Ulterior Designs (House of Evans Book 1) by Ella Dominguez Read Free Book Online

was an absurd reaction considering she wasn’t even sure if she would see Logan Evans again or if he would grace her with his dimpled, crooked grin once more.
    The day started out slowly, and as hour after dreary hour passed, she gave up hope that Mr. Evans would show up. She sulked into her manager’s office contemplating whether or not to take matters into her own hands and seek him out under the guise of delivering someone a file.
    Seated in an uncomfortable office chair, she began swiveling around in it, daydreaming of someday catering to the rich and famous and designing the most luxurious rooms imaginable across the globe. Velvets, satins, exotic hand-woven linens and rugs, imported silks…
    With her eyes closed and her head swimming, her ears were filled with the sound of a man’s deep and husky voice.
    “Having fun?”
    Chloe halted, her eyes bleary from spinning for far too long. When her vision cleared, Mr. Evans was standing in the doorway of her boss’ office, and there it was—that mischievous smile that she had been thinking about for three long days.
    She quickly stood up, wobbly on her feet, and about teetered over. Logan lunged toward her, gripped her by her shoulders and steadied her.
    “I didn’t mean to interrupt your playtime.”
    His words and sultry voice eased over her. The way his mouth formed the word playtime warmed her insides as did the scent of saffron, amber and jasmine cologne.
    “You didn’t interrupt anything. I was just taking a break,” she replied, running her tongue along her upper lip as she stared at his mouth. “Is there something I can help you with, Sir?”
     
    *
     
    Again with the Sir? This little tart was in need of some serious memory-recall training. Logan fingered Chloe’s chin, lifting her face to meet his. When he touched her, she took a sharp breath in and held it, her eyes wide and unblinking.
    “I can’t concentrate when you call me Sir. I’ve already asked you to call me Logan. Twice . Do you normally have difficulty following simple instructions?” He drew closer, allowing his hot, damp breath and softly spoken words to flow over her mouth. While Chloe stood immobile and breathless, he held her gaze steadily, enjoying the effect he was having on her. “Do you need me to repeat the question?” The palpable and visible excitement he was causing in her made the corners of his mouth lift in a playful smile. His left eyebrow rose infinitesimally at her silence . “I’m waiting for your answer,” he whispered, his widening smile causing her to shake her head no . “That’s good to know,” he said as he released her.
    She promptly inhaled as she blinked rapidly. When her faculties appeared to return, a look of irritation flashed over her face. When she pushed past him, he attempted to reach out to her, but she was too quick on her feet and escaped his clutches.
    Without making direct eye contact, she addressed him. “Was there something you needed?”
    “No, I believe I got what I came for,” he replied, unable to suppress a breathy burst of laughter.
    Her eyes darted to his. “I don't know what you find so funny. For your information, it's because of you that I lost my position with Indulgent Designs, Logan. ” she retorted, emphasizing his name with heavy sarcasm.
    As her eyes filled with tears, she whirled away from him, her hips swinging furiously.
    Left standing alone in the small office, Logan felt a combination of guilt and anger wash over him. It hadn’t been his plan to intimidate or upset her, though clearly he had. The urge to pull her back into the room and apologize while planting his lips on hers was so overwhelming—he took two steps in the direction she had disappeared, but decided it was probably better to let her simmer down.
     
    ****
     
    At the end of his day, and after much thought about Chloe and her predicament, Logan decided to stop off for a strong coffee before heading home to plan out how he was going to deal with the