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

he made no move to apologize as he turned to stalk into his office. Perhaps he should hire a male executive assistant. Women were entirely too difficult to control.
*****
    Everyone who was anyone in New York City attended the Black and White Ball. The event raised money to help families of police officers and firemen who were injured or killed on the job. It was a perfect opportunity to see and be seen. Although no campaign speeches were given, every candidate in the local races was present, and all were taking advantage of the opportunity to work the crowd and gain free publicity from the plethora of reporters at the fundraiser.
    Alicia Esparza was no exception. Gherring couldn’t help but admire her ability to attract and hold the rapt attention of the small audience surrounding her. He recognized the skill since he possessed it himself. Her evening gown was carefully chosen to be attractive, yet not overtly racy. Her ample assets were highlighted, but not openly displayed. She artlessly flicked a lock of her dark hair over her shoulder to join the thick shining mass. She didn’t cling to him, a trait he greatly appreciated. But when the dancing started, she arrived at his side.
    “Dance with me?” She pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek.
    “Certainly,” he said, sweeping her into a waltz on the as yet uncrowded dance floor. They moved together smoothly and flawlessly.
    “We fit together well,” she remarked.
    “You mean, on the dance floor?”
    “I mean we fit together. Everywhere .” She emphasized her point by pressing her body closer to his.
    He couldn’t ignore the pleasant sensation of her uninvited advances. She was soft in all the right places, and her eyes spoke an open invitation.
    “Have you been thinking about my idea?” she asked.
    “Not really,” he lied smoothly. He’d certainly been considering her proposal, but he had no intention of making a commitment. As an astute businessman, he knew not to tip his hand.
    “Tell me what your objections are, and I’ll change your mind,” she said, with the assurance of one who was accustomed to winning arguments.
    “First of all, there are too many possibilities in your offer. Which proposal are we discussing?”
    “Let’s start with the easy option. You’ve really got nothing to lose by agreeing to date me exclusively until after the election.”
    “But I do have something to lose. There’s my reputation to consider. I don’t do exclusive...”
    “So you’re worried you might lose your status as a player? Wouldn’t that be an improvement to your reputation?” She laughed.
    “Only if I cared about anyone’s opinion where that’s concerned. And I don’t. My reputation as a player protects me from unwanted complications. I value my freedom.”
    “But dating exclusively also protects you from unwanted advances,” she reasoned. “In fact, you’d be even safer.”
    “Perhaps… I would be safer from other women, but not from you.”
    “But you don’t need protection from me.”
    “Au contraire. You’ve already expressed an interest in marriage.”
    “Only as one of many acceptable options. Yes, I will need to settle down and get married to advance my career. But, it doesn’t have to happen with you.” She chewed on her lower lip, “My initial need is simply five weeks. I only mentioned the long-term option in case it was more to your liking.”
    “So you aren’t interested in marrying me?”
    “I didn’t say that.” She stifled a laugh. “I’d be a fool not to be interested. I had to at least make the offer. But, my main concern is my career, and I think this is a trait we have in common. Through the election, a short-term relationship would serve just as well as long-term.”
    “I think I know the answer to this... But, why me?”
    “Are you fishing for compliments?” she teased. “Seriously, though. It’s probably not for the reason you think. There are other handsome single men with money and status, but all of them