Read Online Deadly Intentions by Candice Poarch - Free Book Online

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    â€œI wanted to talk to you about something, dear,” her mother said. “You’re what, twenty-eight today? Time really flies, doesn’t it?”
    â€œYou had me, Mom. You should know.”
    â€œDon’t get cute,” she admonished. “Well, there’s this nice young man who works with your father. He’s moving up in the company. A real go-getter.”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œYou haven’t even met him.”
    â€œI know the kind of man you want for me and he’d bore me to death. Don’t worry. I’m not rushing into anything now. I can’t afford the trouble.”
    Her mother sighed. “I’m not suggesting you stay single, honey. Just that since the others didn’t work out as well as you would have liked, maybe it’s time for a change—a different type of man. We should learn from our mistakes, not continually repeat them. I’m not sure of the young man . . .”
    â€œMom. We’re not dating and we aren’t going to date. Brian’s an acquaintance. That’s all.”
    â€œWell, then. Good thing your father invited his coworker to your birthday party.”
    â€œMom . . .”
    â€œFor heaven’s sake. I’m not telling you to marry him, just talk to him. Be polite. Who knows? You might like him.” She brushed Lisa’s shoulder. “Oh, you look very nice tonight. Any young man would be proud to have you.”
    â€œMom, don’t try to set me up. I’m not going out with one of Dad’s coworkers.”
    â€œLisa, you will not embarrass your father tonight. You’ve done it your way long enough and you’ve yet to bring home a decent man.”
    â€œLike Vanetta.”
    â€œAt least her late husband left her with a fortune,” her mother said briskly. “She owns those business centers. She’s got money to spare. She’s set for life. Now, she can find some nice man to raise a family with.”
    Anxiety rushed over Lisa. “Don’t think I’m going to settle with some old guy just to satisfy you, because I’m telling you right now, I’m not.”
    â€œStraighten your shoulders and put a smile on your face. He’s coming over now,” she said as if she hadn’t heard a word Lisa said. She patted Lisa’s arm. “Your father and I are very proud of you for making a success of your new business. Now it’s time you settled down in other matters, too. Any man would be proud to have you.”
    Lisa frowned and faced the pair. Her business wasn’t a success yet. As her mother had said, it was new and she had a way to go. Was she trying to marry Lisa off before she messed up again?
    â€œAnd for God’s sake don’t embarrass us. Your father has to work with this young man.” Her mother presented her father and whoever with a dignified smile.
    â€œHoney, you remember me telling you about Charles?” her father said.
    â€œOf course,” her mother said.
    â€œEvening, Mrs. Claxton. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
    â€œAnd this is my youngest daughter, Lisa.”
    â€œHello, Lisa.”
    Lisa smiled. The guy didn’t look half bad. He was around Brian’s height, light complexioned with short hair.
    â€œI understand it’s your birthday. I brought you a little something.” He handed the beautifully decorated package over.
    â€œThank you,” Lisa said, wondering what a relative stranger would select. “I’ll put it on the table and open it with the others later.”
    He smiled and her mother and father eased away, obviously leaving them to get acquainted.
    This guy was so far out of her league she couldn’t begin to imagine how to start the conversation.
    â€œI’m not on the market, you know. I’ll tell my dad you tried, but . . .”
    He laughed. “I like you already, Lisa. You have a great sense of humor.”
    The conversation flowed easily