Something about the Boss... Read online

  Sure, Zach had been attracted to her. She was blonde and beautiful and had an air of delicacy about her that had appealed to the caveman inside him in a way he’d never experienced before. But he’d been all wrong for her. She’d needed someone less driven, more devoted. Certainly someone less earthy. It hadn’t taken long for the fragility to wear thin, for him to feel trapped. Then, just when they’d begun separation proceedings, she’d discovered she was pregnant and it had become far too late to walk away. He’d tried to do his best by her—after all, he’d vowed to her before man and God that he’d stand by her through all that life could throw at them.

  But life had thrown them a complete curveball with the death of their baby son. And while Zach had learned to hide his pain beneath a shell of self-preservation, Anna’s guilt over the car wreck that had taken ten-month-old Blake’s life had seen her spiral deeper and deeper into depression.

  “Zach? Is everything all right?”

  He hadn’t even heard Sophie come into his office. He snapped to attention. “Sure, everything’s fine. Just a bit tired is all.”

  “I found your phone. You’d left it connected to your hands-free kit.”

  She slid it across the desk toward him, the screen letting him know exactly how many calls he’d missed from Anna. He sighed. Tonight he would definitely make some decisions. It was past time.

  “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

  He lifted his gaze and met Sophie’s. She was a sight for sore eyes, with her cute blond bob and those warm, whiskey-brown eyes of hers. Today had been the first time he’d seen her approach anything outside of her usual unflappable mien, when she’d arrived a few minutes late. He kind of liked seeing her a little off-kilter. It made her seem more human, more approachable.

  She always looked immaculate—her clothes well cut but not flashy—and he’d long envied Alex her calm, capable efficiency. As Alex’s executive assistant, she kept the place running like clockwork, keeping an overview of not only all the pies Alex had his thumb in but every aspect of every pie. You had to admire a mind that could compartmentalize and draw information out on command the way hers did. In Alex’s absence, the cracks would surely have started to show by now without her talents.

  Zach hadn’t wasted a second on availing himself of her skills over the past month, when it had become clear that Alex’s disappearance was more than the temporary foray they’d all thought he might have indulged in. With the police now handling the disappearance of his good friend, Zach had doubled his workload, juggling both his own clients’ portfolios and Alex’s venture capital concerns. Without Sophie he’d have dropped the ball by now.

  He really ought to show her some appreciation. He spoke out loud before thinking on the subject long enough to talk himself out of it.

  “Sophie, you’ve been a godsend these past weeks. I couldn’t have managed it all without your help. I know you’ve been putting in some long hours and I’d like to make it up to you. How about dinner at Claire’s at the end of the week? Sound good?”

  “You don’t need to do that, Zach. I’m only doing my job—one I’m very well compensated for.”

  “I know, but I am grateful and I’d like to show it. I’ll make the reservation today, and Sophie? I won’t take no for an answer.”

  She gave a little laugh, the sound a gurgle of amusement that removed the last of the dark cloud in the back of his mind and pulled an answering smile across his lips.

  “Well, when you put it like that, what can I say? Thank you, I’ll look forward to it.”

  He watched her turn and leave his office, noted the way the fabric of her straight skirt skimmed her hips and pulled across her buttocks with each no-nonsense step. An unwanted pull of desire tugged deep inside him and he forced himself to avert his gaze. Acknowledging that Sophie Beldon was an attractive woman was one thing, but actually doing something about it was off-limits. They worked together, and he didn’t want to jeopardize that. Too much hinged on them continuing to work in synchronicity until Alex’s return. Besides, look at the disaster of his last work-related relationship. It wasn’t something he was in a hurry to repeat.

  He’d asked her out to dinner to express his gratitude, that was all. There couldn’t be any more to it than that—no matter what his clamoring libido insisted to the contrary.

  Two

  “Thank you, I shall look forward to it?” What on earth had she been thinking? The words played over and over in her head, so stilted, so… Argh! Why couldn’t she have come back with something witty or sophisticated? Something that might have attracted his interest just that little bit more.

  This was further proof that a man like Zach Lassiter was out of her league, Sophie castigated herself as she settled at her desk and tried to force her mind back to analyzing the projection figures that had come in on Alex’s latest venture. They made for interesting reading and her fingers itched to compile her report. But even as she started entering the data into her computer, her mind kept flicking back to Zach’s dinner invitation.

  Her pulse skipped an excited beat. Claire’s was not your run-of-the-mill restaurant and the prices there reflected that. She’d only ever made reservations there for Alex and his various business contacts—she’d never had the good fortune to dine there herself. Sophie quelled an inner squeal of delight and reminded herself she was a sage twenty-eight years old, not a giddy teenager. Besides, this wasn’t anything like a date. It was a work-related bonus, that’s all. And the sooner she started believing it, the better.

  When her phone rang, she was glad for the interruption to her thoughts, even more so when she heard who was on the end of the line.

  “Lila,” she greeted one of her dearest friends, “how are you?”

  Lila Hacket had been making a strong name for herself in set production design in Los Angeles. Sophie was so very proud of her for carving out such success in that competitive world. A world as far from hers as it was probably possible to get, when you thought about it. When Lila had been in Royal to work on a movie being filmed there, the two women had had scant opportunity to catch up beyond the barbecue Lila’s father had hosted last month. Even then it had been so packed they’d had little chance to really talk. Except about Zach Lassiter, that was. Strange how he kept coming up in her thoughts and conversations, Sophie mused before pushing him to the back of her mind.

  “I’m feeling just fine, thank you,” Lila said. “Under the circumstances.”

  Sophie could hear the grin that was undoubtedly painted on her friend’s face. She could always tell when Lila had news she was itching to share.

  “Circumstances? C’mon, spill,” she demanded. “I know you too well for you to keep a secret from me for long.”

  “I have news.” Lila chuckled.

  Sophie’s lips twitched into a broad smile. “You and Sam? I knew it! There always were too many sparks between the two of you.”

  “More than sparks, we’re getting married.”

  Sophie let go a shriek of delight, then, remembering where she was, rapidly tried to calm herself. “Congratulations! When?”

  “Last Saturday of the month. We’re having it on the Double H. We just want to keep it simple and low-key.”

  “And your father agreed to that? Low-key really isn’t his style, is it?”

  Lila laughed. “No, you’re right, but I’m standing firm on this. Close friends and family only. Besides, any more than that will probably wear me out, seeing as how I’m pregnant and all.”

  Sophie’s breath caught in her throat as the news sank in. Excitement and sheer joy swelled up within her.

  “Pregnant? Oh my, that was quick. Congratulations again, that’s wonderful news.”

  “Not so quick, actually, I’m just over four months along.”

  “You’ve been holding out on me,” Sophie accused her in a teasing tone. “We’ll need to talk this out face-to-face, I think.”

  “Definitely. Oh—” Lila hesitated for a moment and Sophie heard her draw in a deep
breath “—and it’s twins.”

  “Twins! How long have you known?”

  “About the twins? Not all that long, although I have known for a while about being pregnant. I just needed some time to come to terms with it. To sort out in my own mind what I was doing next. It’s part of why I came home last month.”

  Sophie could easily imagine what it was like to face raising a child on her own. Although Lila’s position, both financial and social, was vastly different from what Sophie’s mother’s had been. Lila would never have been short of support, emotional or monetary, which was a luxury Sophie’s mom had never had. She pushed those sad thoughts aside, wanting instead to give her full focus to her friend’s exciting announcement.

  “I’m so very happy for you, Lila. A wedding and twin babies to look forward to? It’s wonderful, wonderful news. You have to let me host your baby shower, please! My mind is already brimming with ideas.”

  “Are you sure it won’t be too much work for you? You’ve got so much on your plate already, especially with your boss still gone.”

  Sophie made a shushing sound to her friend. “Don’t be ridiculous. It would be an honor to host your shower. You just leave it all to me.”

  “Thank you, Sophie.”

  “You’re very welcome. It’s the least I can do for you. So does this mean you’ll be staying in Royal?”

  “Sam’s offered to relocate to L.A. with me, to set up a branch of Gordon Construction there, but we’re holding off making a decision until after the babies are born.” She gave another breathy laugh. “I still can’t believe it. Babies!”

  “It’s going to be amazing,” Sophie reassured her. “But are you sure we’re talking about the same Sam Gordon?”

  Sam had vocalized his thoughts about a woman’s place being in the home on more than one occasion. In fact he’d been one of the most vociferous in opposition to the new child-care center at the Texas Cattleman’s Club when it was initially proposed.

  “Just goes to show even a leopard can change his spots with the right motivation,” Lila answered, and Sophie could hear the happiness ringing through her voice. “So, tell me. You haven’t done anything silly about what we talked about last month, have you? I’m worried about you.”

  Sophie huffed out a small breath and lowered her voice. “To even have an opportunity would be a fine thing. No, don’t worry, I still haven’t been able to do any snooping around Zach Lassiter. I’m quite safe.”

  Their conversation turned to more general matters and after Sophie replaced her handset on the cradle, she took a moment to hug Lila’s exciting news to herself. Her friend had been fiercely independent for so long, had carved a strong career for herself against some pretty tough odds, and now here she was—on the precipice of a whole new adventure in her life. Marriage to a man she clearly loved with all her generous heart, and expecting his babies.

  Truth be told, Sophie felt a little envious of Lila. What would it be like, she wondered, to carry the baby of the man you loved? Without realizing it her eyes strayed to Zach’s closed office door. She shook her head. She wasn’t in love with Zach Lassiter. Of course she wasn’t.

  Sure, she was attracted to him. Majorly attracted to him, even though she had some niggling suspicions that he knew more about Alex’s disappearance than he was letting on. But she didn’t know him. Not really. Certainly not enough to begin contemplating what it would be like to have his child, and certainly not enough to fully trust him. Even so, she couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to be the sole focus of his attention. To feel not only his gaze upon her, but his lips, his hands, his body, as well. Zach stood a good six inches taller than her own five and a half feet and he had a strong build. How he found the time to stay in shape with the hours he spent in the office or out on business calls she didn’t know, but it was easy to see in the way he walked and in the fit of his clothing that he took care of himself.

  She could only begin to imagine what it would be like to trace the outlines of his muscles from shoulder to chest…and lower. Tendrils of heat spread from the pit of her belly and made her insides clench on a surge of need so intense it almost made her gasp out loud.

  Sophie pushed away from her desk and went through to the kitchenette to grab a glass of water. She took a long drink of the chilled liquid, but it did little to quell the turmoil in her body. She was being ridiculous. A woman like her was not Zach Lassiter’s type. She lacked the refinement he’d surely expect in his women. Not that anyone ever saw him out with a woman on his arm. He was as closed and careful about his relationships, if he had them, as he was about everything else in his life.

  It made her wonder again just how much he knew about Alex Santiago’s disappearance. Unlike everyone else, he hadn’t openly speculated on where Alex could be. Did that mean that he knew something and was keeping it secret, even from the police? Sophie shook her head slightly. She didn’t want to contemplate it. Surely Zach wouldn’t withhold vital information from what was now a police investigation.

  Zach appeared in the doorway, a sheaf of papers in his hand and a worried frown on his forehead.

  “Did you w-want me for something?” she asked, her voice a little wobbly.

  An inner groan tore through her. Want her? Like she wanted him? She’d have to work harder to guard her tongue. She turned away to reach for a mug from the cupboard so he wouldn’t see the twin spots of color she just knew would be glowing in her cheeks the way they always did when she was uncomfortable.

  “Yeah, can you come into my office when you’re finished in here? I’ve been going over the pitch we’re sending out for potential investors in the Manson project. I need you to help me fine-tune some things.”

  “Sure, I’ll be there right away. Coffee?”

  “Thanks,” he replied, already walking away.

  Sophie quelled the sigh that built in her chest. Yes, he wanted her all right. For work, not for play.

  *

  Her nerves were stretched raw by the end of the week. She and Zach had worked late most nights, he even later than she, and he’d beaten her into the office each morning, as well. Even getting half the chance to check around his office was impossible. Lila certainly would have no worries on that score.

  Sophie knew it was important that they get their pitch perfect for the Manson project. It was something that Alex had started before he had disappeared. It had become a matter of pride for both her and Zach to deliver no less than Alex would have when it came to sourcing investors for Ally Manson’s start-up. The seventeen-year-old prodigy was an IT genius and Alex had been hugely excited by the opportunity to launch her idea of a nationwide computer-assisted home disability network. Astute investors at the outset would be integral to her success and, by association, theirs, as well.

  For all the hard work and long hours they’d been putting in, Sophie was still surprised that Zach was spending so much extra time at the office, and most of it with his door closed. A couple of times she’d entered his office, only to hear him abruptly put his caller on hold or close his laptop so she wouldn’t see what was on his screen. There was something going on that wasn’t quite right, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

  But it wasn’t his hours that had unsettled her the most this week. It was just him. For some stupid reason, Lila’s news had triggered something in her that had begun to blow out of proportion. She’d been able to control her attraction to him without any issues over the past eighteen months, even though they’d started working together more closely since Alex had disappeared. Now, though, the proximity was driving her crazy and affecting her concentration when it was more important than ever that she be on the ball.

  It was as if her hormones had gone into overdrive, as if her friend’s pregnancy had triggered a persistent reminder that Sophie was twenty-eight, painfully single and childless—and that time wouldn’t forever be on her side. Her body remained in a heightened state of awareness even when she wasn’t around Zach—but when she was, it was
a hundred times worse.

  He only had to brush past her for every cell in her body to spring to aching, and embarrassingly eager, attention. And her dreams…she didn’t even want to think about them, or about waking—hot, sweaty and wanting in the worst way.

  Several times this week she’d battled with canceling tonight’s dinner but some masochistic inner demon stopped her whenever she found the words to tell him their date was off. But it wasn’t a date, was it? It was a reward, a bonus. He’d made it clear in his invitation he wanted to say thank-you for her work. Technically, she’d earned it. Still, the prospect of an evening in his company was winding her as tight as a spring and her constant battle with herself had worn her defenses ragged.

  Sophie shut down her computer at five-thirty and slid her backup drive into the side pocket of her bag. She planned to have a long, hot, invigorating shower and take her time over getting ready for this evening. She was going to enjoy herself, dammit. He was an attractive, well-educated and erudite male. Tonight was a reward for her hard work. She had earned every second of it and would savor every bite of what would no doubt be a delicious meal.

  “Everything still okay for this evening? I thought I’d pick you up at your place around seven-thirty.”

  Zach’s voice cut through her resolve like a hot knife through butter. She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t sit opposite him over an intimate meal and not be driven totally crazy with wanting him. She’d be hopelessly uncomfortable and make some stupid mistake, like letting him know how she felt, and no doubt he’d end up embarrassed for her. It would be a kindness to both of them to avoid being in that situation altogether.

  “About tonight,” she started.

  “I’ve made our reservation for eight,” he continued before stopping to give her a sharp, assessing look. “You’re not pulling out on me, are you? Thinking about dinner at Claire’s tonight has been the only thing that’s kept me going through the TV dinners and takeout all week.”