Read Online Whatever You Like by Maureen Smith - Free Book Online Page A

or—” As comprehension dawned, her eyes widened with angry indignation. “Mighty presumptuous, aren’t we? How the hell did you know I’d agree to have lunch with you?”
    His lips quirked into a half smile. “You’re here, aren’t you?”
    Heat stung her face. “I didn’t have much of a choice,” she fired back. “You made sure of that.”
    They were interrupted when the waiter materialized with their drinks and appetizers. Lena ignored her oyster bisque and went straight for the wine, hoping it would help calm her nerves.
    Deep down, she acknowledged what an incredibly enviable position she was in. What woman in her right mind wouldn’t love to be pursued by a virile, gorgeous, wealthy man—a man so determined to have her that he’d bought a company, for God’s sake? Lena knew she should feel flattered to be courted by Roderick. Under normal circumstances she would have been flattered. But there was nothing “normal” about this situation. Not even close.
    â€œEasy,” Roderick murmured, watching with anamused expression as she gulped down her wine. “I still have to return you to work, remember?”
    â€œI can hold my liquor.” She gave him a sardonic look. “Or are you worried that I might embarrass you in this nice restaurant?”
    He chuckled. “I don’t get embarrassed very easily.”
    â€œNo?” Lena was perversely tempted to find out what would happen if she slurped her soup, chewed with her mouth open, belched loudly and got stumbling drunk. Would Roderick be so repulsed that he wouldn’t want her anymore? Could she get rid of him that easily?
    As if he’d read her mind, Roderick grinned slowly. “Nothing you could say or do would embarrass me—or turn me off.”
    â€œDamn,” Lena muttered darkly, and he laughed.
    After sampling her bisque, she asked, “So, what are these revisions you wanted to discuss with me?”
    Roderick picked up his glass and took a languid sip of Bordeaux. “There weren’t any.”
    Lena blinked at him, convinced she’d heard wrong. “Excuse me?”
    â€œThere were no revisions to your proposal. I just made that up to get you alone.”
    Incredulous, Lena shook her head at him. “I don’t believe this. Did you even read my proposal?”
    â€œI did. It was excellent. Very comprehensive and well written. I had no follow-up questions or suggestions for improvement.”
    â€œWhat about your funding team?” Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Do you even have a funding team?”
    â€œI do now.” His mouth twitched. “But I haven’t had a chance to meet with them yet.”
    â€œAre you kidding me?” Torn between exasperation,disbelief and anger, Lena glared at him. “Have you lost your mind?”
    He grinned unabashedly. “Not at all.”
    â€œI beg to differ. First you buy a foundation that was established to give away money, when you’re in the business of making money. Then you show up at my workplace to personally offer the grant funds, but only on the condition that I make revisions—revisions that you don’t really want! Doesn’t any of that strike you as crazy?”
    â€œNot crazy,” Roderick countered silkily. “Determined.”
    Lena’s stomach clenched, and a flush stole over her body. She was spared from responding when the waiter returned with their meals. She waited until he’d settled their plates on the table, topped off their wine, draped a linen napkin across her lap and left the room before she returned her attention to Roderick.
    â€œWhat do you want?” she asked tightly.
    â€œI think you already know what I want.” A hot, possessive gleam filled his eyes. “I want you.”
    A shiver raced down Lena’s spine, and her nipples puckered against the silk of her bra. She swallowed with difficulty.