The Billionaire Bundle by Daphne Loveling Read Free Book Online Page A

paired with a deep red silk blouse -- her one divergence from a conservative look.  She fretted about whether to wear her hair up or down, and finally decided that she felt more confident with it down.  A pair of black sling-back heels completed her look, and at a little after 4:15 she left her apartment for downtown. 
    Tessa arrived at the building about ten minutes before her interview was scheduled, and was surprised to see that it was not an office building, but a residential high-rise.  Walking into the main floor lobby, she checked in at the front desk and was directed to wait while the guard called a number.  He spoke a few words into the receiver, then hung up and smiled at Tessa.  "Thirty-eight floor, the penthouse directly facing the elevator. You can take elevator B up." 
    Tessa did as she was told and arrived at the thirty-eighth floor, steeling herself and then knocking firmly on the door the guard had indicated. After a moment, the door opened, and a tall, handsome man opened the door.  "Ms. Quinn," he said with a smile.  "Please come in."
    The man before her might have been anywhere from thirty-five to fifty years old.  His build was tall and athletic without being overly broad.  His eyes were light, possibly hazel, and his light brown hair was just beginning to turn gray at the temples. He was dressed in dark pants and a royal blue shirt, no tie, and well-polished black shoes. The man opened the door wide and motioned her through. Only when he closed the door behind her did she suddenly realize that this must be the owner of the penthouse.  This must be Ian Morgan. Somehow, she had expected to be greeted by a secretary and brought to the man. That he opened the door himself meant she might be here all alone with him. In a strange apartment, with someone she didn't know at all -- whose name might not even be Ian Morgan -- and no one knew where she was. Good God, how stupid was she? Suddenly wary, Tessa was trying to think of what she could do to escape if he turned out to be a rapist or serial killer when the man's smooth voice cut into her thoughts.  "Would you like a drink, Ms. Q uinn?”
    She was about to refuse, but thought better of it. If this was a legitimate interview, better to put herself on a more equal footing with him. "I'll have a sparkling water, if you have it."
    "Club soda alright?"
    "Yes, thank you."  Tessa took a moment to look around as he disappeared into the kitchen. The furnishings were rich, done in dark browns, deep reds and metal finishes.  It was definitely the apartment of a man who lived alone.  Tessa felt discreetly for her phone, moving it to a pocket of her handbag where she could casually press her friend Megan's speed dial in an emergency.  Her senses were on high alert when Mr. Morgan came back, holding two club sodas. He offered one to her. "Please, sit down," he said, motioning her to a chair.
    She sank into a dark leather chair, trying to project more confidence and strength than she felt.  With a boldness that surprised her, she began the interview herself.  "So, Mr. Morgan, can you explain to me what the job you advertised specifically entails? The posting was not very detailed. It mentioned only that this was a short-term position."
    He smiled and arched an eyebrow at her before replying, "Yes. The position is for one month."  Tessa's heart sank at such a small time frame, but decided the best thing to do was to keep going as if it was her ideal job.  "And the position is as your personal assistant?"
    "That's correct.  It's a somewhat... unusual assignment.  It's something only a very special person will be able to do for me." Mr. Morgan leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs and setting down his drink on a side table.
    "I see.  And what is that assignment, Mr. Morgan?"
    "Please call me Ian.  May I call you Tessa?"
    "Of cou rse," she replied with a tone of relaxed confidence she did not feel. 
    "Tessa, tell me.  What has been the most