Blood Line

Blood Line is the first in a three book series,. I hope you enjoy this sample.

CHAPTER 9






When Charlie walked into her office the next morning Nick Devon was sitting in her chair with his feet on her desk. ”So,” he said, “ How was your meeting?”

“Great, thanks. May I ask why you’re sitting at my desk? Is yours under construction? If that’s the case, they’re doing a marvelous job of keeping the mess out of the hall.”

He chuckled, “Still quick as ever. No, my office is fine. Thanks for asking. I’m here to find out if you’ve made any progress on your new story. I was surprised to read the outline. Very interesting, Morgan. So, as it turns out your first story is looking meaty.”

Devon stood up, his boots hitting the floor with a loud crack that snapped Charlie out of her state of shock. She had been sure he would be furious that things hadn’t gone his way. Instead he looked calm. He even looked happy. This was not at all what she had expected.

Charlie snapped her mouth shut and watched with trepidation as he came closer.

He was wearing cowboy boots and jeans and walked with incredible assurance. It poured from him, from his almost too broad shoulders to his narrow waist and long legs. She couldn’t believe he still looked this good. She knew she was staring but couldn’t seem to stop. His white shirt stretched across his chest and gloriously flat stomach. Her eyes kept moving down and she was vaguely aware that this was a very bad way to be looking at your boss.

“See anything you like?” he asked.

Her eyes snapped up to his. There was laughter there. She wanted to laugh too, at herself, for being so juvenile. Her hormones hadn’t run amuck this badly since...well; it was the last time she had seen HIM!

It angered her that he could rile her so easily. “Yes,” she said, “I find you beautiful. You’ve kept in great shape over the years and your coloring is still as striking as always, although I do like the way you wear your hair now. Shorter suits you better.” She gave him the biggest most innocent smile she could conjure up.

He threw his head back and laughed. It was a deep contagious belly laugh.  “Have a seat and let’s talk.”

“Sure." She walked around her desk and sat down. He took the other chair and leaned back, looking relieved.

“I’ve been going over your report and it looks good. I wasn’t expecting a big story.”

“I know, Devon but...”

He cut her off, “Stop expecting the worst, Morgan.” He stood up and started for the door, “I like what you’re doing. Keep it up. If you need anything, let me know. Okay?”

She was floored, very happily floored. “Okay Sir.”

He stopped and turned around, facing her, “Wow. Sir? Did I just earn a little of your respect?”

“Maybe just a little. But don’t let it go to your head.”

“Oh, you have nothing to worry about there. You have years of ego crushing to make up for. I want that copy on my desk in five days.” He paused before walking out the door, “Hey, Morgan?”

“Yes?” she asked with trepidation.

“If you ever feel the need to have me tie you up, all you have to do is ask.” The last of his words ended on a chuckle.

Charlie moaned and threw a pen at his head. He quickly ducked as the pen slammed against the closing door and fell to the floor, never completing its mission. Charlie laid her head down on the desk and took three deep breaths. She was mortified, the night before suddenly a visual memory.

Until tomorrow. Fortune favors the brave! Samantha Shu