Freedom Read Free Page A

let a guy like this unnerve me. I have worked with bigger guys than him, frigging goombas; I am not going to be intimidated by this guy. Damn, he is big, and he keeps looking at me with a confused expression like he can’t decide how he is going to kill me. Will that be quick and easy, or slow and torturous?
    Obviously, I have spent too many years in my father’s male-dominated business and have seen my fair share of shady characters come and go from his office. Watching my father muttering angry expletives under his breath when one of those creeps would come around to give him problems was another reason why I wanted out of the family business. The smell of burnt coffee, stale cigars and motor oil is even less appealing when it comes at a steep price tag, like a mortgage you can never pay off.
    Blackard Designs is hip and new, and it’s bursting into a more glamorous world of home design and eco-friendly development. It is a move up rather than the uninspiring lateral move I would take if I stayed in my father’s outdated business.
    “Dylan, Emma is Carson’s new marketing and sales assistant. She’s helping with the clients. Remember, this was all discussed at the last company meeting?” Daisy looks at me with a roll of her eyes and shakes her head.
    “Hi,” he says to me in a softer tone.
    “Hello.” I wait for him to offer to walk me to our office, yet he just stands there, so I grab my bag and walk around the reception counter to follow him.
    As he glances at my legs and my bag, he doesn’t even attempt to hide the fact that he’s checking me out.
    “He’s recently been replaced by a surly, alien pod person,” Daisy says to me as she waves her hand in Dylan’s direction.
    “This way,” he says and turns. I notice he is wearing faded, relaxed jeans as I follow his splendid butt down the hall to our office.
    Opening the door, he leans against it so I have to squeeze by him to enter the room. I sense him looking down at me, getting a good view of my cleavage and my own rear end. That’s fine. I am used to working with men, and I work out for a reason. Sure, it’s a healthy activity, however I won’t lie, I like getting noticed, too. Better this guy than some of the middle-aged married men that I used to have to deal with in my father’s business.
    The room has two desks with brand new computers, a couple of filing cabinets, and some nice chairs for visitors. One wall has two windows that face the side of the building where I’ve parked my car. Behind it, I see a shiny Harley has blocked me in.
    “Oh,” I say, looking at my little Honda.
    “So, you’re the one who took my parking spot.” He leans against the desk that has stacks of papers and a personal coffee mug.
    “So you’re a Harley guy? A Super Glide?”
    “How did you know?” His blue eyes narrow a bit.
    “Don’t look so surprised. My dad has some vintage bikes, and he’s restored a few Harleys, so I know something about them.”
    He scoffs and looks out the window, which gives me a good view of his profile consisting of a strong jaw and nice cheekbones.
    I kept hearing how this guy was all baby doll charm and sweetness with a womanizing past; there is nothing sweet about him, though. He looks like he eats baby goats for breakfast. Lauren has filled me in on the accident he had a few months ago and his treatment for depression, but he is nothing like I’ve imagined. I expected a kind, quiet guy, not this tightly wound bundle of nerves in a hot package.
    “If it had been marked as reserved , I wouldn’t have parked there.” I drop my bag on the floor next to the bare desk.
    “Huh,” he grunts. “I didn’t know you were coming today. I didn’t even know my brother had hired you yet.”
    I shrug. “Then I guess this is a surprise. Surprise!” I splay my hands open against my fake smile, yet his face remains impassive.
    “Good, you’re here.” Carson stands in the doorway and gives me a warm smile.
    The Blackard men sure