Free The Geek Tycoon by Vicki Lewis Thompson Page A

good.”
    Their acceptance and loyalty choked him up a little and he had to clear his throat. “We don’t have an office policy covering personal relationships, but obviously we need one and it should be something we can all live with.”
    “I can suggest a few options,” Charlotte said. “But we probably could use a brainstorming session.”
    Rylan glanced around at the group. “Sounds like we’re ready for a pizza and beer night.”
    “Yeah,” Miranda said. “But do we have to invite Blake?”
    Tony nodded. “Yes, we do. He might not come, but we have to invite him. We’ve been excluding him and that’s not a good way to deal with the situation.” He could tell from Charlotte’s smile that she approved. “That’s it, then. Guess we’d better get back to work. Picasso’s at six?”
    “That works.” Frazer came over to give him a high five. “You did us all a big solid today, dude.”
    Dulcie laughed. “A big solid. Frazer, you kill me.”
    He glanced at her and smiled. “My pleasure.”
    Her dimples flashed. “Mine, too.”
    After they all left, Tony walked to the door and quietly closed it. When he turned around Charlotte was gazing at him with what could only be love shining in her eyes. “You probably shouldn’t close the door.”
    “I know.” He walked toward her. “Want me to open it?”
    “Not until I’ve thanked you for coming to my rescue.”
    “You could have handled him.” He drew her into his arms.
    “I know.” She gently took off his glasses. “But every girl needs a hero.”
    His heart beat faster. “Anytime. Anyplace.”
    “That’s good to know because . . . because I’m desperately in love with you, Tony Bainbridge.” She swallowed. “You may not believe me, yet, but –”
    “I’d be a fool not to believe you.” He pulled her closer. “You’ve told me in a million ways that this is for real. It’s time I trusted what you’re saying.”
    Her smile dazzled him. “Yes, it most certainly is.”
    “I’ve loved you for years.” He caressed her satin cheek. “But you already know that.”
    “I do. But when you hit Blake I really knew it.” She took a deep breath. “This will change the office dynamic.”
    “Yeah.” He gazed into her eyes. “Starting now.” As he kissed her, he felt the pieces of his life slide together with the kind of smooth precision only an engineer would appreciate. Sometimes the nerd did get the girl.
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    Passion ignites when Rylan Krause accepts Miranda Travers’ challenge to trade his junk food diet for a home-cooked dinner in
    TENDER IS THE NERD
    Don’t miss the next installment of the Nerds & Geeks series coming in mid-March 2016!