Business and Pleasure (Lavender Lace, Book One) Read Online Free Page A

day I stop raving about good-looking men is the day there’s nothing for William either.” She drew her knees up on the loveseat, copying Marci’s position. “A woman will melt after one look from Keefe’s eyes. Or spread her legs.”
    “You’re terrible.”
    “I’m honest. Don’t tell me you didn’t fantasize for a moment when you met him.”
    To keep from commenting to Peggy’s statement, Marci sipped her soda. She should’ve known that wouldn’t keep her friend from jumping to her own conclusions.
    “You did fantasize about him!”
    “Okay, that’s enough.”
    “Were you thinking about him when I came in?”
    She was like a dog with a bone, refusing to give up. “You know, you can be replaced.”
    “You can’t fire me. I’m indispensable.” The humor faded from Peggy’s expression. “Seriously, Marci, he’d be perfect for you. He’s gorgeous—“
    “No.”
    “Polite—“
    “ No .”
    “Has a great sense of humor—“
    “ NO. ”
    “Don’t let some office gossip keep you from finding someone special. What happened with Ben—“
    “Taught me a valuable lesson. If I find someone special, he’ll be from outside this company.” She took another sip of the cold beverage. “Besides, Keefe is too young for me.”
    Peggy frowned. “Who made up that silly rule? Since when is six years too young?”
    “Since I said it was. I don’t date employees. End of discussion.”
    “He doesn’t officially start until Monday. That gives you five days before he’s an employee.”
    Surely Peggy wasn’t suggesting… “You aren’t serious.”
    “You have his phone number. Call him and ask him to meet you for a drink.”
    “I can’t do—“
    “But before you call him, get rid of the suit and buy a really sexy dress.” Her gaze passed over Marci’s body. “I know about a new lingerie store that opened Saturday. I haven’t been yet, but a friend told me about it. Lavender Lace. It’s on Sixth Avenue. I’ll bet you don’t have any sexy underwear.”
    Peggy would lose that bet. Marci wore a professional suit every day, but that didn’t mean she had to wear plain lingerie. Every bra and pair of panties she owned were made of lace and satin. Her thigh-high stockings were the sheerest she could buy.
    She was an executive on the outside. On the inside, she was very much a woman.
    A soft rap on her door announced another visitor. Marci’s assistant, Lauren, peeked around the edge of the door.
    “Tyler Wilson is on line two.”
    “Thanks.” Marci turned back to Peggy. “I’ve been waiting for his call.”
    “I know you have.” Peggy stood as Marci did. “Think about what I said about calling Keefe. A drink, maybe dinner, maybe a night at his place…”
    “Goodbye, Peggy.”
    Marci shook her head once her friend had left. She knew Peggy was trying to help. A drink and dinner and a night all sounded wonderful…if they could be with a man other than her employee.
    Pushing thoughts of Peggy and Keefe from her mind, Marci hurried back to her desk and picked up the telephone receiver. “Mr. Wilson, thank you for returning my call.”
    * * * * *
     
    Keefe wondered what Marci would do if he asked her out for a drink.
    He didn’t officially start work at Marshall Media until Monday. For the last three days, he’d gotten acquainted with some of the staff who would be working for and with him, and the layout of the building. He liked the open concept, the flow of the work spaces. He’d stood back and watched people for several minutes at a time. Everyone seemed to truly enjoy their work.
    That would make his job a lot easier.
    It might be casual Friday, but Marci Bayne hadn’t worn jeans and Reeboks. She hadn’t seen him, but he’d watched her interact with several of the employees today. She’d worn a suit, the same as she had every day since he’d met her on Wednesday. They were different colors and styles, but always a suit. Answers to some careful questions to certain young women