THE DREAM CHILD by Emma Daniels Read Free Book Online Page A

and remained so all the way to the ground floor. Even though she refused to glance in his direction, Sophie was acutely aware of his tall, masculine presence beside her for the entire descent. He really did exude a charismatic personal aura, she thought, as she inhaled the leathery aroma of his coat.
    “Since you’ve been working here longer than I have, where do you suggest we go for lunch?” he asked as they headed outside into the midday sun.
    Sophie was surprised to find how warm and welcoming it felt against her face. She suddenly realised that she was hungry, despite the uncomfortable queasiness. Maybe the virus was finally wearing off, she thought hopefully.
    “Well, I usually just grab something and take it back to the tea room with me, or eat at my desk,” she told him.
    “Not today. Today we’ll eat out,” he announced.
    “Is that an order?” she asked, stunned to hear that he wanted to spend his lunch break with her.
    He smiled that sexy smile again. “If you want to look at it that way.”
    “All right. Follow me.”
    She headed for the quaint little coffee shop down the road she sometimes frequented with Marie. The poor girl was probably working right through her lunch break, while Louise, no doubt went for her one hour walk window-shopping, and then spent the next half hour eating her lunch while reading her emails.
    As soon as they were shown to their seats in the café, Sophie regretted her decision. She’d forgotten how cosy the little corner nook could be, particularly with someone the size of Vic sitting beside her on the curved two-seater lounge.
    “Well this is very nice and private,” he remarked. “I’ll have to remember this place.”
    “So you can bring your girlfriends here,” she shot back, picking up the menu lying on the table between them, and immediately stuck her head behind it. What on earth had possessed her to say that?
    “I don’t have a girlfriend,” he replied, taking hold of the top of the menu to drag it down so he could glance at her over it. “Yet,” he added for good measure.
    Sophie refused to meet his gaze. “The winter soups are always very nice here,” she said, deciding anything more substantial would probably make her throw up.
    She handed him the menu, and felt his knee brush against hers. She immediately drew away, wishing his legs weren’t quite so long.
    Yes, this had been a really bad idea, she thought as he smiled at her again. He knew exactly the effect he was having on her, and planned on capitalising on it.
    Just as well he had no idea what she’d been dreaming about three weeks ago, or she’d be in really big trouble right about now. He’d probably want her to repeat the experience in real life.
    And why should that be so terrible? she asked herself.
    Because he’s the Boss.
    He’s also way too handsome, and probably only interested in sating his lust with no intention of taking you seriously afterwards. That’s why, she answered herself sternly.
    The waitress returned. Sophie ordered the soup of the day, and Vic, obviously being a big eater, decided on the seafood pasta, along with a cappuccino. Sophie couldn’t help noticing how the young woman lingered at Vic’s side, making small talk even after she’d taken their orders.
    “So how’s the training going?” he asked once the waitress had finally departed.
    Sophie was glad they were back on neutral territory. “Good. Geoff seems to think I should be able to work on them by myself by tomorrow, although I told him I might take the driver’s seat this afternoon, so to speak.”
    “That’s good to hear. You should be up to speed in no time, considering you’ve been in the area for a while now.”
    “Don’t worry, I won’t drag the chain,” she assured him.
    “Jane wouldn’t have recommended you if she thought you would.”
    “I’ve never had a problem with Jane.”
    “And I hope you won’t have a problem with me either,” he said meaningfully.
    As long as you remain