Boss On A Leash: A Single Dad Billionaire Romance, Kara Hart [free ebook reader for iphone .TXT] 📗

That’s not going to be me. Nope. Definitely not.

After she’s cleaned up, she raises her hand. “Ms. Greenwald, I have a question,” she says.

He’s lucky she’s a quiet, good natured kid. I really enjoy spending time with her. “Yes, Sammy. Ask away.”

She twists her fingers into her hair. “Well, I don’t know if I should ask.”

“Why not?” I ask.

She twists and turns in her seat. Maybe she’s going to talk about Xander, but she’s too afraid to do it in front of her dad. “I feel weird.”

I give a glance to Marc, who looks concerned. “Oh, honey. You don’t need to feel weird around me. In fact, you can ask me anything you want,” I say.

“Really?” she asks.

“Anything,” I reiterate.

She holds her breath. And then she just shouts it out. “Did you really fart earlier?”

Oh, no.

My mouth drops, along with my heart, and I struggle to find the right words to say. I’ve got my eyes on Marc. He’s going to think I’m so gross.

He raises a brow. “Ms. Greenwald,” he says, feigning shock. “Is this true?”

My cheeks are burning with embarrassment. “Um, it was just a little joke I made,” I say. “For the kids.”

“She farted,” Sammy yells, giggling.

All of the nice stuff I said about Sammy – forget about it. She knows exactly what she’s doing.

When I first arrived to their expensive home, I thought it would be a one off trip. I’ve stayed here for over an hour. I’m a little tipsy from the wine, but I’m feeling really good. And for once, I feel like I belong somewhere.

I’ve looked into his eyes for almost as much time.

What am I doing?

“Farting aside,” he says, “I’d like to ask you something a little lighter than our conversation earlier.”

I swallow, trying to act normal. He’s already given me a book, and though he’s alarmingly handsome, I’m a little out of my element. “Yes?”

Hesitating for a brief moment, he looks at the chandelier above the dinner table and seems to think of the right phrasing. After a few seconds, he frowns and just goes for it. “Valentine’s Day is coming up.”

My expectations get crushed. It’s not the job offer I was expecting.

I swore off handsome men for Valentine’s Day. Doesn’t that count for anything?

Doing my best to act pleasant, I sit up straight and shovel the rest of my food into my mouth. “It is,” I mumble.

Gently placing his fork on his plate, he angles his body to get through my inquisitive glare. “My company is having a holiday party.”

There’s no food left on my plate. I’m full, and I hate holiday parties. Time go home.

Clearing my throat, I push out my chair and quickly raise a napkin to shield my flustered expression. “Oh, that’s nice,” I say.

He stands with me, perhaps more rattled by my response than I am by his. “Well, I’d like to ask you if you’d be my guest of honor.”

What is this, the Netherfield Ball from Pride and Prejudice?

I back toward the door, anxious to get home. “I’ll… I’ll think about it,” I respond.

“Dad, what’s Ms. Greenwald doing?” Sammy asks.

Marc goes back to looking at me like I’m a crazy woman. “I’m not sure, sweetie...”

I know it looks rude to leave so fast, but I can’t help but harken back to my initial feelings I had arriving in Seattle. I met a guy just like this one. Was he as rich? No, but that’s not what I’m looking for. The charm is what gets me every time.

My ex came off as a family man. He was the opposite of my expectations. I don’t know Marc that well, but I made an oath to myself. No more men. Not for a while.

In the meantime, we can be friends.

I leave the book behind with me.

Marc

Valentine’s Day party? Did I really have to phrase it like that? It’s an unveiling, not a holiday themed celebration.

Of course, I choked under pressure. Assuming she’d say no to something so formal, I dressed it up in a cheap silk dress. She still said no.

I’m not going. Not without Ali, my guest of honor. And even if she decides to go with me, is it even worth dealing with her anger over this stupid, minuscule lie? I have to find a way out.

I spend the day locked in my office, brainstorming with Brian. In reality, I’m avoiding any real conversation with my team leader, Sandra. That doesn’t stop her from interrupting with some pretty annoying news.

“Jim called earlier,” Sandra says.

This is the seventh call today, not counting my cell.

Although I’m not fully cognizant of my actions, I can feel my teeth grinding. “You had to schedule that party. You just had to do it, didn’t you?”

She glances at Brian and bites her tongue. “I told you about the party a month ago,” she says. “You chose to forget.”

“Ever think I might have my own plans?” I ask, knowing full well I sound like a douchebag.

She gives me one stare before the guilt starts to sink in.

It’s quite possible she did tell me, that I really did forget. Ever since Ali walked into my life, I can’t stop my head from spinning with confusing emotions. I’m not sure if I like her or if I’m just enthralled with the idea of another life. A different kind of life. Right now, I feel like I’m pulling in two different directions, and if I don’t stop, I’m not sure where this will end up.

I crack my neck and shake my head. “Why is Jim so obsessed with this party thing?”

Sandra juts out her hip, hand planted with enough annoyance to send me flying through the windows behind my desk. “He just wants to make sure the Valentine’s Day party is still happening.”

“What does he need, a physical invitation?” Brian asks.

The guy is richer than I am. He’s probably penciling the party in between the spa treatments and hair restoration appointments. Nevertheless, a man like him can fart and convince a crowd