Maisey Yates - Six Of The Best Of Desire 2016

“Oh, hell.”

“Exactly.”

“Wait a minute,” he said. “Why can’t she wear the clothes she had when her dad went to prison? I’ll bet she owned an entire couture wardrobe.”

“She did,” Charlise said, her expression sober. “And she sold all those designer items to pay for her mom’s treatments. Apparently the sum total of what she owns can now fit into two suitcases.”

Patrick seldom felt guilty about his life choices. He did his best to live by a code of honor Maeve had instilled in all her boys. Do the right thing. Be kind. Never let ambition trump human relationships.

He had hired Libby. Now it was time to let her know she had his support.

* * *

Libby was in heaven. After months of wallowing in uncertainty and despair, now having a concrete reason to get up every morning brought her something she hadn’t found in a long time...confidence and peace.

For whatever reason, Patrick Kavanagh had made himself scarce during Libby’s first two weeks. He’d left the training and orientation entirely up to Charlise. Which meant Libby didn’t constantly have to be looking over her shoulder. With Charlise, Libby felt relaxed and comfortable.

They had hit it off immediately. So much so that Libby experienced a pang of regret to know Charlise wouldn’t be coming back after today. Just before five, Libby went to Charlise’s office holding a small package wrapped in blue paper printed with tiny airplanes. Charlise and her accountant husband were looking forward to welcoming a fat and healthy baby boy.

Libby knocked at the open door. “I wanted to give you this before you go.”

Charlise looked up from her chore of packing personal items. Her eyes were shiny with tears. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to. You’ve been so patient with me, and I appreciate it. Are you okay? Is anything wrong?”

Charlise reached for a tissue and blew her nose. “No. I don’t know why I’m so emotional. I’m very excited about the baby, and I want to stay at home with him, but I love Silver Reflections. It’s hard to imagine not coming here every day.”

“I’ll do my best to keep things running smoothly while you’re gone.”

“No doubts on that score. You’re a smart cookie, Libby. I feel completely confident about leaving things in your hands.”

“I hope you’ll bring the baby to see us when the weather is nice.”

“You can count on it.” She opened the gift slowly, taking care not to rip the paper. “Oh, Libby, this is beautiful. But it must have been way too expensive.”

Libby grimaced. She had been very honest with Charlise about her current financial situation. “It’s an antique of sorts. A family friend gave it to my parents when I was born, engraved with the initial L. When I heard you say were going to name the baby Lander, after your father, I knew I wanted you to have it.”

“But you’ve kept it all this time. Despite everything that’s happened. It must have special meaning.”

When Libby looked at the silver baby cup and bowl and spoon, her heart squeezed. “It does. It did. I think I held on to the set as a reminder of happier times. But the truth is, I don’t need it anymore. I’m looking toward the future. It will make me feel good to know your little boy is using it.”

Charlise hugged Libby tightly. “I’ll treasure it.”

Libby glanced at her watch. “I need to let you get out of here, but may I ask you one more thing before you go?”

“Of course.”

“How did you get this job working with Patrick?”

“My husband and Patrick’s brother Aidan are good friends. When Patrick put out the word that he was starting Silver Reflections, Aidan hooked us up.”

“And the high-adventure stuff?”

Charlise shrugged. “I’ve always been a tomboy. Climbing trees. Racing go-karts. Broke both arms and legs before I made it to college. At different times, thank goodness.”

“Good grief.” Libby thought about her own cocoon-like adolescence. “Do you really think I can handle the team building and physical challenges in the outdoors?”

The other woman paused, her hand hovering over a potted begonia. “Let me put it this way...” She picked up the plant and put it in a box. “I think you’ll be fine as long as you believe in yourself.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’ve heard you talk about Patrick. He intimidates you.”

“Well, I—” Libby stopped short, unable to come up with a believable lie. “Yes.”

“Don’t let him. He may come across as tough and intense at times, but underneath it all, he’s a pussycat.”

A broad-shouldered masculine frame filled the doorway. “I think I’ve just been insulted.”

Copyright © 2016 by Janice Maynard

Saying Yes to the Boss

Andrea Laurence

Before she knew what was happening, Carson brought her fantasy to reality by dipping his head and pressing his lips to hers. The champagne was just strong enough to mute the voices in her head that told her this was a bad idea. Instead, she gave in to his kiss, pulling him closer.

He tasted like champagne and spearmint; his touch gentle, yet firm. She could’ve stayed just like this forever, but eventually, Carson pulled away.

His green eyes reflected sudden panic. Her emotions came crashing back down to the ground with the reality she saw there. She had just kissed her boss. Her boss!

“Georgia, I…” he started, his voice trailing off. “I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

With a quick shake of her head, she dismissed his words and took a step back from him. “Don’t worry about it,” she said. “Excitement and champagne will make people do stupid things every time.”

The problem was that it didn’t feel stupid.

* * *

Saying Yes to the Boss is part of the Dynasties: The Newportsseries: Passion and chaos consume a Chicago real estate empire

ANDREA LAURENCEis an award-winning author of contemporary romances filled with seduction and sass. She has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she was young and is thrilled to share her special blend of sensuality and dry, sarcastic humor with readers. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted into the Deep South, she’s working on her own happily-ever-after with her boyfriend and their collection of animals.

To My Fellow Newport Authors—Kat, Sarah, Jules, Michelle and Charlene Thanks for being so much fun to work with on this series.

And to our editor, Charles— You’re awesome, as always. I’m still waiting to see that infamous fanny pack.

One

“I found it.”

Georgia Adams eyed Carson Newport from her position in his office doorway. He looked up from the paperwork on his desk, arched one golden eyebrow in curiosity and leaned back in his chair. “You found what?”

Georgia stifled a frown of disappointment. She’d imagined this moment differently. She was carrying a chilled bottle of champagne in her purse to celebrate her discovery. Not once in her imagination had he stared at her blankly.

How could he not know that she had found it? The Holy Grail of real estate. The very thing they’d been searching for, for months. “I found the spot where the Newport Corporation is going to be building the Cynthia Newport Memorial Hospital for Children.”

That got his attention. Carson straightened up in his leather executive chair and pinned her with his gaze. “Are you serious?”

Georgia grinned. This was more like it. “As a heart attack.”

“Come in.” He waved her into his office. “Tell me all about it.”