A Solitary Romance: Book 1 in the Only Love Series by Violet Sparks
Authors: Violet Sparks
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those incredible diamonds from the photos in Barry's office. In a few months, she'd get to see the real thing. A serenity overtook her. Jewels always had that effect on her. It was akin to visiting one's happy place .
Once composed, she mustered her best demure smile, fluttered her eyelashes, and said in her sweetest voice, "I'll do my best. I'm sure you won't mind advising me, or my calling on you for help, should I hit any roadblocks or dead ends."
The man appeared caught off guard. He stumbled over his words, coughed, and glanced away. She was on to something.
"I, I'm sure you'll do fine. But, if you do want me . . . uh, I mean my advice . . . of course, I'll make myself available."
She watched as he rose from the chair. She couldn't help but notice his powerful thigh muscles. Keep it together. You're winning this one .
"Uh, one more thing," Robert said, pausing in the doorway.
This isn't awkward for you, is it, Greek god?
"Yes?" she purred, allowing the tip of her tongue to slip from her mouth and graze the bow of her upper lip as she dipped her chin, and flitted her lashes again. Stay strong, Kate. He's almost gone .
"You left yesterday before we had a chance to discuss it. I'll be setting up lunch appointments for all of our key employees, starting next week. So we can get to know each other better."
"Fine." The auditor summoned her most feminine tone.
Robert gave her a quick once-over and left in a hurry.
Katrina threw herself back in her seat and let out a sigh of relief. She hated using her feminine wiles to accomplish a goal. It made her feel cheap. Still, it was worth it to see LaSalla uncomfortable. He'd think twice before insinuating that she couldn't be professional.
Two hours later, William stepped into her office and shut the door.
"Katrina, about that outburst yesterday," he said, taking a seat.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Dodd. You know, I really didn't feel well."
"I understand, and that's why I'm going to let it slide, and the fact that Robert claimed it was no big deal. I won't suffer insubordination, Miss Crimshaw, even if I'm fond of you."
"I understand, and I'll apologize—publicly, if you'd like."
"No, no. That won't be necessary. Let's not tarnish my last day here. You haven't been yourself all week, but I need you to promise me you'll help make this transition smooth for Robert and not cause him any trouble, as a personal favor to me."
"I promise, Mr. Dodd."
"Thank you, Katrina. Now, come join everyone in the conference room for breakfast."
A party atmosphere prevailed in the office the rest of the day. No one even pretended to work. Employees mingled outside offices and around the floor, and laughter could be heard from all corners. Best of all, Robert LaSalla kept his distance.
A happy group headed to the restaurant for William's going away party. They all but took over the bar area while waiting for their private dining room. Kiki took her usual spot next to Katrina. She looked as though she had news.
"Last night, I went up to the gym after work, and you'll never guess who else was there," she whispered.
"Your attorney from seventeen?"
A fully equipped health club near the high-rise's top floor proved to be one of the most popular amenities of the building.
"No, Mr. Man-of-Your—"
"Shhh, Kiki. You have to stop saying that!"
"All right, all right already. I'll try. Anyway, Mr. You-Know-Who was up there pumping iron with a vengeance. Then, he jumped on the treadmill and pounded out several miles. The trainer says he's been up there every night. Didn't even notice me, and let me tell you, I looked good . Sure seemed like he was working off some frustration. Ooh, all that sweat dripping off him and every muscle in his body rippling—"
"Kiki! Enough already!" Katrina interrupted her friend.
"Well, get this," Kiki continued as if nothing she said had been inappropriate. "I went over to Barstow's
Once composed, she mustered her best demure smile, fluttered her eyelashes, and said in her sweetest voice, "I'll do my best. I'm sure you won't mind advising me, or my calling on you for help, should I hit any roadblocks or dead ends."
The man appeared caught off guard. He stumbled over his words, coughed, and glanced away. She was on to something.
"I, I'm sure you'll do fine. But, if you do want me . . . uh, I mean my advice . . . of course, I'll make myself available."
She watched as he rose from the chair. She couldn't help but notice his powerful thigh muscles. Keep it together. You're winning this one .
"Uh, one more thing," Robert said, pausing in the doorway.
This isn't awkward for you, is it, Greek god?
"Yes?" she purred, allowing the tip of her tongue to slip from her mouth and graze the bow of her upper lip as she dipped her chin, and flitted her lashes again. Stay strong, Kate. He's almost gone .
"You left yesterday before we had a chance to discuss it. I'll be setting up lunch appointments for all of our key employees, starting next week. So we can get to know each other better."
"Fine." The auditor summoned her most feminine tone.
Robert gave her a quick once-over and left in a hurry.
Katrina threw herself back in her seat and let out a sigh of relief. She hated using her feminine wiles to accomplish a goal. It made her feel cheap. Still, it was worth it to see LaSalla uncomfortable. He'd think twice before insinuating that she couldn't be professional.
Two hours later, William stepped into her office and shut the door.
"Katrina, about that outburst yesterday," he said, taking a seat.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Dodd. You know, I really didn't feel well."
"I understand, and that's why I'm going to let it slide, and the fact that Robert claimed it was no big deal. I won't suffer insubordination, Miss Crimshaw, even if I'm fond of you."
"I understand, and I'll apologize—publicly, if you'd like."
"No, no. That won't be necessary. Let's not tarnish my last day here. You haven't been yourself all week, but I need you to promise me you'll help make this transition smooth for Robert and not cause him any trouble, as a personal favor to me."
"I promise, Mr. Dodd."
"Thank you, Katrina. Now, come join everyone in the conference room for breakfast."
A party atmosphere prevailed in the office the rest of the day. No one even pretended to work. Employees mingled outside offices and around the floor, and laughter could be heard from all corners. Best of all, Robert LaSalla kept his distance.
A happy group headed to the restaurant for William's going away party. They all but took over the bar area while waiting for their private dining room. Kiki took her usual spot next to Katrina. She looked as though she had news.
"Last night, I went up to the gym after work, and you'll never guess who else was there," she whispered.
"Your attorney from seventeen?"
A fully equipped health club near the high-rise's top floor proved to be one of the most popular amenities of the building.
"No, Mr. Man-of-Your—"
"Shhh, Kiki. You have to stop saying that!"
"All right, all right already. I'll try. Anyway, Mr. You-Know-Who was up there pumping iron with a vengeance. Then, he jumped on the treadmill and pounded out several miles. The trainer says he's been up there every night. Didn't even notice me, and let me tell you, I looked good . Sure seemed like he was working off some frustration. Ooh, all that sweat dripping off him and every muscle in his body rippling—"
"Kiki! Enough already!" Katrina interrupted her friend.
"Well, get this," Kiki continued as if nothing she said had been inappropriate. "I went over to Barstow's
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