Read Online Reckless by Cheryl Douglas - Free Book Online

of work to do.”
    Ty dropped Lisa’s hand and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, I’m ready when you are, Avery.”
    She didn’t wait for him to follow before marching into her inner office. “Can I get you a coffee before we get started?”
    He looked at the small beverage cart tucked away in the corner. “I can help myself, thanks. I really am sorry about being late. My alarm didn’t go off because of a power surge, then Luc called and traffic was a bear on the...”
    “I’m not interested in your excuses. Just pour the damn coffee so we can get down to work.” She bristled at her own offensive words. Under normal circumstances, she would never consider speaking to a client that way. She had to find a way to deal with her anger toward Ty so they could form a mutually beneficial working relationship. She claimed the swivel chair behind her desk and set a legal pad in front of her.
    “Can I get you anything?” he asked.
    “No.”
    Avery waited for him to cross the spacious office and claim the guest chair across from her. She tried not to notice the hint of spicy cologne that wafted between them or the way his hair curled over his collar or the way his faded jeans fit his...
    “Avery, you okay?” he asked, leaning forward.
    She took a deep breath and cursed herself for allowing her mind to wander into such dangerous territory. “I’m fine.”
    He took a drink of strong black coffee and closed his eyes on a sigh. “Ah, this is just what the doctor ordered.”
    She raised an eyebrow. “Not feeling well this morning?”
    A hint of color stained his cheeks beneath his golden tan. “I, uh, had a few too many last night. I’m afraid I’m payin’ for it this morning.”
    She folded her hands on her desk and leaned forward. “Listen, Ty, a lot of people are investing their time and money into branding you, myself included. If you step out of line, we all stand to lose, big time.”
    He set his mug down on the small table between the guest chairs and pulled his chair forward. “Listen, Avery, about last night...”
    She picked up her pen and positioned it over her notepad. “If this is about your marriage, it will be on the record, just so you know.”
    He gripped the armrests until his knuckles turned white. “Damn it. Don’t do this. Don’t shut me down until you’ve at least given me a chance to explain my side of the story.”
    She tossed her pen down on the desk and leaned back in the leather swivel chair, glaring at him. “Are you or are you not married?”
    “Yes, but...”
    “Then I know all I need to know on the subject.” She picked up her pen and scribbled a note about his marital status.
    He got up and began to stalk the room, making the spacious room seem smaller somehow. “You’re gonna hear about it, whether you want to or not.” He turned to face her. “You said yourself that you demanded full disclosure so there wouldn’t be any surprises down the road.”
    She cursed him for using her own words against her. “Fine, go ahead, but we can’t waste time on this. We have a press kit to compile before the end of the day.”
    “Abby was my high school sweetheart.” He sighed. “Prettiest little thing you ever did see.”
    Avery rolled her eyes. “I’m sure she was lovely. Can we get on with this?”
    “She reeled me in, hook, line, and sinker.”
    Avery’s patience was wearing thin. Too little sleep, too much caffeine, and raging hormones tended to have that effect on her. “And?”
    “And she got pregnant.”
    Avery dropped her pen, shocked by his admission. “So not only are you somebody’s husband, you’re somebody’s daddy? This is unbelievable.”
    She glanced at the framed photos lining her credenza. Most were of her with friends and clients, but there was one with her sandwiched between her parents on the day of her college graduation. She felt anger on behalf of Ty’s child. She knew what it felt like to have a father who put his own needs above all others.
    “No,