Audrey's Promise Read Online Free

equipment.” A dozen more nods around the room made Audrey smile. “Something that you can either sell or donate and get the tax write-off. Things you already planned to do anyway. All of which can go toward this gap. Combine that, I bet you’ll have more than enough to cover this. Maybe enough to give you all that unexpected Christmas bonus.”
    More nods and approving murmurs. Miranda gave her a discreet thumbs-up while Ethan jotted down a few notes on his notepad, juggled in the same hand as his recorder. Damn , that smile of his was distracting .
    “Now, who wants to call this a done deal, leave the beef business alone and go home to fat Thanksgiving turkeys?”
    When the papers were signed and the room cleared, Audrey brushed her hair from her face and gathered her briefcase. A heartbeat later, Miranda patted her on the back. “Damn, you’re good. Your former boss couldn’t get this dispute off his desk for six months, and you solve it in one meeting.”
    “It wasn’t that hard to fix.” They strolled out of the room. “Think of how more productive they’d be if they spent the same passion in their jobs as they did bickering.”
    Miranda handed Audrey another soda from her tote. “After you helped arrange the agreement for the homeless shelter, I told Mason you should take this one off his hands and he could retire in peace.”
    “Congressman Nichols has earned it. Meanwhile, Texas has lost an incredible asset in the Senate.”
    “Only to gain an even better one,” Miranda smiled and gave her another pat on the shoulder. “One that will stick around for a long time to come.”
    “God willing.” Audrey cracked open the soda and sipped. She had to cut this habit, but long hours of campaigning and still performing her duties as a Congressman’s aid threw her New Year’s resolution off the priority list.
    “What was Ethan Tanner doing here?” She asked after she recovered from the fizzing bubbles.
    “I invited him. Wanted to show him how good you are at what you do best.”
    “I couldn’t concentrate. And I doubt this negotiation will be highlighted in the article he’s trying to twist against me.”
    “I think he’s sweet on you.”
    Audrey snorted. “Like a snake on a mouse.”
    “You’re sexier than a mouse. And twice as smart.”
    “Audrey Allen.” Clayton waddled across the lobby. “Brilliant work in there.”
    “Thanks, Clayton.” She shook his outstretched hand and sausage-like fingers. “Amazing how much one can accomplish if you remember where your paycheck comes from: your customers.”
    “Too true,” he replied with a laugh, his belly shaking like a Jell-O mold behind his thick, southern drawl. “I’ll be telling my bosses about your work here. If you’re ever interested in the corporate world, you let me know.”
    “Tempting offer,” Audrey smiled, not missing Ethan’s raised eyebrow from across the lobby. “But I have a great job already.”
    “Well, in the meantime you’ve got my vote.”
    “And mine.” Tommy, the bulky rancher, shook Audrey’s hand. “All us ranchers have your back, Miss Allen.”
    “Thanks, Tommy. Tell Cora I’ll miss her delicious corn casserole this Thanksgiving.”
    “Maybe she’ll save some for you,” Tommy laughed and pushed through the double doors. A cold blast of air burst through the lobby. When Clayton moved to follow, Miranda caught up with him.
    “If you’re free this Saturday, there’s a fundraiser for the Crisis Center that we’re sponsoring…”
    Miranda’s campaigning drifted outside, leaving Audrey a moment of panic in the lobby with Ethan Tanner. Alone.
    The man was lean, yet toned, even under that frumpy jacket. Evidently good at more than just writing articles and shattering careers. Shattering a woman’s senses seemed a natural forte of his.
    How long would a guy like that last under the covers?
    Whoa! Get it together, Audrey.
    “You have a gift, Audrey Allen.” His words sizzled from across the marble