Page 42 of Enchanted Hero

Her phone beeped again. Same meeting, same time. She cleared it once more. “These things never work.”

“I know.” He paused, stood taller. “This might seem sudden, but I was wondering if you would have dinner with me.”

If she’d received such an offer a month ago, she would’ve said no. As the company’s owner, she couldn’t date an employee, but now she was technically a consultant. After what Alexander had done, why shouldn't she say yes? She needed to get over this lust or desire or whatever it was, and what better way than to see someone else? “I’d love to.”

“Great! So, why don't we–”

Her cell phone gave an angry – yes, it actually sounded angry – beep. “What in the world?” She looked down, grimaced. “It's Alexander, asking why I'm late for the meeting.”

So the man thought he could just order her around? She typed furiously. “I told him he could have the meeting with my phone. He could even invite my laptop if he wanted. That'll teach him not to order me abo–” A phone beeped. She lifted her finger to respond, but her phone didn’t show a message.

Tony frowned at his cell. “Alexander has something important to talk to me about.”

Something fluttered in her stomach. But no– She forced a smile. “I'll wait here for you, then we can make plans.”

Tony nodded, his features softening against the concern. “Sounds great.”

For the second time that day, Everleigh waited… and waited… and waited. Alexander couldn’t have possibly heard their conversation, and his request could have no connection to Tony’s offer, even if the timing seemed suspect. Still, she tightened as Tony finally walked out of Alexander’s office, relaxed at his lighthearted countenance. His concern was vanished, replaced by blatant satisfaction. “You're never going to believe this. Alexander just promoted me.” He grinned widely. “I’m leading the new Orlando office.”

That scheming–

“That’s great,” she choked out. And clearly the mechanisms of a man who thought he owned her.

“I've been waiting for an opportunity like this.” His frowned, held up his hand. “I didn't mean it like that–”

Everleigh forced a smile. “You're an amazing manager, and you should be moving up. I'm truly happy for you.” And she was. No matter how suspect Alexander’s motives, the kind-hearted man deserved a promotion.

He came closer, grasped her hand. “This doesn't mean we can’t see each other. Orlando is only three hours away and–”

His cell phone beeped.

She was going to get Alexander.

“Alaska?!” Everleigh glowered.

Alexander’s expression remained mild. “I've been thinking about expanding there. It really is an untapped market.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” The blasted man wasn’t even bothering to hide his amusement. Or his satisfaction. Why should he? He’d sent the man she was considering dating to a frozen tundra. “Did you hear us talking?” she demanded.

“How could I hear you talking? I was in here, taking inventory.” His gaze turned sly. “Just because I interrupted him asking you on a date–”

“I knew it!” Everleigh pointed an accusing finger. “How did you know he asked me out? Do you have surveillance set up?”

He shook his head.

“Then how?” she demanded. “Wait, let me guess – you can read minds.”

“Yes, but not with you,” he said mildly.

“This isn’t funny!”

His lips quirked up. “Actually, I find it quite amusing.”

“At least admit it. Did you send him away because he asked me out?”

“Absolutely.”

“Tell the tru–” She stopped. “Wait, you’re admitting it?”