The Tycoon's Perfect Match by Christine Wenger Read Free Book Online

came closer, she could smell his aftershave—the clean scent of pine and spice. “I can manage, Brian, but thanks anyway. Aren’t you working today?”
    He nodded and held up a paper bag. “I needed acouple of things for the office.” He snapped his fingers. “Which reminds me. I got a fax for you from Julie about an hour ago.”
    â€œI’ll pick it up on my way home. Thanks.” They left the store and he started down the sidewalk. “Do you want a ride?”
    He smiled. “On a gorgeous day like this? I’ll walk.”
    â€œSee you in a bit.”
    She opened the back door of the van, but instead of putting her purchases inside, she watched Brian walk away.
    He turned back suddenly, and caught her staring. Grinning, he waved.
    Busted.
    Her cheeks heated as she lifted her hand in a weak acknowledgment, then concentrated on emptying her cart.
    Several minutes later, Mari entered Brian’s office. Mrs. Newley wasn’t there, but Brian was at his desk, on the phone. He motioned for her to come on back.
    She lifted the counterpiece that acted as a barrier between the waiting area and the workplace, walked back to his glass-enclosed office and took a seat.
    Brian smiled at her, put his hand over the mouthpiece of the phone and whispered, “Hang on aminute. I have to ask you something.” He handed her a stack of papers.
    It was her fax from Julie. Glancing at it, she saw that it was nothing that couldn’t have waited until she returned—just some monthly stats and reports from various department heads.
    She smiled back at Brian and skimmed the material. He’d no sooner hung up the phone than it rang again.
    â€œSorry,” he said. “I’m waiting to hear about an offer on a vacant building for an anxious client, or I’d let the machine get it.”
    â€œNo problem.”
    As she skimmed the fax, her eyes kept returning to Brian. He was much more interesting and definitely in his element. He fielded his calls with confidence, knowledge and an easygoing demeanor that would equal or surpass any executives at Sherwood.
    Again he hung up, and again the phone rang. “I’m sorry. It’s normally not this busy.”
    â€œDon’t be silly,” Mari said. “For a change, I’ve got all the time in the world.”
    Through the open windows, she could see some children playing jump rope on the sidewalk.
    She could hear the girls giggle, and she couldsmell the sweetness of fresh-cut grass as a lawn mower droned in the distance.
    In contrast, her office windows in Boston were sealed shut. All she could see were other office buildings—a soaring mix of glass and brick and gray cement.
    Finally, he hung up the phone. “Sorry about the wait. Hopefully, that’ll be it for a while.”
    â€œI know how it feels. My phone at work never stops ringing, and it’s impossible to get anything done. I just hate it.”
    â€œI love it.” He grinned. “It gets my blood pumping.”
    She stood to leave.
    â€œMari, would you like to go with me to my nephew’s seventh birthday tomorrow?”
    She was just about to tell him that Melanie had already invited her when he held up his hand.
    â€œI know you want to be alone, but my family wants to see you. I promise you it’ll be fun. It’s just a barbecue, and probably a campfire at night.” He tapped a pencil on the desk, and Mari wondered if he was anxious that she’d say no.
    â€œMelanie already asked me to come, Brian.”
    â€œOh, I didn’t know that. I haven’t talked to her today.” He let out a deep breath. “And what did you say?”
    â€œI said I’d love to.”
    Smiling, his turquoise eyes lit up. “I’m glad.”
    Suddenly, things seemed awkward between them. It wasn’t as if it was a date or anything like that….
    â€œWell, I’d better get my groceries home.” Standing,