Free Crazy, Undercover, Love by Nikki Moore

puts some room between us. ‘I was just going to say that  … ’ he trails off, rubbing the back of his neck.
    ‘Yes?’ A long uncomfortable pause follows. ‘What is it?’
    ‘Nothing.’
    A silence drags out. I’m ultra aware of my bare legs and tiny underwear, the raw urge to bridge the distance to him, push my hands into that thick dark hair and kiss him. I tighten my grip around the door handle, using it to anchor me to reality. It’s difficult. His eyes are so blue staring into them all day would be no hardship at all.
    ‘I mean, I just remembered,’ he says in a deep rock star husky voice, ‘that I need to make a quick call.’
    I blink. Now, just as we’re going to dinner? After how keen he was for me to be ready on time? It must be important. It’s after office hours, so perhaps it’s his girlfriend he needs to phone. In the car he said he didn’t have one, but his definition of girlfriend and mine might be different. I don’t like the twitch in my stomach at the thought.
    ‘I’ll go downstairs then.’ I murmur. ‘Meet you in the bar?’
    ‘Yes. I’ll be down shortly.’
    ‘Okay.’
    ‘Okay.’
    I’m pinned to the door by the intense expression on his face. It’s like he wants to say something but can’t quite get it out.
What
?
Please don’t tell me about your girlfriend. I don’t want to know.
    'I’ll bring a copy of the schedule down with me,’ he states.
    His reminder this is work is the perfect push to break away. ‘Great.’ Whirling around, I leave as fast as possible on my high heels. I need time. I need space. And for the sake of my sanity I need to see him as my boss … not a man.

Chapter Seven
    ‘Bugger!’ On my mobile to Jess, I hunt for a quiet corner in the hotel bar. The call will cost money I don’t have, but this is an emergency. ‘Bugger, bugger, bugger!’
    ‘What’s wrong?’
    ‘The CEO. Alex. He’s gorgeous! Tall, dark haired, ruggedly handsome and heavenly–bodied. Every time I’m with him I practically swoon, like a girl from those regency novels you devour. Or I basically drool. It’s so embarrassing. What am I going to do?’
    ‘Well, if you’d listened to me you wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place. I told you, it’s not right—’
    ‘What’s not right is what Tony bloody Ferrier did to me. Jess, please,’ I beg, ‘less teacher mode and more best friend. You still love me, right?’
    ‘Yes,’ she sighs. ‘Of course. Okay, so you’re finally going gaga over a man.’ She chuckles, lightening up. ‘I must admit I was wondering if it’d ever happen.’
    ‘That is
not
helpful.’ Spotting a free table, I stride across the room and sit down, ordering a glass of white wine from a passing waiter with a series of elaborate hand gestures. ‘And I’d hardly say going gaga. I’m just struggling a little to stay professional, that’s all.’
    ‘Sorry, but a little? You just said you nearly swooned.’ She laughs.
    ‘I’m glad you think this is funny. Remember that when you’re having to pull me out of a giant tub of ice cream and prise the empty wine bottle from my cold fingers because it’s all gone wrong.’ Then I interject quickly, ‘
Don’t
say it.’
    ‘Fine. And you’re there now so we have to deal with it I guess. Hmm. He’s gorgeous. Well, I agree it would be better if he was fat, old, smelly and bald.’
    ‘If only. And what’s really annoying is he’s totally not my usual type.’ I nod a thanks to the waiter as he places a glass of wine in front of me.
    ‘Why? Because he’s not a sensitive soul like the ones you usually go for who look like James Blunt on a bad day? Have you ever wondered if the guys you date aren’t really your type, and that’s why you never commit to them?’
    ‘Hey, watch it.’ I take a large mouthful of the wine. ‘You’re not so hot on the commitment front yourself, are you?’ I wince. ‘Sorry,’ I rush. She’s been in love with my oldest brother Tom for years, since