The Best Is Yet to Come: Novella Bonus for Her Best Match (The Best Girls Book 0) Read Free Page A

getting married. He knew he would feel even more isolated after the wedding, despite Gary’s insistence nothing would change. And not only was Gary going to marry Katie Carson, but he was also planning to steal her away from Gherring Inc. Steven hoped he could influence her to stay.
    “Good morning, Ms. Carson,” he said.
    “Morning, Mr. Gherring. I’ve confirmed your appointments for today.”
    “Thank you, Ms. Carson. You’re efficient, as always. What do you and Gary have on the agenda for the weekend?”
    Her face became animated. “We’re working on addressing wedding invitations. At least I hope I can get Gary to help me. He’s constantly down at Climbing High. I swear he might as well sleep down there.”
    “I’m glad to know he’s putting in maximum effort to make our investment a success. But I never had any doubt.”
    “I’m looking forward to working there with him. Otherwise, I might never get to see him.”
    “So, about that... I’ve been thinking perhaps if I offered you a raise, you might be persuaded to stay here and find a new secretary for Gary. Obviously, you’re much more valuable in your position here—”
    “Mr. Gherring. I’m only staying here until after the wedding. We’ve been through this before.”
    “But, I’m prepared to offer a significant raise. How much would it take to convince you?”
    “Mr. Gherring, I’m not changing my mind. I’m not irreplaceable. There are plenty of qualified candidates. We have another round of interviews on Monday. If you’ll simply choose someone, I’ll have plenty of time to train them before January.”
    “They’re all simpering idiots.” He’d already thought this through and made up his mind.
    “They are not! I’ve even brought in people with business degrees who’re willing to work as your executive assistant to gain experience.”
    “I don’t want someone who simply wants to use this job as a stepping-stone.”
    “You’re so difficult to please. Most of the candidates were experienced executive assistants, and every single one was smart, probably smarter than I am.”
    “Experience isn’t everything. Personality is important. None of them were compatible with my personality.”
    “ No one is compatible with your personality,” she snapped. At his stormy expression, her face paled. “I’m sorry, Mr. Gherring. I didn’t mean that.” She rubbed her furrowed forehead. “If you’ll simply have an open mind about Monday’s group of interviewees, I’m certain you’ll find your ideal secretary.”
    Gherring couldn’t help but wonder about the truth of her statement. Perhaps there was no one with whom he’d ever be truly compatible. But in his mind, he was applying her words to his yearning for love. Maybe he could be satisfied with a more civilized union, instead of a passion-filled marriage. Perhaps a marriage to Alicia Esparza, more of a business agreement, would be good enough. In fact, it was probably the best he could hope for, though the thought didn’t set well with him.
    “Not a secretary—a personal executive assistant . And what if I don’t like any of them?”
    “You will—you have to.” Her reply was firm and left no room for negotiation. “I have the resumes. Would you like to look over them today?”
    “No,” he said, with defiance still in his voice.
    Katie moaned her frustration before changing the subject. “Oh, about tomorrow night. You have the Black and White Charity Ball, remember?”
    “Yes, and you contacted Mr. Cooper about canceling the escort?”
    “Yes, I did that on Monday, as soon as you told me.” She hesitated. “So you’re going on a second date with Ms. Esparza?” She couldn’t hide the curiosity in her voice.
    “Yes.” He refused to elaborate to sate her inquisitiveness.
    Katie remarked, “She’s very beautiful, but...”
    “But?”
    “It’s none of my business.”
    “You’re right. It isn’t.” At the hurt in her eyes, he regretted his harsh reply, but