Read Online A Private Affair by Dara Girard - Free Book Online

happy she was that he did. She didn’t want to like him. She didn’t want to notice how good looking he was, or imagine how he’d look taking a taste of her version of split pea soup. She had to stop her wayward thoughts. “A friend.”
    “Your little friend had me dreaming about your pineapple cake and baked trout.”
    Carissa felt her cheeks burn. If she wasn’t careful Kenric could end up in her dreams too, but food wouldn’t be included. “He tends to exaggerate.”
    “I doubt it. I’d pay you.”
    “For what?”
    “To make me one of your signature dishes.”
    “I’d prefer not to.”
    He fell silent for a moment then said, “Because of Mia Wexler?”
    Carissa relaxed. Business was something she could focus on. “I understand your reasoning.”
    “But you still don’t agree,” Kenric said studying her.
    Carissa cleared her throat, trying to maintain her composure under his steady gaze. “That doesn’t matter.”
    He rubbed his chin. “Let me guess. You think I’m a cold, unfeeling jackass.”
    She couldn’t help a smile. “Sounds like your familiar with the term.”
    “I’ve been called worse.”
    “And it doesn’t bother you?”
    He shook his head. “Don’t skirt the question.”
    “I don’t think you’re a jackass. I think you’re closer to a different kind of ass, but I’d prefer not to be specific.”
    “A hardass?”
    She smiled. “If you like.”
    “And why is that?”
    She had no intention of telling him. “I have a question.”
    “Go on.”
    “With this friendly little takeover that you discussed so eloquently I might add...”
    He nodded. “Thank you.”
    “…I wonder what Barra Industries really intends to do with the home device that is so incredibly long lasting. Will it replace its current product that has half the lifespan or will it bury this new technology in the cemetery of other innovative ideas that industry finds threatening to the bottom line?”
    “I really couldn’t tell you about that.”
    “Because it’s a secret?”
    “No, because that’s not my department.”
    “How convenient.”
    “You’re a smart woman. You know what keeps the economy strong. We laud the innovations of companies that allow people to introduce ways to upset long-standing employers such as the taxi and hotel industries. But when you look at the numbers, hotel and taxi companies employ tens of thousands of people. The others don’t. There are a number of innovations that would remove hundreds of thousands of jobs and our economy can’t sustain that. Both domestic and abroad. It’s all about the big picture.”
    “That’s where we disagree. Too many things get buried and lost when only looking at the big picture. When only looking at the logistics of how to get from point A to point B. You’re the tanks that decimate villages, the bombs dropped from the sky, while I’m the field doctor bandaging up the bodies of those who survived.” She knew her words sounded hateful but couldn’t stop herself. She was angrier at herself than at him for her ridiculous attraction. She had to remind herself who he was and what he represented.
    He nodded. “You’re right Carissa,” he said with a note of regret. “This is a war and you have to accept that Simus Labs lost. You must concede defeat and chose another battle to fight. Not this one.”
    “Can I fight for the conqueror’s compassion?”
    He sighed. “I’m surprised by your assumption that he has any.”
    “Just reconsider Clyde.”
    “All right,” he said then smiled.
    Carissa felt her tension ease. It was a small concession for him, but a big victory for her. She was determined to get him to see the people, at least some of them, even if it got her fired. She understood his point of view, but buildings, lands and ownership would never replace lives. That was something she’d always stand up for.
    The ax man had compassion. That was a pleasant surprise. But what shocked her more was how much she liked the sight of