Free The Boss' Surrender (Callahan's Secretary) by Seraphina Donavan

Chapter One
                  Grace Marcum was settled firmly into the heated, passenger seat of Anthony Callahan’s luxury car as they approached the Grand International Resort.  She had been quiet during the drive from the city, preoccupied with thoughts that served no purpose.  It didn’t help that she was being driven in a vehicle that was worth more than the house she’d grown up in.  As the thought reoccurred, she couldn’t stop the heavy sigh that escaped her. 
                  “Penny for your thoughts.”
                  Looking over at Anthony, at the concern that etched his handsome face, she smiled.   “They aren’t worth that much.”
                  The car cruised along the circular drive at the front of the resort.  It hadn’t paused more than a second when a valet was there, opening the door for her.  Bellmen were already getting their bags from the trunk.  Anthony relinquished the keys along with a healthy tip.  Grace savored the weight of his hand at the small of her back as he guided her into the exclusive hotel.  It was incredibly luxurious.  Built at the turn of the century, it boasted all the modern amenities but had retained the lush, romantic style of a bygone era.  Marble floors and gilt framed mirrors were illuminated by hand-cut crystal chandeliers.  She tried not to gape as they approached the desk.  Check in was a merely a formality.  
                  “Here you are, Mr. Callahan.  We hope you enjoy your stay, and if there is anything you need, our concierge and staff would be happy to assist you.”
                  Anthony accepted the keys and signed the registration slip.  As he stepped away from the counter, his cell phone dinged in his pocket.  “I’m sorry, Grace.  I need to check that.  Go grab the elevator and I’ll be right behind you.”
                  “Of course... What about the bags?”  Even as she asked the question a bellman whisked past them with their bags on a cart.  “Never mind.”
                  Anthony chuckled as he retrieved the phone.  He opened the text message, but his eyes were on Grace’s bottom, watching her cross the lobby in those damned heels that drove him wild.  Tearing his eyes away, he glanced down at the screen and frowned.  The photo that had downloaded on his screen was of him and Grace, embracing at the door of her apartment building.  There was no message accompanying the picture.  Blackmail was the only logical conclusion, but whoever was behind it had things very wrong.  Anthony wanted his relationship with Grace to go public.  He forwarded the message and the phone number to a friend, along with a text asking him to find out what he could about both, before joining Grace on the waiting elevator. 
                    At the door to their suite, the bellman opened it first, ushering them inside, then bringing in their bags and placing them in the bedroom.  The suite was easily three times as large as her apartment.  The seating area was lush and romantic, overstuffed couched upholstered in cream jacquard.  A richly patterned rug in shades of green, cream and gold covered the intricate parquet floor.  A massive marble fireplace topped with a venetian glass mirror  occupied one wall.  French doors led onto a patio overlooking the lake.  A separate dining area was filled with rich, cherry furnishings and a tray bearing champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.  It was easy to see that Grace was uncomfortable.  Her emotions were always written plainly on her face.   
                  The bellmen left and she looked at Anthony over her shoulder, meeting his questioning gaze. “This is a bit on the grand side for me.  I’m not used to this.”
                  “You should be,” he said, enclosing her in the circle of his arms, her back against the hard wall of his