Read Online Insatiable by Adriana Hunter - Free Book Online Page B

just as a boss or someone running a business, but as a friend.
    “How long are we going to go on like this?” she asked, and saw him look up from his desk, cocking a quizzical brow at her.
    “What are you talking about, Carly?”
    She waved her hands expressively. “You’re just no fun to work with anymore. You have everyone walking on eggshells with your short fuse, and then when you’re not angry, you are unapproachable and difficult to talk to. I’m thinking maybe it’s time you called her.”
    “Who?” he growled, then sighed at the look on her face. “Why would I do that?”
    “Come on, Jonas,” she replied, seriously. “You want her, go get her.”
    He chuckled, swiveling his chair to the side and staring out of the picture window. “She’s not going to want me, Carly. Not the way I want her.”
    Carly had to smile. “You’re Jonas Marks. Who wouldn’t want you?” Her tone was teasing and he chuckled again.
    Jonas pushed up on his feet, shoved his hands into his pockets and began pacing the expansive office. “You think I should go over there, tell her I’m crazy about her? I’m not sure I like the idea of being laughed at, Carly. Although, I must say, you’re doing a mighty fine job of that.”
    “And who says she’s going to laugh?” Carly queried, throwing her hands in the air again. “Why do you think she wouldn’t want to be with you, Jonas?”
    “Carly, the documents were returned, in shreds. Does that sound like she wants anything to do with me? She wouldn’t even accept the return of her father’s company from me!”
    Carly paused thoughtfully. “Yes.” She saw him glance back at her with narrowed eyes, and she went on relentlessly, “I saw how she looked at you, Jonas. That woman’s in love.”
    Jonas’s face seemed to brighten, but then he grimaced. “I just can’t.”
    “Oh, really?” Carly replied relentlessly. “Jonas Marks is saying that he can’t do something? Somehow I have a hard time believing that to be true.”
    ****
    It was a day that Ava had been looking forward to for quite some time; a private meeting with financial consultancy firm, The Bretton Group. They had agreed to take over their stock portfolio, willing to guide them toward financial recovery, and it was all because of Ava’s hard work and determination.
    Ava was excited, but nervous. After all these months, trying to make contact with a financial consultancy ready to handle their stock portfolio, she’d finally made contact.
    “The Bretton Group…these guys are the best there is,” Jeff told her approvingly. “I can’t believe you got us in. Good work, Ava. This is all you, so you should handle the proposal. Think you’re up to it?”
    She inhaled deeply, taking in a bracing breath. It was true that she was the one who’d secured the deal, but it was still more than generous of her brother to let her handle the pitch, especially when it meant so much to their family.
    “I think so,” she said, shrugging. “I mean, I’ve done the research, worked out the best strategy. I’m pretty confident that I can give a solid presentation.”
    Jeff nodded. “You’re going to do great,” he said, with a playful smile. “So, what time do you need to be there?”
    “They’re sending me a car now,” she said, glancing at her watch. “I better get going.”
    “Well, good luck,” Jeff replied, heading out the door of her office, glancing back with a smile. “Knock ’em dead, sis.”
    ****
    Ava glanced out of the car window, turning to the driver in confusion. “Excuse me. I don’t think this is the way to the Bretton offices…”
    “Oh, I forgot to mention it, ma’am, but I’m supposed to take you to the Marquis. There’ll be a lunch meeting instead.”
    “I see.” She recognized the name of the high-end restaurant, slightly annoyed that they had changed the location without confirming it with her.
    It doesn’t make any difference whatsoever , she thought. If she would have to