Free Up Close and Personal by Magda Alexander Page B

the management of the account. The gamble had paid off. By the time I graduated from college, I’d built a small stake, bit enough to start Sterling Industries. Once the business bank account had grown, I’d approached a local bank for a loan. They refused me unless I had a co-signer. Swallowing my pride, I’d approached several of my father’s cronies with my solid plan. Not one of them agreed to co-sign.
    I was at my wits’ end and ready to throw in the towel when an acquaintance offered to co-sign the loan for a stake in the new business. With no choice, I agreed. The following five years I continued to work hard and made Sterling Industries the innovative company it is today. I tried to buy back the shares from the trusted friend, but he refused. Even though the shares made him a millionaire, he continues to work for me.
    A knock on the door wakes me from my reverie. “Mr. MacKay?”
    “Moseley? I was just thinking about you.”
    “What about, Sir?”
    “How much help you’ve been.”
    “I only did what your father would have done. If he’d been alive. If he hadn’t despaired so.”
    “Yes. Well.” I clear my throat. “I’m very thankful you’re in my life.”
    “Can I get you anything, Sir?”
    “No. I think it’s time I turned in.”
    “Yes, Sir. About Ms. Bennett.”
    So he hadn’t missed our tete a tete. “Yes.”
    “She’s a very nice young lady.”
    “Yes, she is.”
    “I would hate to see her hurt.”
    “So would I, Moseley. So would I.” I pat him on the shoulder. “Goodnight old friend.”
    With that, I fumble my way to the door while Moseley stands there and allows me to do so. He knows better than to offer his help. I make my way around the corner, up the familiar staircase to my room. I’d ordered my valet to retire early and not wait up for me. After I wrestle with buttons and hooks and belt loops, I slip naked into my bed aching and hurting for Caitlyn Bennett, the one woman I can’t have.

Chapter 11
    ______________
    Caitlyn
    THE FOLLOWING MORNING, I wake up sluggish and bleary-eyed. No wonder. I did not get much sleep last night. I kept replaying the scene in the library over and over again. I regret remaining behind. He’d given me the opportunity to leave. If I’d had any sense, I would have, but I was beyond tempted by his voice, his words, his scent. His hunger for me. I’ve never had a man want me that much.
    But he’s my boss, my employer. I was hired as his personal assistant, not his plaything. Problem is I liked what he did to me. Those kisses in the dark and the way he touched me, licked me, savored me. It was like he couldn’t get enough of me. I was tempted to do the same to him, even though I’ve never done such a thing before. I could never bring myself to pleasure my ex-boyfriend that way, even though many a time he’d begged. I’m way too intimidated to touch Sterling the same way he touched me. Besides, it’s something that can’t happen again. Not ever. I’ll just have to keep everything on a business level and never get caught with him in the dark again.
    It’s Sunday morning which means Belgian waffles and strawberries. Two weeks ago I would have killed for such food, but today I can’t drum up much enthusiasm for breakfast. Because it means I will have to face him. While in the shower, I entertain the idea of hiding all day in my room. I could phone Moseley and ask for my meals to be brought to me. But that would brand me a coward, and that’s something I’m not.
    After dressing in a pair of jeans, a blouse and a warm sweater, I drag my feet down the stairs. Because of last night’s party, breakfast is not being served until eleven today. A good thing since I woke up late. But after that, a whole day of nothing awaits me. How will I pass the time? No football today. It’s the break between the playoffs and the Super Bowl. I could always bone up on the finance book Sterling’s VP of Finance recommended. Or maybe I could catch a movie.