Read Online Playing With Power - Book 2: New Adult Office Romance by Adele Huxley - Free Book Online Page A

long time. Known him since he was a kid, actually. Hell, after his parents split he spent more time with me than his father.” Lauren’s apprehension grew. For the first time it occurred to her that Paul wasn’t just an acquaintance at a barbecue; he was important to Landon. “In all that time, as far as I know, the only people invited to this house here are close friends and family.”
    “Well, he’s interested in the company I work for,” she suggested, the explanation feeling weak even as she said it.
    “Could be...but I don’t think he’s been looking over here every couple minutes because he sees an investment opportunity.” Lauren glanced across the pool and caught Landon’s eye. He smiled and gestured, asking if she needed another drink. She shook her head and blushed. “Aw, now I’ve gone and made you all self-conscious. I’m sorry, darling. Don’t mind me, I don’t know when to keep my mouth shut.”
    “No no, I’m fine. I feel even more honored that he invited us up here. I’ve never been someplace so beautiful.”
    “Lauren!” Ali called out from the doorway. “Do you want to play a doubles match? Dane needs a paddling.”
    “Go on,” Paul said. “I haven’t quite had my quota of hot dogs yet. I think I’ll get that cook there to fire a couple up for me. It was a pleasure talking with you, Lauren.”
    “You too,” she replied. As nice as Paul was, she breathed a sigh of relief as she walked away. Was he really watching us talk? Ugh, I can’t figure out what he actually wants!

    Several hours later, the sun below the horizon and the stars emerging, the party gathered for the fireworks launched from the valley below. Watching from so far up the mountain, they seemed to burst at eye level. The water-weary children were eating bowls of ice cream, oohing and ahhing with each pop of color. Lauren and Ali sat on the edge of the pool and dangled their legs in the water.
    “Better than a rooftop in Manhattan, eh?” Ali asked nudging her shoulder.
    “Oh gee, I don’t know. There is something about waiting hours in line to pay for overpriced drinks in an over crowded bar I do enjoy.” She paused as a burst of glittering gold fell from the sky. “Today was a good day. I complain enough about the bad ones; I need to acknowledge the good ones too.”
    “Awesome day. Day for the record books.”
    They watched the fireworks in content silence and soon after the finale, Landon’s guests began to leave. Carrying drowsy kids to their car or burdened with armfuls of leftover potato salad, most of the party left quickly.
    Lauren was busy collecting bottles from around the pool when Paul came over to say goodbye.
    “Best of luck back in the city. Make sure you let me know when your brother applies to Cornell. I’ve got friends there and I can put in a good word.”
    “That’d be amazing, thanks Paul. It was really nice meeting you.”
    “You too, sweetheart. Take care.” As she continued to tidy up she happened to notice Paul stop and speak with Landon in the kitchen. The brightly lit house made them completely visible while safely cloaking Lauren in darkness. Paul patted him on the shoulder, a fatherly gesture that hinted at their closeness. Landon seemed intent on what Paul was saying, as if he didn’t want to miss a word. Lauren’s ears started to burn. Oh god, what if they’re talking about me? Don’t be so full of yourself. They’re probably talking about all sorts— Landon looked up into the darkness of the patio, startling her so badly she almost dropped the garbage bag. She busied herself, gathering bottles in double time.
    Ali and Dane were cozy in the living room. Sat on the sofa, Ali’s long legs stretched over his lap, his fingers absentmindedly running along her skin. He was whispering in her ear when suddenly she let out a yelp of excitement and sprang off the sofa.
    “Wren! Put that bag down, we—ow! Shit!” Ali stubbed her toe on a chair, her eyes not yet adjusted to