Read Online Protector of the Pride (Lions of Pride Island Book 3) by Terry Bolryder - Free Book Online Page B

It had been the best job of her life. Even working with her stressed-out boss hadn’t bothered her like it had the other temp workers.
    She hoped Axel’s mate was someone who knew how to handle him. How to calm him and deal with him when he was overthinking things.
    She heard a third knock and grinned up at the door, knowing it was probably Axel.
    “Come in,” she said, and he opened the door and strode in. He was in his usual businesslike attire today. Gray suit with slacks. Sharp belt. Tailored white shirt.
    He looked at the flowers on the dresser and then the chocolates in her hands. “You like them?”
    “Two at once,” she said. “Impressive.”
    He walked forward, folding his arms, large muscles bulging as he passed her and went to the window. “I don’t think I’m ever going to think of that lake the same way,” he said.
    “Me neither,” she replied.
    He studied her with calm, golden eyes. His handsome jaw was taut. “You feeling okay? You fine with what happened last night?”
    “More than fine,” she said. “I initiated it.”
    He nodded. “Still wanted to make sure this isn’t going too fast for you.”
    “What about you?” she asked, standing and putting aside the chocolates and walking over to put her arms around his waist and hug him from behind, pressing her cheek into his strong back.
    He sighed. “It’s not perfect. I mean, I wish I was allowed to really woo you. Make promises. But I couldn’t turn back now if I tried.”
    “Don’t get feelings for me,” she said, knowing it was totally hypocritical. She was already losing her heart to him, but she hoped to spare him that pain if possible.
    He turned to face her, pulling back. “Seriously? How do you expect me to do that?” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “But I’m a big boy. I’ll work through it.”
    She blinked up at him.
    “I suspect it’ll be worth it.” He put a hand on her shoulder, and it gave her tingles. “What do you want to do today? I’m thinking of calling Cain in to man the phones and taking the day off to be with you.”
    She thought about it. “What are our options?”
    “I don’t know. Are there any goofy dates you’ve never been able to do that you would have wanted to?”
    She frowned. “I’m not the one who hasn’t dated. Is there anywhere you would have wanted to go?”
    He cocked his head. “You know, there was one place. But I’m guessing it’s too juvenile for you.”
    She shook her head. “Never. What did you have in mind?”
    “What about Funland?” he asked. “I always wanted to go there as a teenager.”
    “Isn’t that a little too exposed for you?” she asked.
    He thought about it. “I’ll wear a disguise. And we’ll bring security.”
    “Why Funland?”
    “I don’t know. I guess it’s just because you wake up the teen in me, and that’s where I would have wanted to take you. Plus, when I’m with you, I’m allowed to just relax and have fun. I think that’s a good place to do that.” His lips pressed into a line. “But not if you don’t think it’s a good idea.”
    “No, I think it could be fun. You really think Cain can take your shift?”
    He nodded. “I can call him right now. Give you time to get ready.”
    She sighed. “I guess I can’t say no, then. I mean, a day of work or a date with my hot boss? It’s kind of a no-brainer.”
    He grinned. “Good. I want everything about me to be a no-brainer for you.”
    She laughed. “I’m not sure what that even means. But fine, we’ll go do roller coasters together. Now get out of my room so I can get ready.”
    She shoved him toward the door, hating how much her hands loved the feel of his hard muscles, his tall body. When he was in the hall, she winked at him and shut the door.
    But when she heard him walking away down the hall, she let out a long, pent-up breath.
    She did a good job playing the easy tease when she was around him. Like she was barely affected.
    But that wasn’t really the case at all.