Free Hidden Threat by Sherri Hayes Page B

age, but he was still pushing fifty. Nathan had taken over his father’s seat ten years ago after Jonathan Reese had suffered a stroke, leaving him in need of constant care. Nathan had always been pleasant to her, and she was looking forward to sitting down with him one-on-one today even if they did have business to discuss.

    Lisa had been nice enough to compile a weekly agenda so she could prepare for things later in the week. Cali had no idea how she would do this if were not for her assistant. Everything she needed was either in front of her in a file or within easy reach on her computer.
    Turning the page, a laugh escaped Cali’s lips as she noticed five menus to choose what she wanted for lunch. Apparently, Lisa didn’t expect her to eat out today.
    She was probably right. Even on slow days, there were always things to do.
    Since she had some time, she took a minute to make her lunch selection before reviewing the rest of her schedule. Cali’s eyes scanned the rest of her day to find out with whom her second meeting was with. All the air left her lungs as the words “Security Briefing” stared at her in bold black ink.
    No. No, no, no, no, no. Not today. She couldn’t see him today. After Saturday, she couldn’t bear it.
    The ride home in his car had been filled with tension. They hadn’t spoken. Not one word. When he’d dropped her off at her house, he’d unlocked the car doors and waited for her to exit. He was so still, she didn’t think he moved until she was through the front door. She had just tried to keep her eyes focused on getting inside and away from the strange energy between them. He’d appeared to be upset with her, but that didn’t make any sense. The car ride up was pleasant enough. It wasn’t until they reached the lake house that everything changed. He changed. As fast as she could, she’d unlocked her door and had closed it behind her. The bolt clicked shut, and seconds later she’d heard his car pull away.
    How was she going to sit through a meeting with him? What would he say? Would he be the Matthew who had driven her up to see her father or the one who drove her back? 
    The only hope she had for a reprieve was Jason. Maybe he would come with Matthew and act as a buffer.
    ***

    At nine o’clock, Matthew picked up his phone to call Martinez. The fact that he’d forgotten to call his friend on Friday was still bothering him. He was getting sloppy, distracted, which proved his point about getting involved. And he wasn’t even involved with Cali Stanton; she was just his boss. All they had was a working relationship and that’s all they would ever have.
    Matthew woke up this morning the same way he had since the day he’d met her.
    It was getting ridiculous; he needed a release and soon. Jason’s style of clubbing and finding willing women to hookup for a night of fun was not his style, but he was almost to breaking point. Matthew was on edge more than he’d ever been before, and his temper was becoming a problem.
    Chicago did not have a shortage of clubs with woman ready to relieve my urges for one night, but…Ugh! He was not thinking of doing this, was he? Letting his head fall back against his chair as he waited for Martinez to pick up the line, he closed his eyes. Forcing his mind to run though mathematical equations to calm himself, he began to relax.
    The music on the line changed. It was a soft melody; one you would dance to and pull your lover close while breathing in the scent of her auburn hair. Matthew’s eyes popped open, and he almost threw the phone in frustration. Why couldn’t he go one day without thinking about her? he thought, slamming his hand down on the desk in frustration. One morning without waking up in a heated state, ready and willing to take her!
    Matthew let out a frustrated sigh. He was so distracted, he hadn’t realized the music had stopped. “You okay?”
    Martinez.
    “Yeah. Yeah, I’m good,” Matthew said, running a hand over his face.