The Expectant Secretary by Leanna Wilson Read Free Book Online Page B

dead tremble. She’d chosen James. Not him. No matter how sharp the truth, he couldn’t forget or ignore that fact.
    He looked at her from across the desk and read the shadowy pain darkening her eyes. So many questions spun around his mind. How long had she been alone? What had happened to James, a young man of their own age? Too young to die. Too young to leave a beautiful wife.
    â€œWhen did he…?”
    â€œTwo months ago.”
    â€œHell, Jillie.” Shock brought the words too fast. “What happened?”
    Daintily, thoughtfully, she dabbed at her mouth with a napkin. “An accident. On the road. If you don’t mind, I’d rather not talk about it.”
    Lifting his hand, he wanted to go to her, reach outto her, hold her. But he knew he shouldn’t. He searched his soul but could find no words that might offer solace. He understood the need to turn inward, to protect the shaky walls of dignity.
    Slowly he nodded his understanding and cursed himself for causing her more pain. His chest constricted with a raw burning agony for the heartache she must be suffering. He wished he could give her something to cling to for support—his hand, his arms, maybe. But he knew there was no comfort for a broken heart.
    And damn if he ever wanted to be Jillian’s second choice.
    Â 
    It was the right thing to do, Jillian told herself over the next few days as they entered the last week of September. It was best if everyone, especially Brody, thought she mourned James’s loss. She wanted others to think she was a grieving widow. Even if the image she’d created was a blatant lie.
    There was no reason to disparage James’s memory. No reason to let her wounds from her marriage ooze. She could clean them in private. But she felt as if she were keeping a dark, ugly secret, which made her feel isolated, alone.
    And the feeling only grew worse.
    Brody was to blame. Every day she worked with him in close quarters, analyzing reports, scheduling meetings. His rugged accent coiled her insides. She caught herself watching him, noticing his hands, his eyes, his smile. Glimpses of her past crept into her unconscious, reminded her of better days, of a time when Brody had made her feel special. It became aconstant struggle to remember how he’d also made her feel used, how he’d broken her heart. And why she no longer trusted him.
    With long, ambitious strides, Brody walked into his office, a grin as broad as the Palo Duro Canyon lighting up the sharp angles of his face. “You did good, Jillie. Damn good.”
    Pushing up from her desk she followed him, carrying his phone messages in her hand. “The report helped your meeting with the attorneys?”
    â€œIt laid out the strategy perfectly.” He set his fawn-colored briefcase on his desk and popped the brackets. “This may end up being the smoothest merger in history.”
    Pride surged within her. “I’m glad.” She handed him his messages. Their fingers brushed, sending an electrical current through her. Crossing her arms, she focused on work. “So what’s the next step?”
    His gaze softened, making his eyes smoky. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
    Her enthusiasm kicked into gear. She liked the challenges her new position created for her, taking her mind off her own personal problems. “Whatever I can do—”
    â€œWhat are you doing this weekend?” His question stopped her short.
    Had she mistaken his intent? “Excuse me?”
    â€œThis weekend,” he repeated. “What are you doing?”
    Oh, God! He’s asking me out.
    Her pulse thrummed at the possibility—at the impropriety, she corrected. Her mind raced. Of course, she couldn’t go out with him.
    Possible excuses filed into place. But the sorry fact was, she didn’t have any real excuse. Except that she didn’t want to see him in anything but a professional