Christmas Kisses With Her Boss. Nina Milne

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       CHAPTER THREE

      ‘HERE?’ RELIEF TOUCHED RUBY, but before she could succumb she forced her brain to think mode. ‘Why?’

      Ethan shrugged. ‘It makes sense. It’s a hotel. There’s plenty of room. You’ll have to make your own bed, and there’s no housekeeping service, but you can have a suite and work more effectively here. I’ll be staying here too, so you won’t be on your own.’

      Thoughts scrambled round her brain. Truth be told, she would feel safer here. Because of Ethan. The thought sneaked in and she dismissed it instantly. This was zip to do with Ethan—sheer logic dictated she should stay in the castle. Nothing to do with his aura, or the slow burn of the atmosphere.

      ‘Thank you, Ethan. If you’re sure.’

      ‘I’m sure. Let’s find you a bedroom.’

      ‘Um... Okay.’ Freaking great—here came a tidal wave blush adolescent-style at the word. How ridiculous. As preposterous as the thud of her heart as she followed him up the sweep of the magnificent staircase to the second floor, where he pushed open a door marked ‘Elizabethan Suite’ and stood back to let her enter.

      ‘Whoa!’ The room was stunning, a panorama of resplendence, and yet despite its space, despite the splendour of the brocade curtains and the gorgeous wall-hangings that depicted scenes of verdure, her eyes were drawn with mesmerising force to the bed. Four-poster, awash with luxurious draperies—but right now all she could concentrate on was the fact that it was a bed.

      For a crazy moment her mind raced to create an age-old formula; her body brazenly—foolishly—wanted to act on an instinct older than time. And for one ephemeral heartbeat his pupils darkened to slate-grey and she believed that insanity must be contagious...believed that he would close the gap between them.

      Then Ethan stepped back and the instant dissolved, leaving a sizzle in the air. A swivel of the heel and he’d turned to the door.

      ‘I’ll meet you in the morning to finish showing you around. If you’re hungry there’s some basic food stuff in the kitchen.’

      ‘Okay.’ Though her appetite had deserted her—pushed aside by the spin of emotions Ethan had unleashed.

      ‘If you need anything you’ve got my mobile number. My suite is on the next floor. No one knows you’re here, so you can sleep easy.’

      For the first time in the two horrendous weeks since she’d walked in on Hugh and a woman who had turned out to be a hooker she felt...safe...

      ‘Thank you. And, Ethan...?’

      ‘Yes?’

      ‘Thank you for today. For...well, for coming to my rescue again.’

      A long moment and then he nodded, his expression unreadable. ‘No problem.’

      ‘Ethan?’

      ‘Yes.’

      ‘Can I ask you something?’

      Wariness crossed his face and left behind a guarded expression. ‘You can ask...’

      ‘Why did you call me to an interview?’

      Silence yawned and Ruby’s breath caught. Foolish hope that he had wanted to make amends for the past unfurled.

      ‘Everyone is entitled to a chance,’ he said finally. ‘And everyone deserves a second one.’

      The words were a deep rumble, and fraught with a connotation she couldn’t grasp.

      ‘Sleep well, Ruby. We’ve got a lot of work ahead.’

      The door clicked shut behind him and Ruby sank down onto the bed.

      Enough. Don’t analyse. Don’t think. Don’t be attracted to him. In other words, don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.

      Ethan Caversham had offered her a chance and she wouldn’t let the jerk of attraction mess that up. Wouldn’t kid herself that it was more than that—more like a bond between them. Ruby shook her head—this was an aftermath...an echo of her ancient crush on the man. Because he’d rescued her again.

      Only this time it had to play out differently. Instead of allowing the development of pointless feelings and imaginary emotional connections she would concentrate on the job at hand. Get through the trial period, secure the job as a permanent post and then she would be back on track. Heading towards СКАЧАТЬ