Seduction on the CEO's Terms Read Free Page B

a millionaire attorney with political ties. “My mama leads a very busy social life.” Ali shookher head and shuddered. “That life’s not for me. So yeah, Napa’s a nice change of pace.”
    â€œI wondered why you’d agree to uproot your life to work here…for Joe.” Rena’s brows raised, and her blue eyes beamed with clarity. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
    Ali nodded.
    â€œAre you and Joe…”
    She shook her head. “Nothing.”
    â€œReally?” Rena sounded truly puzzled. “Because I swear, I thought I saw sparks between you two at the office.”
    â€œThat’s just me being me. Joe isn’t interested.”
    Rena opened her mouth to reply but then clammed up.
    â€œWere you going to say something?”
    Rena stared at her for a moment. “No, it’s not my place.”
    Darn it. “I understand,” Ali said.
    Ali opened her briefcase and took out her calendar. “Shall we set a date for the big occasion?”
    â€œSure,” Rena said, and leaned over to glance at the calendar.
    They settled on a Saturday three weeks away. The celebration would be held on the Carlino estate, the renewal of vows under an arbor of flowers in the backyard and the reception on the grounds.
    â€œI’m doing this for Tony,” Rena said. “For years, I wouldn’t step foot on Carlino land. This is one way for me to show Tony that I’ve truly let the past go.”
    â€œYou’re very lucky to have this second chance, Rena.” Ali cast her a small smile, suddenly feeling that life was passing her by.
    Rena reached over and took her hand. “If I’ve learned one thing about life it’s that you’ve got to make the best outof every moment and go after what you want.” She lowered her voice. “If you have a goal in mind, don’t let anything stop you.”
    Ali blinked. It was a lightbulb moment for her. She’d never been a quitter. Joe Carlino had enticed her to come to Napa, and she’d jumped at the chance because she cared about him. Ali wasn’t one to wait around for things to happen.
    If Joe needed a little push, then Ali wouldn’t mind giving her sexy employer a shove in the right direction.

Two
    A s soon as Ali opened her front door, Joe realized his mistake in coming to her apartment tonight.
    â€œHi, Joe.” She beamed him a smile. “I can’t thank you enough for coming by. I’m in computer hell at the moment. Your timing is perfect, I just finished my Pilates workout.” He’d noticed. She wore spandex, a tight midriff top that pushed her cleavage to its limits and black pants that hugged her tiny waist. A glittering sheen of moisture coated her exposed skin.
    Damn Nick and his constant jabbing. Joe didn’t want to notice Ali as anything but his assistant. Feeling beholden to help when she’d complained about her computer problems today, he’d offered to stop by to look at it. “Happy to help out, Ali.”
    She stepped aside to let him in as she sipped from an Arrowhead water bottle. “I don’t know what happened toit. Like I explained at the office, it just froze up on me. But I’m glad you came by anyway. You’ve never seen my apartment.”
    â€œRiver Ridge has a great reputation,” Joe said. He’d gone out of his way to find her a good location that suited her when she’d accepted the job.
    â€œIt’s a great place. I’ve always wanted a fireplace. I love the view from my living room window, too. Come take a look,” she offered, and walked over to a wide picture window overlooking a garden setting. “There’s a little pond out there. Can you see it?”
    Joe stepped beside her and gazed out the window, indulging her. He’d made sure she’d gotten an apartment with the best view. He’d checked out this apartment before Ali had moved in. Adjusting the