Free Beginnings (Brady Trilogy) by Aneta Krpekyan Page A

bold behavior Friday night and immediately blamed the tequila. She quickly excused herself leaving Luke to stare at the closed doors.
    “What are you hiding Isabel?” he whispered.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter Four
     
                  December arrived with promises of it being a very cold winter. B. Pentagon Prints was at the peak of its season as Luke’s staff merrily worked overtime and most weekends. Ginger, with Isabel’s help had decked the halls to bring in holiday cheer. The Annual Christmas Gala and New Year’s bash held in New York was rapidly approaching. Ginger and Isabel had been in constant contact with the Manhattan location’s Events Coordinator working on details. The CEO, Luke’s father, wanted specific arrangements and sent them a long guest list. Most of their clients were back east and had gladly RSVP’ed to the celebrations. B. Pentagon was known for throwing the largest and most exquisite holiday celebrations for its clients. Since Luke’s father had started the tradition, the event is to be held in his New York estate. As Luke’s personal assistant, Isabel was expected to join the event just as Rachel had every year.
    Luke worked in silence the next few months behind closed doors. When his doors were open he usually wasn’t in his office. Isabel also noticed his dinner for two reservations had decreased. He was acting strange and she knew she was the reason. One minute he was pleased to see her and the next he struggled to keep away. It looked as though he was fighting himself around her and she wanted to convince him to stop wrestling with his thoughts. She was sure of how he felt from the way his eyes lingered over hers. How occasionally he’d brush his fingers over her cheek when they were alone. Whenever he was close enough to touch he didn’t fight the urge to gently stroke her face with the tips of his fingers and softly brush her arms with his hands. Yet she would see him hesitate and pull back. It distressed her to know she was falling for a man who refused to want her back. She told herself it’s because he was trying to maintain a professional relationship. But a large part of her insecurities told her maybe he just wasn’t that into her. Maybe she wasn’t worth the risk for him to take.
    Lu ke realized the best way to stop thinking about Isabel was to be buried deep in his work. He desperately tried to distract himself with exclusive dates hoping meaningless sex would relax his unsettled nerves. He thought in order to get his mind off the woman he denied to want, he could distract himself with casual dating. Unfortunately he failed miserably. He’d sit across the dinner table from a beautiful, intelligent woman and would think of Isabel instead. He hadn’t touch, kissed or slept with a woman since he met her. She had spoiled him for anyone else. His travel arrangements with Isabel were approaching and he had to prepare himself to see her as his assistant and nothing more. He was going to spend a lot of close time with her and needed to bury his need for her. The busy holiday schedule was a definite bonus of helping him keep his distance. He sat at his desk and planned his next meeting as his phone rang. He looked at the receiver and realized the call was coming directly to his line instead of a transfer from Isabel. Only a handful had Luke’s direct line. Debating if he should pick up or leave it to voicemail, like he had most of the day, he finally picked up the phone.
    “ Brady.” He called out.
    “Luke? It’ s Preston Scotts. Hope it’s not a bad time.” Luke recognized the old voice in an instant.
    “Can you please hold a moment?” Luke placed the call on hold and quickly went to shut his double doors. “How can I help you Scotts?”
    “Well I haven’t called to discuss business Luke. I’ve actually called to ask you about your assistant. A few of my contacts have located her to be working closely with you. I’m sure