Read Online Lovers & Liars by Jean C. Joachim - Free Book Online Page B

face her. “Well? I’m waiting. Where’s the explanation? Obviously, you
think I’m stupid enough to believe anything you say.”
    “I
really needed the job.”
    “That’s
it? You really needed the job? So you lied about your qualifications to get it?
That’s grounds for immediate dismissal and no unemployment pay. You understand
that, don’t you?” God, she looks so
vulnerable, so broken.
    She
nodded. “I’ve already packed up my stuff.” She chewed her lip, her eyes wide.
    “Oh?”
He raised an eyebrow. “You think I should fire you?” Those damn doe eyes.
    “I
didn’t say that.” She looked at him, blinking back tears.
    “Any
reason I shouldn’t? Who can trust a liar?” She’s
adorable when she’s scared silly.
    “Maybe
you can’t. But you might reconsider, if you think of these reasons…Tiffany
Cowles is coming here tomorrow to interview you. She likes Bailey’s Irish Cream
and chocolate éclairs. Here’s the press release. Oh, and I booked The Blue
Window for the night before Max Webster’s birthday. I made a list of people who
should be invited. I’ll give it to you before I leave.”
    He
stopped walking. “You did all that?”
    She
tried to smile. “You should keep me because I’m doing a good job.”
    “But
how will I know if you’re telling me the truth?”
    “Maybe
you won’t. But you’ll get what you pay for.”
    “You
think so?” He cocked an eyebrow at her. She’s
sexy when she’s right.
    “You’re
the one who said you couldn’t live without me.”
    “That’s
not quite what I said…” She’s backpedaling.
    “Close
enough.” She folded her arms across her chest. The look of defiance on her face
made him chuckle. Best defense is a good
offense. Look at her, ready to lock horns with me. You’ll lose, little lady.
But oh, how I’d love to tangle with you.
    “You
can stay, but you’re on probation. Any other lies like that lurking?”
    Erica
threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Gunther. Thank
you so much. You have no idea what this job means to me.”
    “Don’t
make me sorry I gave you another chance.” He put his hands on her waist,
holding her in place. A sudden desire to kiss her made it hard for him to let
her go.
    “You
won’t regret it.”
    “Better
not,” he mumbled, his gaze resting on her cleavage. Her scent mixed with the
slightly sweet fragrance of gardenia was heady. With her up against him, he
began to get hard. It’s not her. I’m
horny. Been a while. It’s definitely not her. But her rack. It’s tempting. The
words in his head couldn’t convince his heart. I can’t fall for her. I travel alone. So let go of her!
    Gunther
dropped his hands and stepped back. Erica reached up and wiped her lipstick off
his cheek with her fingers. “There. No trace.”
    “Give
me that press release.”
    She
picked it up off his desk and handed it to him. He bent over it, pretending to
read, when he could hardly focus. He wanted her. Having her in his arms seemed
perfect, but was something he didn’t plan on. No relationships. I just got out from under dragon lady. Stay away from
Doe-Eyes.
    “Before
we begin, I changed your appointments with the three young actresses.”
    “How
so?” He raised his gaze to hers.
    “They’re
scheduled twenty minutes apart.”
    “What!” I was hoping to get laid. Might keep me
away from Erica.
    Erica
narrowed her eyes. “That’s plenty of time to size them up, have them read, and
form an opinion.”
    “It’s
not nearly enough. I asked you to arrange for…”
    “I
know what you asked. And I’m not doing it. I’m not a pimp. I’m not going to
send those young lambs to slaughter.” She balled her hands into fists and
rested them on her hips.
    “They
know what they’re doing. Half the time they come in and seduce me.”
    “Yeah,
right! Think I’m stupid?”
    He
threw down the press release in disgust. “Damn you. Think you own me?”
    “I’m
doing it for your own good. Time