The CEO's Surprise Family Read Free Page B

that’s what we’ll do.” He pulled away from her. “As long as it’s understood that it’s not a date.”
    â€œUnderstood. There will be no good-night kiss.”
    He gave a shake of his head. “I may be a stuffed shirt, Ms. Malone, but you are outrageous.”
    â€œHuh. You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
    He dropped his head forward as if he’d reached the end of his patience, but she thought she saw just the tiniest of smiles at the corner of his mouth.
    * * *
    â€œThe event at Caesar’s Palace is an art showing at the Maxim Gallery.”
    Interest flared in her bright blue eyes. “Oh, that sounds like fun. I’ve heard of the Maxim. I’ll warn you, though, that I know nothing about art.”
    â€œThere’s no need for you to have knowledge of art.” Jethro assured her.
    He was still wondering at himself for allowing her to join him at the opening. It was unlike him to make impulsive decisions. And he didn’t reward dishonesty. She may be from Excursions, but she was unlike any of his previous dates. And a former dancer. That alone should have been enough to drop her off along the strip as she’d urged him to do.
    But there was a lightness about her that appealed to him, a genuineness that intrigued his jaded soul.
    Outrageous was an understatement. No one talked to him like she did. Stuffed shirt? Pompous? He’d fire anyone who dared say such a thing. It didn’t matter that it was the truth. That he worked hard to maintain a hand’s distance from everyone around him. He wouldn’t be disrespected.
    Coming from her it rang of the truth, plainly spoken.
    â€œGood. Because my art appreciation is limited to knowing what I like, which could be anything from a good Elvis painting to a portrait of an old woman smiling. And I never know if there’s any importance attached to the piece.”
    â€œWell, it’s highly doubtful there’s any significance to a velvet Elvis painting.”
    Soft laughter trilled through the air. She nudged his shoulder with hers. “I know that much, silly. But he was a huge contributor to the music world and I like the colors. When I look at the painting, I like to think he found peace.”
    So did Jethro. Elvis was a favorite artist of his. One more thing linking him to this woman when the softness of her was already too dangerous. She didn’t fit in either of the two categories he allowed in his life.
    â€œSo you don’t believe he’s living a secret life somewhere?”
    â€œNo.” Sadness briefly dimmed the animation of her delicate features. “Much as I’d like to believe he’s still with us, music was too much a part of his soul for him to stay undetected all these years. He’d have to perform, and if he performed he’d be found.”
    Disconcerted because he held the same belief, he went on the offensive.
    â€œHow old are you?” he asked derisively. “Twenty-three? Twenty-four? You’re too young to be an Elvis fan.”
    â€œPlease, great music transcends age. And I’m twenty-seven. Old enough to know my own mind.”
    Not as young as he’d feared—or should that be hoped? Against his better judgment, he’d decided to indulge himself tonight and enjoy a bit of light company, but having a few elements that put her beyond his strict restrictions would be helpful.
    â€œWe’re here.” The car rolled to a smooth stop. Jethro pushed the door open and stepped out.
    â€œGood evening, Mr. Calder.” A valet immediately appeared to greet him. “Welcome back to Caesar’s Palace.”
    â€œThank you. We’re here for the Kittrell showing.”
    â€œVery good, sir. We’ve had a steady stream of arrivals for the showing tonight.”
    â€œThat’s good to hear.” Jethro tipped the young African American before extending a hand to assist Lexi from the