Read Online Claimed: The Pregnant Heiress by Day Leclaire - Free Book Online

enveloping Emma in a tight hug. “I was hoping I’d run into you before I returned to Los Angeles.”
    Emma returned the hug with a laugh. “Ana, how great to see you.” She pulled back. “Are you just down for the day or all week?”
    â€œJust the day, I’m afraid.” She made a face. “Then it’s back to the grindstone.”
    Emma’s brows drew together, revealing her concern. “The grindstone? I thought you loved your costume design job, not to mention helping to dress all those fabulous Hollywood stars.”
    Ana spared Chase a quick glance. “I’ll tell you about it later,” she murmured, then turned to him and offered a bright smile, along with her hand. “I didn’t mean to intrude on your conversation. I’m Ana Rodriguez.”
    Emma shook her head in dismay. “I’m so sorry. Ana, this is Chase Larson, Rafe Cameron’s brother. Rafe is negotiating the purchase of Worth Industries from Dad.”
    Ana’s gaze grew speculative. “I heard there might be a change in ownership, though I never thought I’d live to see the day.”
    â€œNor did I,” Emma said with feeling. “Ana and I consider each other sisters,” she explained for Chase’s benefit. “We were raised together from the time I was ten. Her mother, Nilda, is our housekeeper. And her father was our gardener until he retired. He redesigned the entire landscaping of the grounds and oversaw the installation of our greenhouse. I swear, every last one of Juan’s fingers is a green thumb.”
    Ana glowed with pride. “Absolutely true, every word.”
    â€œAnd you’re a costume designer? I don’t suppose you also design your own clothing?” Chase asked. He indicated the dress she wore. “This, for example?”
    Rosy color bloomed in Ana’s cheeks. “As a matter of fact, I did.”
    â€œImpressive.” There was no doubting the sincerity in his voice. “I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but you are seriouslytalented. You could have one hell of a career in New York if you ever decide to go into clothing design rather than costume.”
    â€œWell, thanks.” She flashed a grin at Emma. “I like this guy. You should hang on to him.”
    Emma shot Chase a wry look. “I don’t think I could get rid of him if I tried.”
    Ana laughed. “Listen, I have to run. But let’s get together the next time I’m in town.”
    â€œI’d like that. Call and we’ll set something up.”
    With a final hug, the two women parted. Chase waited patiently until Ana was out of earshot before turning to Emma. “We need to go someplace private where we can talk,” he stated. “Clearly, this isn’t it.”
    â€œWe can be as private as you want. It still isn’t going to change anything. I’m not going to marry you,” Emma warned.
    â€œAnd I’m not going to discuss the subject standing on a sidewalk in the middle of Vista del Mar.” He paused to consider. “Why don’t you follow me to the condo?”
    She shook her head. “That feels too much like your territory.”
    So much for that idea. “Well, I flat-out refuse to have this discussion at the Worth estate.”
    Emma considered their options. “Okay, I know a place. We can take my car.” She gestured toward the medical building parking lot, daring to tease, “Unless, of course, you don’t consider that territory-neutral enough. I wouldn’t want my Beemer to intimidate you.”
    â€œIt’ll be a challenge,” he deadpanned. “But I’ll do my best not to let your car throw off my negotiating skills.”
    â€œWhat a relief. Tell you what, I’ll even drive you back here, afterward. With luck, no one will catch us fraternizing.”
    â€œWhy does this feel like we’re sneaking around?”
    Emma smothered a