Free Salsa Heat by Rae Winters Page B

Linden was serious about your relationship?”
    “That’s none of your damn business! I’m not leaving this office until you give me their address.”
    “I’ll call security,” he countered.
    “Call them, and then everyone in this company will know about my relationship with Linden,” she added, sweetly.
    “You’re quite a bitch when you don’t get your way.”
    Shay didn’t back down. “Give me his parents’ address, and I’ll need a car to take me there!”
    §
     
    The Lincoln Town Car entered a winding driveway pulling in front of a mansion, in Shay’s opinion.
    Damn, Linden comes from money, and this house is impressive, she thought.
    A corner property, beautifully landscaped lawn with burgundy and white bricks, spilt-level ranch house, attached garage, and a gazebo that sat on a half acre of land. Shay was indeed impressed.
    A cold knot formed in Shay’s stomach as she waited for the front door to open. It felt like she had been standing there forever. There was a silver Bentley and a navy blue Lexus parked in the driveway, so someone had to be home. A middle-aged, woman of color, who appeared to be annoyed by her presence, opened the front door as Shay rang the doorbell for the third time.
    “H—hello, may I see Linden?” Shay inquired, her stomach churning with anxiety.
    “Linden’s sleeping, and he’s not receiving visitors,” she said puckering her upper lip. Her doe colored eyes seemed to stare right through Shay.
    The woman gave her the once-over.
    “Ma’am, I took the train all the way from Philly to see him. When I stopped by his office, Chandler informed me of the accident, and he hired a car to bring me here. Please…may I wait for him to wake up?”
    “Natalie, let the girl in,” a familiar-sounding voice called out.
    Reluctantly, the woman opened the front door wide enough for Shay to slip through and she saw him from the foyer. Linden was the spitting image of his dad.
    “Mr. Stewart, I apologize for just stopping by unannounced like this, but I just found out about Linden’s accident. I was hoping I could see your son.”
    “Please, come in and have a seat.”
    On trembling legs, Shay nearly collapsed on the deep red sofa cushion grateful for something steady and solid to hold her weight. Nervous, she pulled at the hem of her suit jacket. She tried to play it cool—as if she normally hung out with white people.
    “Did I hear you say you arrived from Philadelphia?”
    “Yes, sir. I took the train out this morning.”
    “You never told us your name!” That arrogant woman exclaimed, a sarcastic tone in her voice.
    For a maid, that woman is rude and outspoken. Mr. Stewart must have given her free reign in running his home, Shay thought .
    “I’m sorry; where are my manners? My name is Shay Bennett.”
    Mr. Stewart and that annoying woman stared daggers at one another. You couldn’t miss the message in their eyes.
    “Natalie, bring our guest a glass of your delicious, sweet tea. I would like a glass as well,” Mr. Stewart added.
    She opened her mouth, and then closed it as she stomped out of the room mumbling something under her breath.
    “How do you know my son?” he asked politely.
    His tone continued to be warm and friendly. She heard that same warmth in his son’s voice. Linden had his father’s height, muscular build and sparkling violet eyes.
    For a man who is at least sixty years old, he’s still handsome… charming—which he passed onto his son.
    “We met a month ago when he was in St. Lucia on business,” Shay said, having the feeling he already knew that.
    Natalie returned to the living room with three glasses of iced tea on a sparkling silver serving tray. She handed each of them a glass. After taking her first sip, Shay agreed that the tea was delicious.
    Shay hadn’t eaten anything that morning, so her stomach chose that exact moment to churn. She was embarrassed by the sound of her stomach growling—telling on her. Both of them heard