Free Weekends Required by Sydney Landon Page A

Jason,” said Claire as she tried to get the towel from his hands.
    “Just sit still for a minute; we don’t need yet another mishap to add to the evening.”
              Claire replied angrily, “There would not have been a mishap if you hadn’t barged yet again into the bathroom with me, were you raised in a barn?”
    “If you were more responsible, I wouldn’t have to check the bathrooms to ensure your health. I’m sorry for startling you though.”
    Since she knew that the admission must have cost him, Claire decided to let the matter drop. As her boss dried her hair while she sat in front of him in nothing but a thin robe Claire had to wonder where exactly she lost control of this weekend. What would happen to her if she lost her job with Danvers over this whole mess? Jason was not one to tolerate any excuses or anything that disrupted the smooth flow he preferred at work. Even if she was none of the things that he currently believed she was, she’d little hope of ever getting him to believe it. Maybe her only option was to throw herself on his mercy; if that existed.
    “There, I believe that’s close to dry. How is your hip feeling? You don’t feel as if anything is broken do you?”
    “No, it’s sore but I’ll be fine, thank you. Jason,” began Claire tentatively, "I want to explain about tonight and the nature of my job with Partiez Plus.”
    Jason ran his hand through his hair wearily and said, “Claire, we will talk about all of this tomorrow; I’ve reached my limit tonight, and if you insist on doing this now, I’m not certain the outcome will be what you’d hoped.”
    She felt greatly relieved to end the evening while still technically employed so she quickly agreed, “Ok, tomorrow then.”
    Claire jumped up from the chair, and in her haste tripped on the edge of the robe and landed in a startled heap again his chest. Her cheeks began to flame in embarrassment at displaying yet more of her clumsiness. Suddenly, his hands slid to her shoulders as if to help her. Looking up into those beautiful blue eyes, Claire felt her whole body come to life for the second time that evening.
    As Jason started to pull her closer, Claire suddenly remembered that she hadn’t brushed her teeth before getting in the shower. Not willing to risk letting him close enough to realize that, she stiffened and pulled back. Still holding on to her, Jason seemed to be fighting an internal battle before almost reluctantly setting her away from him with a curt, “Sleep well Claire, I’ll see you in the morning.” 
     She couldn’t help but feel a little lonely as the door closed quietly behind him. After brushing her teeth and finding her nightgown, Claire settled gratefully between the cool sheets. The room was spinning slightly as she closed her eyes and hoped that somehow she would be able to sleep tonight.
     

  Chapter Eight
     
     
    Claire was shocked to see from the bedside clock that it was 9:00am. Pain pounded in her temples as she stumbled out of bed and to the bathroom. She cringed at the image looking back at her from the mirror. Hair sticking out at all angles, dark circles under her eyes, she looked exactly like someone with a hangover. Well, hello beautiful. Claire grabbed a towel and made quick work of showering knowing Jason would be ready to work at any moment.
    Claire returned to the bedroom for fresh clothing and was again brought up short by Jason standing in her room. “What’re you doing in here, do you pick locks now?”
    “The connecting door was not locked, big oversight on your part.” Even in her current state of undress as well as being generally pissed off that Jason had once again violated her privacy, Claire couldn’t help but notice how good he looked.
    Despite probably having no more sleep than her, he looked well rested and fresh. Another pair of low slung faded jeans and a polo shirt made him look good enough to eat.   Wonder if I could get a coffee with those sweet