Pink Slips and Glass Slippers Read Free Page A

thumped as his groin tingled.
    “You really should have that X-Rayed,” Chase said as he stared at everything but Brooke’s ankle.
    “I can take her,” Ruth announced with a screechy voice that belonged on a corn broom.
    “The nearest hospital’s across town. I’m heading that way,” Chase lied.
    “Your car’s not big enough.” Ruth’s eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms over her silicone chest. She had been envious of Brooke since the moment she laid eyes on her. She could tell her boss was smitten by this newcomer. The last thing she wanted was to grant this Barbie doll a chance to flirt with her administrative property.
    Chase creased his brow, “Well, it’s big enough for me and the passenger seat has the same room.” Brooke wanted to chime in yeah, yeah, yeah , but instead remained silent. She didn’t realize her mouth hung open.
    “You have a conference call with Marvin Wixfeldt in an hour. I’ll take her.”
    “I can take that call on my cell.”
    “You’ll lose the connection in a hospital.”
    “I want to get out of it anyway. Maybe I can blame the hospital for the lost call. I should take her since I’m responsible for her injury.” Brooke raised her eyebrow.
    “Very well. You’re the boss.” Ruth frowned, then spun and strode away.
    “Can you stand up?” Brooke loved how Chase’s lips formed. She thought, it’s not fair that he has lashes like that.
    “I’m not sure. It’s starting to swell up.”
    “Do you want some ice?” Brooke would have loved a frigid painkiller, but didn’t want to invite Ruth back on the scene.
    “No, if you help me, I think I can make it to your car.”
    Chase wiped his hand on the side of his fitted trousers and then reached out. Brooke didn’t think she needed help—her butterflies could carry her. She grabbed his hand, noticing it was as moist as hers. With her opposite elbow, she struggled to push herself up, then stumbled. Her entire leg felt like lightning struck. Her grimace invited Chase closer—not pre-meditated, but enough to do the trick. Inhaling that intoxicating aroma, she eased onto his side again. Despite the excruciating pain, Brooke felt exhilarated and comforted. He had an alluring demeanor. Trusting. Confident.
    And married .
    Brooke felt naked, realizing her breast pressed against him again, but she didn’t dare try to move away. I have to calm down she told herself but her heart defied her mind’s request. With her heart pounding, she worried she might go into cardiac arrest in addition to a broken ankle if she didn’t relax. Judging from the stink Ruth made, she wondered if Chase rode a Harley. Brooke pictured herself hugging his six pack abs as his strapping upper body guided the motorcycle. This didn’t help bring her heartbeat down to human levels. She was looking forward to an intimate ride with this handsome prince, even if he was married.
    The elevator door opened and this time—without heels—she managed to make it inside without incident. Chase pressed lower level, where she guessed his mystery mini-ride awaited in a private stall in the company parking garage. The plunge of the elevator felt like a free-fall. Neither one wanted another employee to observe them arm in arm again. Both of their ears popped just as the floor felt that heavy sensation of stopping.
    “I’m right over there,” Chase nodded to the right. Brooke followed his gaze and noticed a shiny Harley. Her cheeks flushed. Passing the motorcycle, Brooke sighed. They kept hobbling several feet until Chase stopped at a red BMW convertible—it resembled a chariot. Brooke grinned. No snuggling, but the ride would be intimate, she thought.
    “Hold on a sec,” Chase pulled his key out from his front pants pocket while holding Brooke. He pressed a button and the sleek car chirped and lit up. Chase opened the door, Brooke’s eyes widened. How can I possibly slide into that low seat without my skirt riding up to my belly button—or my top moving for