Free Boss: The Encounter With The Bad Boy Billionaire: Bad Boy Billionaire Romance (BOSS: A Contemporary Bad Boy Billionaire Romance) by Julie Valentine, Grace Valentine Page B

have finally arrived Mr. Ciarelli. But I am ending my work day as we speak. I was so pleasantly informed today by your father that you would be working with me for a bit, and while I am looking forward to our new relationship, it will not start today. Not at this time. But we can start over tomorrow morning at seven- thirty."
    The look that came over him was actually quite comical. His expression dropped and he rolled his eyes before bursting out in laughter. When she actually took a look at him, he was extremely attractive. He was more her type physically than she cared to admit. But the fact that he was a pompous jerk was turning her off.
    "Seven thirty? You really don't have to try and play a joke on me because I was late today." His broad grin could be considered charismatic and charming if it had not been for the fact that he was obviously trying to manipulate her.
    "Mr. Ciarelli, does it look like I'm joking?" Hart stood stoically in front of her desk. This was going to be way more of a chore than she anticipated.
    He put his fingers up like he was pulling the trigger on a pistol. "I got ya. Seven- thirty. First thing in the morning. I'll see you then, Ms. Jacobs."
    She smiled slightly, giving him a small wave goodbye, watching to make sure he left. He did not even have the decency to close the door behind him. Tension was rising and she could feel it most in her temples. Hart had to close her eyes for a moment, massing the sides of her forehead in hopes that the tension would reduce.
    It did not. As soon as she thought of Tony, all she could see was his immaturity and his inability to be rational. Who on earth would walk in to a person's office, hours late, and demand to get the same amount of attention and care that he would have it he had been on time?
    Hart made a mental note to bring some medicine for headaches to work. Unfortunately, wine was frowned upon in the workplace, so she would have to find another way to deal with the storm that was coming.
    Once she saw that he was gone, she pulled her phone and her purse from her desk.
    A smile spread across her face. Tim replied to her earlier text, saying that he could be ready by six. On her way out, she said goodbye to Lana and made her way to her car.
    Her phone rang, just as she clicked the key fob.
    "Where are you?" The bass in Tim's voice made her body tingle.
    "On my way home from work," she replied.
    "Okay. Change of plans. I'm texting you an address. Meet me there."
    She loved it when the man took charge, plus she was intrigued. "Okay. How soon?"
    "In thirty minutes. I'll be waiting for you."
    Tim ended the phone call abruptly before she could ask any other questions. She made an extra stop at home to grab a bag of clothing to take with her just in case their rendezvous turned in to an overnight stay.
    With Tim, anything was possible. She knew after years of dealing with him, she should be ready.

Chapter three

    Hart rolled over, the blankets wrapped snug around her body. She was not quite ready to get up, but she knew that she had to.
    "Are you awake?" She felt the bed next to her, looking for Tim.
    "I've been up for a little while now. I have to get ready to go. I can't stay overnight, but the hotel room is yours until check out."
    Hart had to squint her eyes to adjust them to the light. Tim was standing in the mirror, tucking in his shirt and straightening his tie.
    "What time is it?"
    "It's almost four. I have to get out of here to hit the road. I have to fly out of town on business for the next few days. I'll call you when I get back."
    Tim kissed her softly on the forehead. "I'm glad we got the chance to hang out last night."
    She hated when he called it that. Hang out. It sounded like they were teenagers going to pass time at the movies or at the carnival. Not like they were two consenting adults who engaged in pillow talk and pleasure. Their relationship had progressed from just friends to friends with benefits about two years ago. It was a seamless