Free Perfect Sense (Perfect Series Book 1) by Amanda Cowen Page B

unsure of what to say. I try not to panic, guiltily knowing I have been thinking about Cash all morning. I rise to my feet and glare down at him.
    “I can guarantee that nothing is going on. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to take my lunch now.”
    My father stands at my abrupt request. I shift my gaze, staring at the floor, waiting for him to give me the okay. But silence fills the boardroom, causing me to look back up into his eyes, watching me.
    His eyes soften, staring into mine. “Quinn, he knows the rules. It’s policy. And after growing up with a father in the hockey world, I thought I taught you better than to associate with a guy like Cash Brooks outside of your work responsibilities. But believe me, even if you weren’t employed with the Bruisers, I’d be damned to let Cash Brooks near one of my daughters.”
    “Dad, please, I want to go for lunch,” I lie, wanting to wrap up this humiliatingly awkward conversation. “You have nothing to worry about. I accepted this job for two reasons, one; I love and respect you and two; I love the field of marketing. And the last thing I want is to compromise my future.”
    He nods with a sigh. “I’m sorry, Quinn. I know I jumped to conclusions, but I have my reasons,” he rolls up the sleeves of his shirt and clears his throat. “Have a nice lunch.”
    I turn around humiliated, feeling his eyes follow me all the way out the door.
    The chime of the elevator signals I’ve reached the parking garage. Stepping out, I can’t help but mutter to myself on the way to my car. I can’t believe that sneaky son of a bitch pursued me knowing my job would be on the line. If Cash even thinks for a second that he might find his way into these panties, then he’s got another thing coming.
    I want to ring his neck! And as that thought runs through my mind, I hear his voice. “Mittens! Hey, wait up! Where you going?”
    Spinning around, it is impossible not to notice the muscles bulging on his arms tensing and flexing with every move he makes. What the hell is he doing in here? He jogs across the parking garage, in a loose fitting pair of training shorts and tight gray muscle shirt. He looks insanely sexy, all freshly showered and breathless, his brow glistening as he pulls his earbuds out from his ears.
    I let out a deep sigh, turn around and unlock my car. I jerk open my door and throw my purse on the passenger seat. As I am about to slide in and drive off, a strong hand catches my door.
    Feeling his hard warm body pressing against my backside ignites tingling warmth starting at my navel, spreading between my thighs. I turn around, shoving my tiny finger into his chest. “Are you trying to ruin my life?”
    Cash lets out a laugh. “Ruin your life? What are you talking about? Christ woman. I was just hoping to make your day at little better by taking you out for lunch, since you still haven’t let me take you out for dinner.”
    His smug smile makes my blood boil. I shove my palms flat on his chest and shove him backward. “Did you forget that I am an employee of the American Hockey League? And that when you show up with roses, send me cupcakes, or invite me to your stupid drunken sex parties, that you’ve put me in a very compromising position. My father showed up here and insinuated I could lose my job, by getting messed up with you. Do you know how humiliating that would be?” I shout, chest heaving up and down.
    Cash lets out an arrogant laugh. “Relax Mittens, Daddy’s not going to let anyone fire you.”
    “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    “Your father is new to the scene. He doesn’t want a scandal. He doesn’t want the press riding his ass. He wants a stress free ride and all the administrative power he can get. And because of that he doesn’t want me anywhere near you. He’s still mad at me over the last intern Kimberley. She quit on Theo after I told her I wasn't interested in taking things further, if you know what I mean...”
    I straighten up,