Her Sexy Valentine by Stephanie Bond Page B

something she could suggest as a selection for the Red Tote Book Club.
    While she was thinking about it, she pulled out her phone and sent a text message to Gabrielle.
    Change of plans…seduction OFF.
    A couple of minutes later, Gabrielle replied.
    Surrender to love, Carol.
    Carol frowned at the message. Love? Who said anything about love? And surrender? Never.
    A knock sounded at her door, then it creaked open.
    â€œTracy, I asked not to be disturbed,” Carol said without looking up.
    â€œDon’t get mad at her,” Luke said.
    Carol lifted her head to see the man of the hour standing in her doorway. He gestured behind him. “Tracy said you didn’t want to bedisturbed, but I told her I’d take full responsibility for defying your orders.”
    He looked handsome in brown slacks and pale blue dress shirt, minus a tie. Her pulse quickened, but she reminded herself that he wasn’t to be trusted.
    Men. Could. Not. Be. Trusted.
    â€œWhat do you want, Chancellor?”
    â€œI thought it would be nice if we walked into the party together, a show of solidarity.”
    She stood and began packing her briefcase. “I’m not going to the party.”
    He gave a little laugh. “Not going? Why not?”
    â€œBecause I’d rather go home, that’s why.”
    â€œGo home to what?” he asked. “A book?”
    At his mocking tone, Carol bit down on the inside of her cheek. “What’s it to you?” She looked up and her anger surged to the surface. “I mean, really, Luke, as if you care.”
    He blinked and visibly pulled back. “That’s the thing—I do care…Although I’m starting to wonder why.”
    She rolled her eyes—it was a preposterous statement considering the fact that he’dcompared her to an icicle that wouldn’t thaw. “Save it, Chancellor. Go.” She made a shooing motion. “Go be the life of the party, the company hero, the lady-killer.”
    She’d spoken with more venom than she’d intended, but once the words were out, she couldn’t take them back.
    Luke pursed his mouth, then nodded in acquiescence and turned toward the door. She looked back to her briefcase and slammed the lid shut. “Carol?”
    She looked up, surprised he was still standing there. “Yes?”
    â€œI hope you change your mind about the party.”
    She walked over to her coatrack and shrugged into her coat. “I won’t.”
    â€œThen maybe fate will intervene.” He grinned and strode out.
    Carol squinted, then shook her head. Luke could not accept the fact that he couldn’t charm her into doing what he wanted.
    When she walked out into the lobby area of her department, only Tracy was still there,sitting at her desk obediently, although she glanced longingly at the clock.
    â€œI’m leaving,” Carol announced.
    â€œYou’re not staying for the party?” “No.”
    â€œIs it because your head is hurting?”
    At the compassionate tone in her assistant’s voice, Carol balked. “Uh…no. But thank you.” Then she handed Tracy the perennial memo, riddled with bright red circles. “Six mistakes on this version.”
    Tracy winced. “Really?”
    â€œReally.” Carol gave her a pointed look. “Try again, please.”
    Tracy bit her lip and nodded. “Be careful driving home. I hear a winter storm is blowing in.”
    Carol laughed. “I grew up in Atlanta, and none of those so-called ‘winter storms’ ever materialize. Enjoy the party.”
    She headed toward the elevator. The offices in every department were empty, with everyone already in the basement for the party. As she rode down to the lobby, Luke’s words came floating back to her.
    That’s the thing—I do care…
    Carol shook her head. The man was a master. She knew he was a player, yet she still almost believed him.
    The doors opened into