Free The Boss (A Billionaire Romance) by Naomi Adams Page A

about answering his questions came from how weirdly guilty she felt, as though she betrayed Anon by dating another man.
    Lisa reassured her such an idea was nonsense and to focus her thoughts and concern on fire fighter-guy instead of some weirdo who still needed to stay anonymous after talking to her for five years.
    For the first time in those five years, Clara agreed with Lisa's argument regarding Anon, and decided to be honest with him, to tell him she was properly dating now.
    She would try to do so without fear of losing him as a friend.
    So, she replied to his email:
     
     
     

‘Hi Anon
     
    Well, as you asked about my weekend, I'll tell you.
    I went on a date.
    Yes, another one.
    But this was with the same person as the last one, so does that make me less of a slut? Lol.
    Yeah, I know, he was a let down the first time, but I discovered he does wash, isn't rude or patronizing, and he saves lives for a living.
    He saved my life in the fire. Yes! He's a fire fighter--hence his smoky odor on our disastrous first date where I stubbornly refused to listen to his explanation.
    Note to self: Must keep my stubborn side in check.
    For our second date, he showed up clean and well dressed, and we got on so well I'm stunned and, if I'm honest, eager to spend more time with him. It's like I've known him for years; perhaps because he reminds me of you.
    Odd, right?
    I admit—somewhat pink-cheeked—that we even spent the night together and it was . . . sublime. Don't judge! You know how long it's been for me? I await our third date with bated breath.
    Thanks again for all you did for me, post fire. I'm a lucky girl with two heroes in my corner.
    Hope your weekend was as awesome as mine. Do tell!
     
    Clara.’
     
     

For Clara, the three days following their date dragged with the pressures of work.
    Meetings, emails, and calls all meant she couldn't get away long enough to see Fredrick again, until that night.
    Wednesday lunchtime, Fredrick texted:
     
    ‘I'm picking you up at eight tonight. No argument. Even CEO's deserve a break every now and then. Let me show you a good time.’
     
    ‘Oh, if I must. *Snigger. I can hardly wait.’
     
    Clara replied ignoring the paperwork she had left to do.
    Just this once.
    Bang on time, Fredrick arrived with purple Orchids in one hand, car keys in the other, and a wide welcoming smile on his face, lighting up the doorway.
    "Hello beautiful. You finally got a break, huh? Good for me."
    They kissed briefly and she breathed in his cologne, enjoying the minty fresh taste on his talented tongue, "Just for you."
    She smiled and he held her gaze. Taking the flowers, she thanked him.
    Wow, he's hot.
    We should stay in.
    "These flowers are gorgeous, thanks. Sorry, please come in. I got back half an hour ago so I'm running late."
    "Late?" he said, following her inside. "You know there are few things I loath more than tardiness, Ms James."
    His eyes ate her up and the blood rushed around her body, beneath his stare.
    "Funny." Clara winked. Dressed in a navy blue suit, without a tie, with his hair smoothed back from his face, he looked head to toe edible. She walked to her kitchen and heard him close the door before following her. "It's a busy time of year for me."
    "Oh yeah?"
    She grabbed a vase, ran the faucet to fill it with cold water for the Orchids, and set the vase on the counter to admire. "These are stunning."
    "You're welcome. So, what kept you at work so late? Figured, as your own boss, you would be able to get away?"
    "My life really isn't like that. Plus, it's coming up to a big charity auction, which is a bitch to organize. We've had a load of generous donations lately, but every year we need to show the donors where their money goes. The idea is they keep donating to us, and not some new, more glamorous charity. Plus, we always need a few more new recruits."
    "So, what happens at these auctions?"
    "We auction off services, donated items--all sorts of items. People surprise me with