Tempted by the Boss (Tempted Series Book 1) Read Free Page A

the music
was getting louder. Of course, it wasn’t like any music I’d heard recently in
the college bars I was used to going to. It sounded like a live jazz band.
    “Good evening,” a young woman said when we’d reached the table beside
the open doors. “Can I have your name, please?”
    My Mom cleared her throat. “Barbara Riley.”
    The woman looked down at a clipboard in front of her and then up
at me.
    “And this is my daughter Ella. She’s my plus one.”
    “Table 16,” the woman said with a smile. “That’ll be two from
the end on the right side of the room.”
    “Thanks,” I said, deciding not to make a joke about needing a
map. Which was a good thing, too, because when I saw how big the ballroom was,
she might have thought I was serious. I couldn’t believe how beautiful
everything looked from the table settings to the flower arrangements.
Everything was so professional, so flawless. It was exactly the kind of party I
hoped I would be able to organize someday.
    “Aren’t you glad you came?” My Mom asked as she took her seat.
    “I am, yeah. This is fabulous.” I hung my shawl on the back of
my chair and located the bar. “Can I get you a drink?”
    “I’m fine with water-”
    “Have a drink, Mom.”
    She smiled. “Okay.”
    “What would you like?”
    “Something sweet.”
    “Right.”
    “And not too strong.”
    “I’m on it.”
    I made my way across the dance floor towards the bar and ordered
two glasses of champagne. I normally only drank cheap champagne on New Years’,
but this was a special occasion. While I waited for the drinks I noticed two
men talking at the end of the bar. One of them had his back to me but the other
was really handsome. He had one of those chiseled faces that looked good in any
light.
    I looked back across the dance floor to make sure my Mom was
okay. She looked like she was chatting to some people that had just arrived at
our table.
    “Hello.”
    I jumped.
    “Sorry,” the handsome man said. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
    “It’s okay- I just- I thought you were- over there.”
    He smiled. “I was, and I’m flattered that you noticed me, too.”
    I felt myself blush.
    “What brings you here tonight?”
    “My Mother is a friend of Mr. Abbott’s. I’m her plus one.”
    “Oh really?”
    “Yes. He’s done a lot to help her charity.”
    “And what charity is that?”
    “The Nest. They help the homeless.”
    “I’ll be sure to remember that.” He leaned against the bar with
his elbow and faced me. His chest was so broad it made the entire room behind
him disappear. “And what do you do?”
    “I’m actually just between jobs right now. I’m hoping to find
something more relevant to my major.” The bartender put two glasses of
champagne on the bar in front of me. “Thanks.” I turned towards the handsome
man and whispered. “Is this the kind of place where you leave a tip?”
    He shook his head. “No. I think you’re supposed to save your
money for the charity raffle.”
    “Right, thanks.”
    “Plus, I heard Mr. Abbott pays his staff more than fairly.”
    “Of course. I didn’t mean any offense.”
    “Don’t worry about it.” He lifted a finger at the bartender. “What
did you say you studied?”
    “Hospitality and event management.”
    “Wow.” He looked around. “What do you think of this party so far
then?”
    “It’s okay,” I lied. “I’ve been to more impressive ones, but
this is definitely up there.”
    His eyes sparkled for a moment. “Maybe it’ll get better after a
few drinks.”
    “Hopefully.”
    The bartender set a drink down in front of the handsome man who
acknowledged him with a single nod before lifting his clear beverage and gesturing
towards my glass.
    “What are we toasting to?” I asked.
    “To you finding a job before midnight.”
    I laughed. “I like your optimism.”
    “I like your eyes.”
    I felt a lump in my throat, but I was able to wash it down with
champagne.
    “That’s the