, he's good-looking, and he has all the material things you could ever want.”
    “You like his car, huh?”
    “Yes, I want that car when I grow up.”
    They laughed.
    “Then again, have you ever seen the man smile? So something’s missing.”
    January had to think about it. Had she ever seen Ariel smile? No. It was almost embarrassing that Dominic had to point that out.
    “Men like things that take a while to get. That’s why we go fishing.”
    January leaned toward Dominic. “I don't think Ariel has a problem catching fish.”
    She understood where Dominic was coming from.
    She had to utilize some resistance. Resist the feelings that tried to envelope her and cloud her judgment, that made her unaware of what was happening around her. Resist thinking about Ariel throughout the day. She was being paid to do a job, not daydream.
    Dominic started whistling.
    Who am I kidding ? January knew Ariel was a man hard to resist.

 
     
    Chapter Sixteen
     
    Ariel watched January on his computer as she slowly walked along the hallway on the third floor. Despite his reservations about Dominic, the young man and January got along, so Ariel had arranged for them to complete a project together. His regular staff members didn't have the time so it had to be a temp. Besides that, Ariel had noticed that some of the temps spent time together in the break room. He'd also noticed that some left the building together.
    It was easy for him to see what was going on from his office’s computer. He felt that January was too much of a loner.
    Suddenly he leaned forward and tapped a button that allowed the camera to zoom in. Scotty Montgomery was back, carrying a folder in his hand.
    He must be here to drop off his proposal.
    Ariel watched as January and Scotty crossed paths. They stood facing each other. January smiled. Ariel tapped his finger against his shiny desk.
    What could they possibly be talking about ?
    He clenched his teeth. It was moments like this that he wished the cameras came with audio.  But it would mean more money and, overall, it wasn’t necessary. He never used to check the cameras everyday—until January showed up.
    He gripped the pen in his hand when Scotty’s hand went to January's arm. She looked at the wandering hand as it slid down her right arm.
    Ariel grimaced.
    That’s enough.
    Scotty was a wolf in sheep's clothing.
    Ariel picked up his phone and dialed the extension for the human resources officer. He knew her office was near where January and Scotty stood. Her door was closed.
    “Hello.”
    “Ms. Waters, it’s Ariel.”
    “Hi, Mr. Cunningham. How are you?”
    Ariel went through the formalities briefly before getting to the point. “There’s a gentleman in the hallway, right outside your door, who’s come to drop off a proposal. Can you please escort him to Mary, now?”
    Ms. Waters inhaled. “Of course, sir.”
    She hung up.
    Ariel watched as the office door open and the petite woman interrupted Scotty and January’s conversation. He smiled when January turned and walked away.
    He narrowed his eyes as he watched Scotty follow Ms. Waters down the hallway.
    Ariel sat up straight when, just before he saw the top of the man’s head, Scotty looked straight up into the camera.
     
    ***
    He let Scotty into his office. Again.
    “I hope this proposal meets my requirements,” Ariel said flatly.
    Scotty didn’t attempt to hide