Free She's Having the Boss's Baby by Kate Carlisle Page A

edge. A whimsical bowl of papier-mâché fruit was the centerpiece on the small dining room table. And on every shelf there were framed photographs of friends or relatives, plus knickknacks, seashells, a small bowl of dried leaves and twigs. And books. Lots of books.
    “I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” she said, rushing back into the room.
    “It’s not a job interview, Ellie.”
    “No, of course not.” She wore pale linen pants and a thin, sleeveless red blouse. Her hair was still wet but combed and tucked behind her ears. Her feet were bare. She looked almost as delectable right now as she had in her bikini a few minutes ago.
    Why hadn’t he noticed how sexy and beautiful she was the minute he’d hired her? He’d worked with her for four years and the thought had never crossed his mind until recently. Maybe he needed more than an eye exam. Maybe the doctors should take a look at his brain.
    She straightened a magazine on the end table. “So, have you been back long? Would you like something to drink? Did you have a nice weekend with your family?”
    She was still nervous. He had to admit he liked it. It was good to know he wasn’t the only one affected by that sizzling moment or two they had shared on the front porch. But as tight and uncomfortable as his body was feeling right at the moment, Aidan had to smile. Surely Ellie was the only woman in the world who would expect a man to indulge in small talk so soon after—
    After what?
    Nothing had happened, really. Nothing like what he wanted to happen anyway.
    “Aidan?” She was watching him. “Did you hear me?”
    Over the roaring in his blood? Just barely. But he answered her questions anyway.
    “I did. I’ve been home an hour. No, thank you, I don’t want a drink. And yes, seeing the family was great,” he answered in order of the questions she asked. Casually leaning one shoulder against the heavy bookshelf, he said, “Look, I know I’m home a day early, but I couldn’t wait to see you. You know why I’m here, right? I’m hoping you have an answer for me. Do you, Ellie?”
    “Um, yes. About that.” She fiddled with one of her shirt buttons fretfully, causing him to fixate on her breasts even more than before. She seemed to realize what she was doing because she dropped her hands abruptly and gazed up at him. “I would prefer to discuss it tomorrow in the office.”
    “You want to discuss it in the office,” he repeated slowly as he gave her a cool, assessing look. “Because it’s…business?”
    “Well, no, but yes.” She frowned, annoyed at herself. After taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, she continued. “Yes, Aidan. It is business. Anything that involves relations between you and me will have an effect on our business dealings. And after all, we’ll be signing both a contract and a partnership agreement. Our lives and our jobs are about to become inextricably intertwined, wouldn’t you agree?”
    Damn, Aidan thought. Even when she got all prim and proper on him, he wanted her. Badly. Now that he’d given himself permission to want her, he couldn’t seem to stop.
    “Now, you made me a proposition,” she continued, “and I would like to negotiate the terms. In that regard, I went ahead and made a list of conditions along with some facts and figures I’d like to go over with you. Tomorrow. In the office.”
    She’d made a list. Why was he not surprised? But he was impressed and gave her high marks for presenting her case so eloquently. So why did he just want to grab her and kiss her? He would, he vowed. And soon. But right now, it was obvious that Ellie needed to exert some control over the situation, so he was happy to allow it. For now. “Let me first get one thing straight, Ellie. The bottom line is, your answer is yes. You’ve decided to go ahead with my plan.”
    “Well, yes. But my conditions—”
    “Are on a list,” he drawled. “At the office.”
    “Yes,” she said primly. “That’s right.”
    He