Read Online The Perfect Affair by Lutishia Lovely - Free Book Online

pace that matched Jacqueline’s strides. For a few moments, only the sound of rubber slapping rubber was heard between them. A few more early risers broke sweat while using the elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, and weights; mostly with earbuds erasing the sound of the outside world.
    After he’d settled into a comfortable stride, Randall resumed the conversation. “What will you be doing in D.C.?”
    “A friend of mine is starting up an online publication. I’m helping him set up the website, write copy, provide moral support.”
    “So you design websites, too? Is there anything you’re not good at?”
    “Plenty, but I told you I’m a geek. That includes embracing the sciences and having a love for tinkering with computers and computer programs.”
    Jacqueline increased the pace on the treadmill. Randall put in his earbuds and concentrated on his workout. Fifteen minutes later, she brought the machine to a stop and stepped off of it. “It’s all yours, guy.”
    “You’re out of here?” Jacqueline nodded. Randall slowed his machine from a run to a walk. “When are you checking out?”
    “Tomorrow. What about you?”
    “Monday.”
    “Great! We’ll both be here this evening, so I’ll get the chance to pay you back.”
    Randall stopped his machine and reached for the towel draped over its handles. “For what?”
    “Taking me out to dinner, for starters. And granting me the exclusive about your latest research. That alone is enough to increase the length of my contract, or have my superiors sit up and take notice at the very least.”
    “No payback needed. We’re always trying to find ways to get our information out there. It was my pleasure to share.”
    “I insist,” Jacqueline said, stepping around the treadmill until she faced him.
    The offer was tempting, and so was the woman. There was no cleavage showing, but the tight cotton across her 36Ds left no doubt as to her generous mounds. He stepped down from the treadmill. “I have thoroughly enjoyed your company, but we’re here in the City of Angels, filled with bars, fast cars, and movie stars. I’m surprised you don’t have . . . I don’t know . . . someone like Denzel Washington or what’s that other guy’s name?”
    “Idris Elba.”
    “Ha! I knew you’d know who I was talking about. It’s Saturday night. I’m surprised you don’t have a date with someone like that.”
    “Seriously?” Jacqueline laughed. “Doctor, you underestimate yourself. Besides, it’s just dinner, and no matter what else you’ve planned for the day . . . you have to eat. Am I right? We’ve enjoyed a whirlwind week, and tonight will be my last opportunity to show you how much I’ve appreciated all of your help and . . . our time together. I even have the perfect place, a hidden gem I discovered three years ago, tucked away in Topanga Canyon.”
    “Topanga? Sounds like a jungle.”
    “It’s enchanting, and the food is divine. You’ll love it, I promise.” When Randall continued to hesitate, she added, “Have you even seen any other part of Los Angeles besides this hotel? Come on, it’s one last dinner. I’ll make the reservations and hire a car.”
    She flashed him an irresistible smile and he caved like an ice cream addict at Coldstone. “I’ll have to meet you there,” he said, crossing his arms and offering up his own simple smile. “In a little while, I’ll be leaving the hotel for an all-day meeting in Malibu.”
    “I don’t think that’s far at all from the restaurant, so that’s perfect. It’s an outdoor setting with a wonderful ambiance, so if your schedule will allow it, I’ll make our reservations early, before the sun goes down. How does six thirty sound?”
    “Our meeting will go until six.What about seven?”
    “Seven sounds great. Listen, I’m going to do a little shopping and may not be in my room. So let me give you my cell number.”
    “Just call me and I’ll lock it in.”
    Jacqueline retrieved her phone from