Seduction and Surrender (The Billionaire's Temptation Series) Read Free Page B

no way I can do this. I’ve spent a lifetime trying to be taken seriously in a male-dominated world. Do you know what it’s like to get male chefs to give you any professional respect as a woman in the kitchen when you want to be more than a prep cook?” Her small but capable hands clenched into fists, color flaming her cheeks. “I refuse to have you turn me into some… object . It’s not happening.”
    “Well, if your pride’s more important than your restaurant, I guess this conversation is over.” He sat back in his chair and picked up some contracts he needed to review. “You can see yourself out, Ms. Sparrow.”
    He wasn’t trying to be an ass, but after years of negotiations, he knew how to get what he wanted. And he wanted her.
    Emma got to her feet, though he didn’t bother looking up from what he was reading, knowing that she’d yet to leave and was no doubt debating her next move and coming up empty. He finally set aside the paper with an exaggerated sigh. “Was there anything else, Ms. Sparrow?”
    Her jaw was clenched tight, but she was looking less stubborn about marching out of his office and sacrificing her restaurant. That said something about her too—that she was smart enough to know what was on the line. “I want some time to think about your offer.”
    “Do you, now? I didn’t realize the offer was still on the table.” He leaned back in his chair with the slightest of grins, tenting his fingers in front of him as he took her in. Before today, he’d only ever seen her from a distance, but she certainly was something to look at, especially when her temper was up. He could only imagine what she’d be like in bed, full of passion, so responsive…Quinn couldn’t wait.
    “Isn’t it?” She cocked her head and pinned him with a steely glare. “Because I somehow doubt you’re done toying with me. Or are you going to tell me I’m mistaken?”
    He shrugged. “I’ll tell you what…you have twenty-four hours to give me your answer. If you have any questions regarding the arrangement, you can call me directly.” Pulling out a business card, he jotted down his personal cell phone number—something he rarely gave out—and held it out to her. “Have a good day, Ms. Sparrow.”
    She swiped the card from between his fingers and stuffed it in her back pocket with a shake of her head, her ponytail bobbing as she spun on her heels, nearly wiped out, and then marched to the door, swinging that fine ass of hers.
    This was going to be more fun than any one man deserved.
     

 
    Chapter Three
     
    Emma rattled off the list of ordered items. “Last ticket of the night. Come on, guys…let’s push this through. Finish strong.” Emma was exhausted, but it felt good, especially since staying busy helped burn through her anger from dealing with Ryker and distracted her from all her problems.
    One by one, the plates were placed in front of her at the pass for her final approval and finishing touches. Once she was happy with the results, she gave her waitstaff the okay to take the dishes out to the diners. She turned back to her crew, four in total, since they were still missing Tony. “Nice job tonight, especially since we were still down a man.”
    She leaned against the counter to give herself a minute before the day’s events invaded her mind, escaping from where she’d locked them away, so she could focus on her job. What Ryker was asking of her was insane. And it didn’t make any sense. Why the hell would he bother to even give her a second look when he could have any woman in the world?
    Jake slipped in by her side, his height making her feel even smaller than her five-two frame normally did. And damn but his looming height did nothing but remind her of Quinn Ryker and the way his hard muscular body had felt as he held onto her during that elevator ride. “Are you all right? You’ve been distracted since you left this morning, and you’ve yet to say how the meeting went.”
    She