Read Online Promoted to Wife? by Paula Roe - Free Book Online

thickly.
    She leaned back in her chair, her mind churning. Even through everything—the parents from hell, the sexist boss, the numerous failed relationships—she’d kept believing, had clung tooth and nail to optimism, to the chance that love was out there somewhere. Despite the six-year gap, she’d been the strong one, keeping her sister AJ afloat when they were kids. She’d refused to use her sexuality as a career jump. She’d started over in a new city.
    Yet had all those setbacks managed to steal more than money, self-respect and trust from her?
    Had she turned into one of those cynical, hard-assed man-hating females?
    â€œI’m not like your ex, Emily.”
    She smoothed down the tablecloth once, twice. “No, you’re not.”
    â€œSo…?”
    â€œSo what happens if it’s a disaster?”
    His mouth quirked. “We’re adults. If it’s a disaster, then we spend a week or so in awkward silence, then go back to being work colleagues. We’d do our jobs, you’d pay me back that money, and you’d go back to school.”
    You are not actually giving this serious thought?
    She abruptly rose. “I have to…go.”
    Zac got to his feet. “I’ll walk you to your room.”
    â€œThat’s not necessary.”
    â€œIt is.”
    â€œNo.”
    As she glared at him, the corner of his mouth curved. “I don’t believe it.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œ You’re giving me that look.”
    â€œWhat look?”
    â€œThat don’t-mess-with-me-mate look.” She frowned, which only made him chuckle. “You give it to all our difficult clients. I call it the rottweiler look—because no one’s going to get past you without some serious backup.” His warm hand seared through her jacket as he guided her out the restaurant.
    â€œNice. Did you just call me a dog?”
    His laughter rang out in the elegant foyer, turning a few heads. When they paused at the elevator bank she tilted her chin up, exasperated at his amusement.
    â€œYou did!”
    â€œI said your attitude was doglike. Big difference.”
    The doors slid open and they got in, Zac pressing the button before settling into the corner, his elbows resting on the railing, taking her in with a lazy smile. Emily steadfastly kept her eyes on the ascending floors.
    When they arrived at their floor, Emily surged out, desperate to escape the confinement of that tiny space.
    When she finally got to her door, she dug in her jacket pocket for her keycard, painfully aware of Zac at her shoulder.
    She swiped the card once, then twice. The light remained red.
    With a soft mutter, she tried again.
    Still red.
    â€œHere, let me.” He took the card from her fingers and swiped it.
    Red. He tried again.
    â€œCan’t we just go through your room?” Emily said impatiently.
    â€œWe could, but—”
    â€œThen let’s do that.”
    He glanced at her, shrugged and pulled out his keycard.
    The lock green-lighted them on the first attempt, an irony that wasn’t lost on her. Then he shouldered the door open, sweeping his hand in to allow her entry first.
    With back straight, eyes ahead, she entered his room, walking swiftly across the living area to the connecting door. She opened it, then tried hers.
    â€œIt’s locked,” she said with a frown.
    â€œI know.”
    Why hadn’t she thought of that? She turned, only to find Zac with arms crossed, studying her in silence.
    â€œSo why didn’t you say something?”
    â€œI tried, but you were hell-bent on running away from me.”
    She blinked. “I wasn’t running away!”
    â€œRight.” He unfolded his arms, then, to her consternation, reached for her glasses.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” Instinctively she grabbed his arm, but the unexpected heat of his skin jerked her back. It was all he needed to claim his prize.
    He inspected her glasses,