Free Between The Sheets by Jeanie London

your focus is work.”
    There was something so wistful about her expression that the question popped out of his mouth despite his intention to keep the conversation on business. “Are you making the most of your life, April?”
    â€œThat’s purely a matter of opinion.”
    â€œSo what’s your position? Do you or don’t you?”
    â€œI do,” she said quickly.
    Too quickly.
    Leaning back, Rex smiled as another piece of the puzzle fell into place. There was something so vulnerable about her right now he was reminded of his youngest sister Betsy—the only one of the Holt clan besides himself still unmarried, which had created a bond between them in recent years.
    Rex got the sense that April didn’t often open up and share her feelings. Perhaps she didn’t have many people to talk with. Or maybe she simply wasn’t comfortable sharing her thoughts. Whatever the reason, April reminded him of Betsy whenever she had something weighing on her mind.
    â€œSo who doesn’t think you’re making the most of your life?”
    â€œMy boss,” she said, shaking her head. “He’s on this quest to force me out of the office.”
    â€œSo your boss is more than a boss. He’s someone who cares about you. A friend?”
    â€œHe’s sort of like a father. He worries too much.”
    â€œ Sort of like a father?” Rex asked. “I assume that means he isn’t your adoptive father.”
    â€œJohn and his family took me in after my adoptive parents died when I was fourteen. Sort of like a stray.”
    â€œ Sort of like a father. Sort of like a stray.” He couldn’t help but chuckle. With her chin tilted proudly and her shoulders held back, April seemed about as straylike as a thoroughbred. “You don’t deal much in absolutes, do you?”
    Her eyes widened and he got the sense that he’d surprised her with his question. But her smile made another appearance, curving her mouth upward, and Rex liked that she had the ability to look at herself with amusement.
    â€œNo, I guess not. Not the best of qualities for your marketing assistant, I’m afraid.”
    â€œNot necessarily. The work isn’t all about statistics. It’s about the ability to read people and interpret their reactions. Not an absolute science.”
    â€œI don’t know. From what I hear, you’re very gifted at interpreting people’s reactions and translating them into statistics businesses can bank on.”
    He inclined his head in acknowledgment of her compliment, not missing the way she attempted to turn the conversation around to him again. “Accuracy does count for a lot in my work.”
    â€œAnd you aim to please?”
    â€œI do. My reputation, and consequently my success, depends on how well I advise my clients.” Folding his arms across his chest, he directed the conversation back to her, much more interested in watching her relax and open up. “I assume your job operates in a similar fashion, otherwise you wouldn’t be so concerned about making sure you get it right.”
    â€œThat’s the second time you mentioned my job performance, Rex. Have I given you the impression I’m worried?”
    â€œYou said you haven’t had much experience in the field.”
    â€œTrue enough. But I’m still competent at what I do.”
    He bit back a smile. She put on a good show, but she was up against a man who made his living by observing people. Her bravado didn’t fool him for an instant. Given her comments about her boss, he suspected she wasn’t quite as confident as she presented herself. “You must be competent or Wilhemina wouldn’t have sent you. She’s top-notch and we both know how important this launch is to her company.”
    â€œAlso true. I’m a hard worker. If I’m not sure of something, I’ll ask, and I trust you’ll make it clear what you want me to