Free The Boss' Secret (Callahan's Secretary) by Seraphina Donavan Page A

luxurious resorts in the state.  It was also one of the most romantic.
                  “I’m looking forward to it too.  Now we have to go.  Your meeting is starting.”
                  Anthony took a sip from his coffee and followed Grace down the hall toward the boardroom.  He was about to step forward to hold the door for her when one of the other executives beat him to it.  Richard Beatty was the assistant VP of Marketing.  He was young to have that kind of position, but he did a damned good job of it.  Still, in spite of his work record, there was something about the guy that bugged him.  Anthony had always felt he was working an angle.  Now, seeing the way that the younger man smiled at Grace, Anthony gritted his teeth. 
                  “You look very nice today, Ms. Marcum.  Have you done something different with your hair?”
                  “Thank you, Mr. Beatty, but no I haven’t changed it,” Grace replied.  Anthony watched her duck her head, saw the blush steal up her neck.  He knew that Grace was shy and very self conscious about her appearance and that blush represented true embarrassment for her.  He also knew that Richard Beatty would see it as something else altogether.  It would look like flirting to him and that could only make matters worse.   There was something dark brewing inside him.  It was jealousy, and even though it was irrational and he didn’t doubt Grace for a moment, it still rankled that he couldn’t publicly claim her. 
                  “Enough with the pleasantries.  We’ve all got busy schedules, so let’s get started,” he said.  If his tone was a bit harsh, he chose to ignore it, as did everyone else.  He noted that Grace took up her position in the corner of the room, observing and taking notes for him as she always did.  More than once during the course of that meeting, he saw Richard Beatty stealing covert glances at her long, curvy legs. 
                  The meeting went quickly, addressing various issues related to the acquisition of a new company that had been floundering under its current management.  Anthony found that he was less interested in it than the byplay of Beatty’s lingering glances.  As everyone filed out of the room, Anthony was hot on Grace’s sensible heels when one of his VP’s stopped him.  It was an inconsequential matter, really, but it was something that they would have to address eventually.  Finishing the conversation, Anthony headed down the hall and into his office.  Grace was seated at her desk and Richard Beatty was standing in front of her. 
                  “Did you need something, Beatty?” he demanded, his tone short and abrupt. 
                  The other man looked startled and turned to face him, “No, Mr. Callahan.  I was just chatting with Ms. Marcum about her plans for the weekend.”
                  “I have a business to run, Beatty.  There’s no time for chit chat.  Can I see you in my office, Ms. Marcum?”
                  “Certainly, Mr. Callahan,” Grace replied evenly.  “Excuse me, Mr. Beatty.”
                  Leaving the other man mumbling to himself as he exited the office, Grace followed Anthony into his office.  Outwardly, she appeared calm, but inside she was fuming.  She could not believe how he was behaving.  Closing the door behind her, she whirled on him immediately, only to be greeted by his face mere inches from hers.  Before she could even utter a protest, his lips were on hers, forcefully, as he pressed her against the door.  His hands tugged at her hair, tilting her head back to ravage her mouth.  She was gasping for breath, fighting to hold onto her anger in the midst of the sensual onslaught.  It was impossible.  Even though the kiss was punishing, a reflection of his temper more than his lust, she was helpless in the face