The Expectant Secretary by Leanna Wilson Read Free Book Online

That’s all these feelings were. Pure and simple deprivation.
    But what kind? her mind asked. It was definitely physical. But she sensed it was something unrelated to being pregnant. Something hot, sensual. Something related to Brody.
    Refusing to look closer at her traitorous emotions, she took a step forward and stubbed the toe of her shoe on the carpet. Before she could fall, Brody reached forward and caught her against his bare chest. The shirt fluttered to the floor. Her hand flattened squarely over his heart. She could feel it pounding, falling far behind the racing of her own. The mat of hair covering his chest was softer than she’d imagined, a provocative contrast to the strength of his muscles, the heat of his skin.
    Her gaze collided with Brody’s. Heat sizzled between them, like lightning skittering across a summer sky. His eyes were dark, compelling, pulling her to him, making her remember the warmth of his kiss, the passion in his arms. Staring up at him, his armslocked around her waist, she could no longer run from the truth. She wanted—needed Brody to kiss her.
    Shocked at her thoughts, at the desire boiling inside her, she curled her fingers toward her palm and pushed away from him. “Um—” She stumbled toward the door. “I’ll let you get dressed now. I’ll be at my desk. I’ll let you know when your lunch guest arrives.”
    He picked the shirt up off the floor and removed the plastic covering and cardboard from beneath the collar. The play of muscles beneath his taut skin mesmerized her. “I’m not expecting anyone.”
    â€œAren’t you?” She glanced at the extra sandwich, chips and soda on his desk.
    He shrugged into the heavily starched shirt then fastened each button methodically. “I ordered the extras for you.”
    â€œBut I—”
    â€œDid you have other plans?” His brow compressed into fine lines.
    â€œNo, it’s just that…well, I…”
    â€œYou don’t eat lunch, either?” He winked, giving her heart a lurch.
    A smile tugged at her lips but she resisted. Still, his thoughtfulness touched her. Did he notice everything? “Actually, I am starving.”
    â€œGood. Then have a seat.” He indicated the copper-colored suede chair she’d almost run over earlier then looped his tie around his neck. As he stepped into the private bathroom to tuck in his shirt and use the mirror to adjust his tie, he continued through the open doorway, “I thought we could go over some of those figures while we eat.”
    Disappointment shot through her, followed by irritation. What did she expect? What exactly had she wanted from Brody? A date? She could have laughed at the absurdity of that thought. This was business. He was her boss. Nothing more.
    â€œDo you like barbecue?” he asked, returning to his desk fully dressed, his tucked-in shirt accenting his trim waist. He unwrapped the paper-covered sandwich and the tangy aroma filled the room.
    â€œAlmost as much as chocolate,” she answered.
    He grinned, and she realized she hadn’t seen him smile, really smile, since she’d started working for him. The way the elongated brackets surrounding his mouth creased his cheeks made her toes curl.
    â€œYou’re a real Texan, then.”
    â€œNothing but.” She opened her sandwich and poured an extra amount of sauce over the chopped beef.
    â€œYou didn’t grow up in San Antonio,” he said, taking a bite out of his sandwich.
    â€œThat’s right. Amarillo.” Sensing his unanswered question, she added, “It’s in the Panhandle. A good ways from here.”
    â€œWere you homesick for Texas?” His pensive gaze made her feel restless inside her own skin. “Is that why you left Winslow so suddenly?”
    She almost choked on a bite but washed it down with a deep pull on her soda. Her mind spun. She’d never told Brody why she’d