Free The Librarian Principle by Helena Hunting Page A

don’t mind it, but I liked New York. They moved during my undergrad, and I didn’t want to switch schools. My father’s a military man—retired now—so we didn’t stay put for long while I was growing up.”
    “That must have been difficult.”
    “I didn’t know any different.”
    “So your father was in the military. And your mother, what does she do?”
    “She’s a sex therapist. They’re currently making their way through Europe, so I haven’t heard much from them lately. It’s supposed to be a vacation, but I think my mother’s using it as an excuse to visit Amsterdam and check out the red light district. She’s all about freedom of expression.”
    “Interesting.”
    “Not when you’re a teenager,” Liese replied. “What about your parents? What do they do, and where do they live?”
    “Giselle and Donovan live just outside of Allentown, less than an hour away. They’re professional assholes.”
    Liese choked on her wine. “Pardon?”
    “Sorry, that was a joke. They’re lawyers.” Ryder wiped his hand on a dish towel and handed her a napkin.
    “Right.” Liese coughed into the white square, dabbing at her mouth.
    “Dinner’s ready. Shall we eat in the dining room?”
    The dining room table seemed unnecessarily large for one person, unless Ryder had seven roommates he hadn’t mentioned. If they sat at opposite ends, they’d have to slide things across the table to each other as if they were curling.
    “I usually eat in the kitchen. However, I thought a more formal environment would be welcome this evening.” Ryder answered Liese’s unasked question as he pulled out a chair for her. He sat perpendicular to her, close enough that her foot bumped his shin when she crossed her legs. Ryder reached under the table and grazed her knee. His eyes locked on hers as his palm slid down the back of her calf, giving it a slight squeeze.
    He removed his hand far too soon and picked up the knife and fork beside his plate. He sliced into his chicken, inspecting the piece speared on his fork before he brought it to his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. Liese stabbed at a braised carrot, wondering when the hell eating had become a mode of seduction. They dined in silence for a few minutes, but it was strangely comfortable, despite the obvious tension.
    He derailed her train of thought when he asked, “What made you accept the librarian position at FAHL?”
    Caught off guard, Liese faltered. “I—well, I liked the environment and the foundation of the school. I, uh, thought you were a compelling administrator with an incredible background in education. I felt working under you would be enlightening.”
    Liese left out the fact that it had been one of the first jobs she’d interviewed for and had offered the added benefit of getting her away from the city and the presence of an increasingly annoying ex-boyfriend.
    Ryder smiled with rapt amusement. “And has it been?”
    “Has it been what?”
    “Working under me—how have you found the experience so far?” He touched the corner of his mouth with a linen napkin, hiding a grin.
    She wished he would put her out of her misery. Location didn’t matter; he could take her on the dining room table for all she cared. There was plenty of room. “Ryder, please.”
    “I’m certainly looking forward to enlightening you later.”
    “You can act on that any time now.”
    He smiled and continued to eat, as if he hadn’t been purposely antagonizing her . When he’d finished his meal, he arranged his silverware on the edge of his plate. He settled back in his chair while Liese picked at her half-eaten dinner.
    “Do you like ice cream?”
    “What?”
    “Ice cream. Do you like it?” Ryder clearly enjoyed throwing her for a loop.
    “Are we having ice cream for dessert?”
    He deposited his napkin on the table. “Maybe. Are you partial to it?”
    “Who isn’t?”
    “People with lactose issues?”
    “There are pills for that.” She wanted to know where he