“Well, I’ll hang up now and let you enjoy your evening. Let me know if you need me to set you up with another woman.”
Austin relaxed and looked back up the street, hoping to see Brittany’s car. “No, I think I’ll be fine for a while.”
“Good. Don’t let her take advantage of you.”
Derek hung up before Austin could reply to his friend’s remark. Why would Brittany take advantage of him? Was it because he offered her money? He’d known people who’d used him to get to his money, but Brittany wasn’t like that. Even when she thought about being a call girl, at least in her mind, she wasworkingfor the money.
So what if Austin liked to help stray animals? Women like Brittany just shouldn’t dothatfor a living. She had too much going for her, and he wouldn’t let her give up her morals just because she was desperate.
“Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me where Colman Park is?”
He turned to look at the sweet voice coming from behind him. Brittany stood with her fingers tucked into the front pocket of her tight jeans, rocking back and forth on the heels of her running shoes. She wore a slightly baggy purple blouse that buttoned down the front and had a small collar. Hanging over her shoulder was a black leather purse. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. He wasn’t sure he liked that. He enjoyed her casual appearance tonight, but he wanted her hair long and flowing over her shoulders, which gave her that sensual look.
“I didn’t hear you,” he said.
“I guess I’m pretty good at sneaking up on people.”
He ran his gaze over her again, feeling almost overdressed. He wore his jeans and running shoes, but his shirt was a lot dressier than hers.
Austin held out his hand. “Well, shall we stroll through the park?”
She slipped her palm against his and entwined her fingers with his. “I can’t think of anything I’d like better at the moment.”
“Me, neither.”
“How was your day?” she asked. “If I remember correctly, you were supposed to be taking over a new hotel today. Right?”
He squeezed her hand gently. “You have a good memory. Yes, that was today, and the takeover went smoothly. I’m now the proud owner of the Sheridan Hotel.”
“Congratulations.”
“And that,” he continued quickly, “brings me to the surprise I have for you.”
Her gaze stayed on him. He liked how she trusted he wouldn’t lead them into any trees, instead of watching where she was walking.
“It does? What surprise?” She narrowed her eyes on him, suspiciously.
“You’d mentioned yesterday that you were out of a job. Well, I’m wondering what kind of experience you have in clerical work.”
“Um…a little. Why?”
Her expression still appeared skeptical, so he wouldn’t tease her any longer. “Because I’ll need someone to manage the bookkeeping at the Sheridan. I was hoping you could do that job. I’ll pay you well.” Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened, so he quickly continued, “And, I was thinking, if you need a new place to live, you could live in the penthouse suite in the Sheridan. I plan on renovating those rooms immediately, so the place will be available by the end of the month.”
She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it…and then opened it again, but still no words came out. Finally, she gave him a grateful smile as tears spiked in her amazing rusty eyes.
“You’d really do that for me?” she asked in a shaky voice.
“I would.” He stopped and faced her, taking both of her hands in his. “Last night, you proved to me what a fun and exciting woman you are. You’re intelligent, and beautiful, and…I’ve never met anyone like you. I don’t give jobs and homes to just anyone, you know. I happen to think you’re an amazing woman.” He winked.
“I’ve never met anyone like you, either, Austin. You are so giving, and you have such a huge heart. What kind of guy helps people in need anymore, without wanting something in return?” She paused. “Um…do you want something in return?”
“Actually, yes.” He gathered her in his arms. “I’m hoping in exchange for what I’m offering, that you will continue to be my friend and make me laugh.”
One side of her mouth lifted higher than the other. “What if I only want to be friends? After all, it’s not right to date my boss.”
He’d not really thought of that, but then, it wasn’t fair of him to expect more. Then she’d be nothing more than a high priced mistress, and he didn’t want her to get that kind of reputation.
Chuckling, he kissed her on the forehead. “Then I’ll tell you what we can do. What if we date before you take the job, and after you start work we’ll see what happens in our relationship? If we’re only meant to be friends, I’ll accept that.”
