Burning Up by Nalini Singh, Meljean Brook, Virginia Kantra, Angela Knight Page A

else she’d met today and Emmett was okay with her being alone with him?
    Deciding not to look a gift horse in the mouth, she walked in, aware of Lucas closing the door behind her as she took a seat on one side of a small table. There was something about his walk when he came to take his own seat . . . he reminded her of someone.
    “Water?” At her nod, he poured her a glass and pushed it across. “I’ve read your resume. You’ve just completed studies in advanced office administration?”
    She took a sip before answering. “Yes, at the top of my class. I’ve also had some on-the-job experience through the course.”
    Lucas nodded. “I have no doubt your technical skills are excellent. We checked with the college and with the people you put down as references.”
    The efficiency of it surprised and pleased her. “Your ad said you were seeking a number of staff,” she said, finding herself relaxing in spite of her vivid awareness of his power. The woman who took on Lucas Hunter, she thought, would have her work cut out for her. “Could you give me more information about the positions—I could perhaps tell you which I might be best suited for.”
    “Actually, you’re on the short list for a particular position already. That’s what I want to discuss—it’s in no way a normal administrative job.”
    Ria was intrigued. “No?”
    “No.” A smile that turned him from gorgeous to beautiful in a very masculine way. She appreciated the sight, but without wanting to jump his bones. Not like with Emmett. And that thought had no business interrupting her interview. Corralling her runaway hormones, she turned her attention firmly back to Lucas.
    “How are you with chaos?” he asked.
    “I love it.” Her response was instinctive. “It gives me more to organize.”
    Lucas laughed. “What about constant interruptions, having to rejig meetings on a moment’s notice, and a boss who might be impossible to track down at times?”
    “If it needs to be done, it’ll get done,” she said, meeting those brilliant green eyes. “But I’ll be honest—even though I probably shouldn’t be. I’m likely to get a little short-tempered now and then.”
    “A temper might come in handy in this position.” His lips tilted up at the corners. “This is a . . . family business. And that family will be in and out. Can you handle being the focus of their curiosity?”
    It was a strange question, but her answer was easy. “Let’s see—every Sunday without fail, my aunt Eadie calls to interrogate me about my life and offer ‘essential fashion advice.’ My paternal grandparents live in Idaho, but last week, they sent me a dossier on all the nice boys in town—just in case. Oh, and my normally very forward-thinking parents recently tried to arrange my marriage. I know how to handle family.”
    His eyes danced. “And the arranged marriage?”
    Since she’d brought it up, she couldn’t exactly avoid the personal question. “Not happening.”
    “That’s what I thought.” He rose to his feet, an amused curve to his mouth. “I think that’s all I need from you, Ria.”
    Standing, she picked up her purse. “It’s you, isn’t it? The person I’d be working for if I get the job?”
    A slight nod.
    “Usually HR interviews applicants.”
    “I’m picky.” He pulled open the door. “I need to trust the person I hire.”
    Smiling even as her stomach dropped, she stepped out. Emmett was up and waiting for her. They entered the elevator in silence and walked out into the street.
    “How’d it go?” Emmett asked.
    “Good.”
    He rubbed the back of his neck. “Still mad?”
    “You think I should give you credit for letting me go in there alone?” She raised an eyebrow, wondering what he’d do.
    “Er.” His cheeks flushed. “Never mind.”
    She felt her lips twitch. “I know he was a cat, Emmett. The way you leopards walk, it’s a dead giveaway.” They prowled, all soft and silent and lethal.
    “Shit.” He