Married To The Boss Read Free Page A

shifted slightly as the silence dragged on. “R.J.?”
    â€œI’m sorry.” He turned back to his bagel and took a healthy bite. “My mind is a little preoccupied today,” he said after he’d swallowed.
    The tension she’d felt could still be heard in her breathless tone, giving credence to his need for discretion. “No wonder. But it will all work out. You’ll see.”
    â€œI intend to make sure that it does.” He leaned back in his chair, watching her as he finished off the bagel. Silently, he admitted she was right about him being hungry. He’d just been too annoyed to realize it. “I’ve tried calling Tanya, but either she isn’t answering her phone, or she’s moved again. I didn’t bother to leave a message.”
    Dana flashed him a look of wry amusement. “Perhaps since she’s fabricated this whole absurd situation, she’s decided it’s best to avoid any confrontations. Especially with you.”
    He nodded. “The more people she talks with, the better her chances of mixing up her story.”
    Dana came hesitantly closer. “Have you considered explaining to the press that this is the first you’ve heard about Tanya’s possible connection to that poor little baby?”
    â€œMother doesn’t think it’s a good idea, and since she’s the CEO—and basically I agree with her—I’m deferring to her. For the moment, it’s best if I keep the lowest profile I can. Tanya will trip herself up soon enough, especially with Chelsea Markum and ‘Tattle Today TV’ helping her along.”
    The phone on Dana’s desk rang, and she glanced at the outer office with annoyance. “So in the meantime, it’s work as usual?”
    â€œI don’t see that I have a lot of choice. Besides, I refuse to let those vicious witches or the nosy press totally disrupt our schedule.”
    She hesitated a moment more, then hurried to the door. “All right,” she said on her way out, “but remember, R.J., if you need anything, anything at all, all you have to do is let me know.”
    The door closed behind her with a quiet click, and R.J. leaned back in his leather chair, thoughtfully considering her words. Given the circumstances, it was a very generous offer. Anyone getting close to him risked being dragged into the limelight, as well.
    But to be honest, he’d expected no less of Dana. In the years she’d worked for him, she’d been asloyal and supportive as any person he knew. He could always count on her.
    Which was why admitting the truth to her had been so important. He didn’t think he was the baby’s father, but on the off chance that at least that much of Tanya’s story proved to be true, he’d wanted Dana to know about it up front. She deserved as much.
    He hated the fact that she might have lost a modicum of respect for him. Having been abandoned himself as a child, and knowing his father to be irresponsible and uncaring, R.J. valued his reputation above all else. He’d always protected it with savage determination.
    Seeing his integrity questioned in the press was painful enough. Having Dana doubt him would be unbearable.

CHAPTER TWO
    D ANA WAS typing up correspondence for the day, getting ahead of herself before R.J. showed up for work in case he needed to talk. She wanted to be there for him in any way she could.
    The last few days she’d gladly listened as he’d ranted and railed against the world. The press was having a field day with him, splashing the story across every newspaper in the state. He wasn’t sleeping well, she knew, and her heart ached for him. That he needed her now both troubled and appeased her. She hated seeing R.J. in such an untenable situation, knowing how much he valued control. She’d gladly have done anything in her power to make things right for him.
    But for the first time that she could recall, he