The Sexy Boss - Sedition: Book One by Z. L. Arkadie, T. R. Bertrand Read Free Book Online Page A

our eyes off each other to look at the chef, who’s now wearing his work uniform.
    Nolan stands up with the files I’ve taken out of my briefcase. “Here’s the proposal. Abby here will be working on all the paperwork coming out of my office.”
    Chef Clark studies me with a smile. “That’s why I asked you to bring her. I need to look all my business associates in the eyes so when I call, you know to pick up the phone and hop to it.” He laughs as if that was a joke, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t.
    Chef Clark talks more about franchising the restaurant we’re sitting in. The chef is adamant about making sure the establishments remain high-end. I listen carefully to Nolan’s replies. It’s strange, but he has not yet made one promise. The pretty hostess steps up next to the chef and tells him that he’s needed in the kitchen.
    Chef Clark holds up the folders I put together for him. “Thanks for bringing this by. I’ll have my team read through them.”
    “It’s my pleasure,” Nolan says.
    Chef turns and leaves the table. Nolan sits back down and leans across the table. I’m hypnotized by his eyes.
    “And now we can have a drink,” Nolan says.
    It takes me a moment to snap out of my haze. “I’ll take a merlot.”
    Nolan cracks a smile. “Not quite cold enough for a bourbon, huh?”
    I smile. I love that he likes keeping our conversation light when we’re together like this. “Nope.”
    The waiter comes, and we order dinner. I ask for the sautéed scallops, and Nolan orders the swordfish.
    “So, Abby, tell me a little more about yourself,” Nolan asks while we wait.
    “Actually I was hoping you could tell me a little more about yourself.” I’m still not done learning about this gorgeous man’s life before the moment I spilled coffee on him.
    Nolan leans back in his chair and smiles. “Okay, what would you like to know?”
    I rub my hands together playfully. “Were you able to get your coat cleaned after I spilled coffee on it?”
    He smiles. “Yeah, I think it’s going to be just fine.”
    I exaggerate wiping my forehead. “Good.”
    Nolan chuckles. “What else would you like to know?”
    “What are the boundaries?”
    He narrows his eyes seductively. “There are none.”
    I think I forgot to breathe, and I have to take a few quick breaths to catch up. I’m still fascinated to know what kind of woman would divorce a man like Nolan Patrick.
    “Could you tell me more about why you got a divorce?”
    He shrugs nonchalantly. “It goes back to your Cinderella analogy. You know, the typical story. We were two people who got married too young. Each of us grew into ourselves more and more, and in so doing, we grew apart from one another.”
    I lean in closer. “Isn’t there a through-thick-and-thin clause in the marriage contract?”
    Nolan sighs, his posture crumbling a bit. “It isn’t written in black and white. It’s kind of like the projects that you work on, in a way. You start with this idea, and through the process, it changes. It has to change, because you learn new things. You adapt and work with what you have. Sometimes by the end of it, you like what you have, and sometimes you don't.”
    I nod. “Wow, Nolan, I think I get it.”
    Nolan sits up straight. “Good.” He leans toward me. “And by the way, you look great tonight.”
    I’m taken aback. “Thanks.” I simper as I take another drink of wine.
    “So how about you?” he says.
    “What about me?”
    “You must have a significant other.”
    “Actually, I don't.”
    “Why not?” He shoves his hands in my direction and lifts his eyebrows. “Look at you.”
    I blush, extremely flattered. “Well...”
    “Let me guess, it’s complicated.”
    I smile. “Yeah, you could say that.” No need to tell him that I pretty much lost interest in dating in the last three or so years, and I just don’t know why.
    “So how long have you not been seeing anyone?” he says.
    My eyes kind of roll upward.
    “Let me guess,