Teasing The Boss Read Free Page A

of living in a major city was that there was never a shortage of attractive men. And another redhead.
    What were the chances she’d see two hot redheads in one day?
    The hottie turned and Grace’s carton of rice tumbled to the ground. Simon West.
    “It’s him,” she breathed.
    “Nah, I think it was a reporter. They didn’t say much, but totally flaked when asked what kind of event it was. One of these days they’re going to have an entire gala completely planned out and we won’t realize we’ve been had until they get through the door.”
    Grace blinked a few times as she stared at him. “No. Not who was on the phone. I mean, it’s him . Simon West just walked into the building.”
    A smile covered Andre’s face. “He’s going to help us!”
    “Shit,” she muttered as she ran to the other side of the office and snatched some paper towel. She frantically wiped at the spilled rice. Luckily a good portion stayed in the carton, but she didn’t need Simon walking into a pigsty.
    “Don’t you worry about that.” Andre leaned down to help. “Security is probably going to kick him out when he says he’s here to see you. Now you better get down there and work your magic on that man.”
    Funny, she didn’t feel very magical at the moment. Andre picked up right where she left off and cleaned up her mess. Her heart clenched at the sight of such a talented, smart man on his hands and knees, cleaning up spilled food. He deserved to keep his job, and she owed it to him to fight her hardest to keep the business going.
    “Okay. Snag a Simon, take two.” She pushed herself up and smoothed the front of her jeans, a habit burned into her from wearing skirts on almost a daily basis. She rushed out of the office and then ran to the elevator, impatiently waiting for it to climb the ten stories to her.
    Her mind filled with images of Simon West changing his mind. Deciding he was crazy for even coming and retreating back into the summer heat to flag down a car. Or maybe security had kicked him out already, and he’d re-convinced himself she wasn’t worth the trouble.
    Doubt crept deeper in her mind as she got on the elevator and it started its descent. What had changed since that morning? He’d seemed so sure that he wanted nothing to do with her. Maybe he wasn’t even there for her. He could just have another appointment in the building.
    Or she could’ve seen wrong. Her wishful thinking had convinced her that the handsome redhead below her was exactly the redhead she’d wanted to see.
    But as soon as the doors opened, there was no mistaking Simon West talking in a hushed voice with the security guard who stood next to the receptionist.
    “Mr. West,” she called, making sure the guard knew he was an acceptable guest.
    He turned; his dark eyes found hers, and Grace took a deep gulp. She had the distinct impression that he could’ve talked his way past the guard if given enough time. Quite a feat considering hundreds had tried to get past in the last few days.
    “Ms. Bell,” said the guard. “I’m sorry for any misunderstanding.”
    She tore her gaze from Simon as she approached the desk. “It’s not your fault at all, Jared. I didn’t realize Mr. West was stopping by today, or else I would’ve told you.” She focused on Simon once again, but, if anything, his scrutiny had only intensified. “Um,” she muttered. “I’m sure you understand that things have been a bit…hectic recently. Jared has been instrumental in keeping the vultures out of my office.”
    “I completely understand. It’s great that you’re going through such lengths to help out Grace,” he said as he moved in closer to her.
    The use of her first name seemed somehow off…too intimate. But she let it slide as she shot Jared one last smile. “Thanks again.”
    Before she could lead Simon to the elevators, he was already ahead of her, as though he’d been there plenty of times before. She quickened her pace to catch up with him as he