What The Heart Knows Read Free Page A

bedside table,” she said, inching closer toward
the door.
    James
watched her, her nervous energy bouncing off of her like waves. Was
she just antsy because he was there? Or was she always like that? She
hadn't looked at him since she introduced herself. She looked next to
him. Over his shoulder. Above his head. But not actually at him.
    He
tilted his head at her, rambling on and on about his room and the
attractions on the property. “So is it because I am so
blindingly attractive that you cant even look at me?” he asked
and watched her eyes fly to his. There was a smile playing at her
lips for a second that she quickly pushed away.
    “Don't
flatter yourself,” she said, keeping unnerving eye contact.
“You're not my type.”
    “Awe
sweetheart,” he said, smiling wider. Unphased. “I am
everyone's type.”
    “You
dress like a hipster teenager,” she said, lifting her chin. She
could play this game.
    “You
love it,” he countered, winking at her.
    Yeah
she did. Damn him. “Do you dress like that to piss off your
brother? Aren't you a little old for rebellion?”
    It
did piss off Elliott. She was right about that. But he didn't
necessarily do it on purpose. It was just a fun bonus. Who wouldn't
like to piss their boss off when you know they couldn't fire you?
“You're never too old for rebellion. How old are you?” he
asked, making her brows draw together.
    “How
many sexual partners have you had?” she shot back.
    James'
smile faltered, his mouth falling slightly open. “What?”
    “Well,
that seemed about as relevant as asking me my age, don't you think?”
    James
laughed, a rolling, amused sound she found all too appealing. “You're
going to be a lot of fun to work with aren't you?”
    “I
am going to be nothing but a thorn in your ass,” she said,
moving toward the hallway.
    “Exactly,”
he agreed, grabbing the side of the door as she tried to close it. “I
have to warn you,” he said, his tone lowering. Almost
suggestive. “I am used to getting my own way.”
    “Really?”
Emily asked, tilting her head. Ignoring the little shiver of
anticipation. Because that was ridiculous. “then you better
prepare yourself for a lot of disappointment.”
    And
with that, she turned and walked away. He heard her footsteps on the
stairway, taking them at a run.
    James
smiled at her retreating form. Well. She was certainly a nice
surprise. Maybe his time there wouldn't be the soul-sucking bore he
had been dreading for months. Months that he spent on exotic beaches
in preparation. Chasing women. Drinking too many fruity drinks.
Getting a tan. Granted, he had somehow managed to land a deal while
there, but it was mostly for pleasure.
    Because
nothing about some small town in rural Pennsylvania sounded like it
was going to be a fun way to spend a few weeks.
    Then
there was Emily Brennan and her smart mouth. Who didn't love a woman
who wasn't afraid to speak her mind?
    It
didn't hurt that she was absolutely breathtaking. And Elliott hadn't
given him the typical “don't screw any of the women there”
lectures he usually got when he was sent out on a new job. An
oversight, sure, but one he was going to enjoy exploiting. What was
the point of business if you couldn't incorporate a little pleasure
in it?
    James
closed the door and looked around the room, cringing slightly. Was
everything in the entire inn floral printed? The walls to his room
were a deep blue with nondescript golden flowers. It was jarring and
overpowering. The king sized bed had a deep blue comforter and the
curtains, well... the curtains were an awful, perfect match to the
flowers. He walked into the bathroom, finding inch-wide blue tile on
the walls and white tile on the floors. The shower stall was dated
but the clawfoot tub was in pristine condition.
    There
was an assortment of artisanal soaps on the vanity from a local
business in town. Which was charming. And smart business. People were
really into local, organic goods. The shampoo and