Free The Wager: A Billionaire Romance by Calista Kyle Page A

I said.
    Once I hung up the phone, I pulled the plain brown package closer towards me on the desk. I knew what they were even before opening them. I had them sent out just this morning to be delivered to Lily. Why they were back in my office was a little more perplexing.
    "Who delivered these?" I asked.
    "It was left with the receptionist in the main lobby," Lara answered.
    "Was there a note or anything on it?" I asked.
    "No, that was all that was left. Marcia, the receptionist down there said a young woman left it and said it was very important that you get this item and that you were expecting it."
    I lifted a sardonic eyebrow at that. I certainly was not expecting to see this again. I had gotten the books on a whim after our conversation at dinner last night. When Lily asked me if I was a fan of Jane Austen, I told her that I had a copy of the first edition of her most famous work without hesitation. The fact that I didn't own a copy of the book, in any edition, didn't bother me. I knew I'd be able to get one at short notice. It turned out I was right. Lara had worked her magic and somehow procured the three volumes this morning and I'd had it sent off immediately.
    It was therefore a bit disappointing that they were back here in my hands. I had been certain that she would like this gift. Granted, it wasn't something I normally got for women I was pursuing. Then again, Lily wasn't like the other women I knew. She was different and had a little more depth to her. I knew I couldn't impress her with fancy jewelry or expensive knick knacks. I'd have to work hard to earn her esteem and admiration.
    The more I learned about her, the more I found myself wanting to find out everything. I told myself it was just because of the bet, but that excuse was beginning to feel hollow. The truth was, I was pleasantly surprised at dinner last night and had enjoyed her company. She wasn't malicious or gossipy like some of the other women I'd been with. She was well spoken, intelligent and had a wicked sense of humor. I knew the best thing to do at this point was to step back and call everything off, but I couldn't help myself.
    After dropping her off last night, she continued to invade my mind. Lying in bed, I replayed the evening over again, and I began to wonder what she looked like beneath her clothes. Her breasts, I knew were full and perky. Her lips were plump and sensual. The way she spoke and the deep earthy tone of her laugh was formed to drive a man crazy. I wondered what she'd be like in bed. Would she be loud and passionate? Somehow I had a feeling she was and I got hot under the collar just thinking about it again.
    I stared at the brown package on my desk like I was trying to burn a hole through it. What could possibly have caused her to send this back to me? Did she not like it? Was she offended that I hadn't sent jewelry? I finally looked back up at Lara who was still standing in my office studying me curiously.
    Lara had been working for me for over ten years. We'd built a comfortable working relationship and she was not afraid to tell me the truth, which I appreciated more and more. Even though she had a bit of a sharp tongue to her, she was smart, efficient and good at her job. And right now, I needed her insight into the female mind.
    "I think I'm losing my touch, Lara," I finally said.
    "Nah, she probably just isn't used to such extravagant gifts," she answered, promptly.
    "Extravagant?" I asked, surprise coloring my voice. "This was nothing. I spend more on my dog than I did on this gift."
    "Well, most people aren't you and not everyone that can spend tens of thousands of dollars on their pet," she answered candidly.
    I nodded my head in acceptance. Lara made a good point. Perhaps I had scared her away with this gift. It might seem paltry to me, but to Lily, it might be over the top.
    "Cancel all my meetings for this afternoon," I said coming to a decision. "I'm going to be out of the office for the rest of the day."
    She