Pink Slips and Glass Slippers Read Free

dashboard. He lunged for the stick. After a growl, the engine breathed a sigh of relief. So lost in Brooke, he had missed shifting through second and third gear. His heartbeat raced faster than the tachometer. She was one intriguing and enticing woman.
    Why does she have to work for me? With furrowed brows and eyelashes any woman would kill for, Chase squinted into the rearview mirror, hoping for an answer. The only reply was a radio host bantering about the problem with pro sports. He clicked off the talk noise, but the silence didn’t help. The focused business whiz was smitten. He had reverted back to freshman homeroom, staring at a cute girl. Only now his crush was forbidden.
    Pulling into Pharmical’s campus-like office park, he said, “Why does she have to work for me?” Chase said as he slammed his car door with a bit more force than usual.
    Chase realized he couldn’t cross the line in this day and age. She was off-limits. He had to be professional—to act like a CEO. But Brooke was even more alluring than Heather had been, and she was a one in a million.
    “Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl”—his ringtone—brought him back to earth. Chase answered, “Hello, Oksana.”
    “Hello Mr. Allman, I am sorry to bother you…”
    “It’s no bother—and stop calling me Mr. Allman—it makes me sound old. Call me Chase. I was just about to call you. Tell my little man I’m sorry I’m running late again, but I’ll be home soon.”
    “That is no problem. Take your time. That is not the reason I called.”
    “Oh…”
    “Mr. Chase, she called twice today and this time, she spoke to me. She asked for Parker.”
    “No!”
    ***
     
    The elevator chimed open and Brooke froze. Chase’s lips curled into that sensational smile. With broad shoulders in sturdy posture, he looked even better than in the boardroom.
    “Hello. What a pleasant surprise.” He extended his hand. While reaching her hand forward, her heel caught and launched her forward—right into his chest. Miraculously, she didn’t fall. Instead, he managed to grip her in a bear hug. His fragrance dazzled her nostrils.
    “Are you alright?” Chase freed a hand and flipped a switch on the elevator panel. Brooke was impressed he could support her one-hundred-twenty pound frame with one arm.
    A rush of embarrassment blended with a sudden flash of pain. “I’m not sure…I think I hurt my ankle…” Her ankle had never fully healed since her running days in college. Judging from the burning sensation, she figured she re-injured it. Oh great, now I won’t be able to run this weekend. The realization of missing the Run for the Cure amplified the pain.
    “Hold on, I’ve got you. Let’s get you off this elevator. Don’t let go.” Chase clutched her with a lumberjack’s grip and then said, “Put your arm around my shoulder.”
    Brooke liked the way that sounded—and the way his strong hands held onto her. Manly, but with a gentle touch. Sliding her fingers across his firm back, she stopped at his muscular shoulder. Uh oh. She gasped as her breast pressed up against him. She wondered if he noticed. Brooke’s heart pounded like a jackhammer.
    “Oh my!” Ruth Shelby, Chase’s overprotective administrative assistant, stood open mouthed in front of the elevator door. With a sideways glance, she closed her jaw enough to smirk as she placed her hands on her hips.
    “Oh, good, Ruthie, can you help us?” Chase ignored Ruth’s body language and attempted to appear professional. He couldn’t even fool himself, thinking this must look ridiculous. Brooke wanted to shoo her away.
    Chase said, “I think she hurt her leg. Here, help me get her to a chair.”
    Ruth pinched Brooke’s free elbow and yanked her away from Chase, causing another yet writhing pain. Brooke contemplated kicking Ruth with her good foot.
    Chase and Ruth guided her over to a nearby chair. Attempting to lower her with sweaty palms, Chase’s forearm pressed against her breast. His heart