Free Falling for the Boss by Erica Matthews Page A

your only objections, we can proceed with my plans.”
    T hose weren’t her only objections, but they were the only ones she could voice. Sensing defeat, Maggie acquiesced with good grace and was rewarded with a pat on the cheek.
    “We’ll have you back on your feet in no time.”
    But what would be the condition of her heart? This was a question to which she already knew the answer.
    The rays of sunlight filtering through the window felt warm on Maggie’s face. Where was she? Sitting up abruptly, an action she regretted almost at once, caused her head to swim, but did allow her to recall her surroundings. She’d been integrated into the Rose Room with a speed and efficiency that was entirely characteristic of Marcus.
    As t he door slowly opened, she glanced up expectantly, her wish rewarded by the appearance of the man who’d come to mean so much to her.
    “ How’s my patient today?” he asked softly.
    “ I’m fine. I feel so lazy sleeping in when I really should be returning to work.”
    “ I thought I was the one married to my job.” Marcus seated himself on the side of her bed, an action that he repeated often, yet always managed to set Maggie’s heart racing. “How long have you been toiling for worthless people like me?”
    “ Since I left school.”
    “ That can’t have been so long ago. You look about sixteen.”
    Maggie smiled faintly. “Something no woman wants to hear. I’m twenty-two.”
    “ I wasn’t wrong when I said I could give you fifteen years.” He suddenly bent forward and touched her cheek. “You’re looking more like the Maggie I’m used to seeing. Another week or so, and no one will be able to tell that you tangled with a carriage.”
    “ That’s fortunate since I work with the public. Right now I’d probably scare off the tourists.”
    He laughed. “A few scratches aren’t enough to render you scary. I don’t think anything could diminish the beauty of your eyes.”
    Maggie tried to quell the tide of pink that threatened to stain her cheeks. Needing a diversion for her thoughts, she was relieved to notice Mittens trying to squeeze through the partially closed door. When she managed to get through, the cat made a beeline for Marcus.
    “ I think I’ve been replaced,” Maggie observed teasingly.
    “ Only temporarily. This has been a new experience for me, you know, sharing my house with a feline.”
    “ I appreciate your kindness in letting her stay here. She would have been lonely at my apartment.”
    Smiling widely now, Marcus nodded slowly. “Yes, it was kind of me; it was also totally out of character. It must be your influence; some of your goodness rubbing off on me.”
    “ Seriously, I know that between us, Mittens and I have been an inconvenience you and Mrs. Griffin could have done without. I wish I could think of some way to repay you.”
    The glance he threw her was full of speculation. “Actually, there is a way you could help me.” At Maggie’s look of surprise, he laughed. “Are you a good actress?”
    “ Not really. What role have you picked out for me?”
    “ One every woman can do. A fiancé.”
    Her eyes widened. “To whom am I supposed to be engaged?”
    “Me, of course. I could hardly suggest anyone else.”
    “You’re asking the wrong person. Felicia is more suited to that role.”
    He shook his head. “I want the convenience of being attached without the ult imate sacrifice. Felicia wouldn’t be agreeable to those terms.”
    “I’m really confused now.”
    “You said you wanted to repay me, and I simply suggested a way you could do so. Don’t worry about the why’s. This arrangement won’t last long enough to cause you any major problems. I’ll make sure of that.”
    A few minutes later she was alone again. Marcus could be heard whistling as he went downstairs. At least one of them was satisfied. Had she really agreed to his preposterous suggestion?
    Maggie had little time to debate the wisdom of her decision. Mrs. Griffin was