For Nick Read Online Free

in his chair and observed her quietly for a moment.
    “You have an impressive resume, Ms. Parker. You are more than qualified for this job. May I call you Andrea?”
    “Andie, please.”
    “Andie,” he repeated, letting her name roll off his tongue. He studied her intently and she resisted the urge to fidget, smooth her hair, check her make-up, and so on. He made her feel like a specimen under a microscope. “I have just one question for you. Please forgive me for being blunt, but I think it’s time to get right to the point. You’ve been waiting patiently for far too long.”
    “All right,” she replied, pleased that her voice didn’t squeak.
    His eyes were intense as he deliberately looked her up and down as if he was visually undressing her. The message was blatant. “Do you like my couch? It’s brand new, almost as big as a bed and quite comfortable. Two people can fit on it quite nicely.” His eyes dwelled on the couch for a moment before coming back to her. “How much do you want this job?” His hand stroked his chin as his eyes stared into hers.
    Stunned, Andie swallowed. Hard. She felt her face flush red from the heat of a blush. No wonder his interviews took so long. Was he serious?
    “You’re the last interview, we can take our time.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “You heard me.”
    Apparently, he was serious. All of her initial impressions of him flew out the window. He was nothing but a jerk and a pervert dressed in fancy clothes. Nice packaging with only rotten goods on the inside. She was surprised at how disappointed she felt to discover this fact. She reached into her purse and grabbed for her security device. She’d never had to use it and she didn’t want to now. Only the desk was between them as she sat in his office, alone and vulnerable, with the door firmly shut. Had his receptionist already left for the day? Would anyone hear her scream? Her heart started to race as she stood, wondering if she would have to fight him and ruin his perfect suit. Hoping she was hiding the fear she felt in her gut she said, “I’m sorry to have wasted your time, Mr. Drake.”

-3-
    Mr. Drake shot to his feet seemingly intent on stopping her from leaving. Andie brandished her pepper spray, her finger on the spray nozzle. She backed up slowly, moving towards the door. “Don’t move or so help me, I won’t hesitate to use this.” Mr. Drake held up his arms, a look of surprise on his face. Maybe she really was a frumpy librarian at heart. So what? She wasn’t about to roll in the gutter with him for a stupid job. She would do anything for Nick, but that wasn’t one of them.
    She’d just made it to the door and had it halfway open, when Mr. Drake pleaded with her, “Wait, hear me out, please.”
    “What more is there to say, Mr. Drake? You’re a low-life piece of scum and I don’t want to swim in your pond.”
    To her surprise, he threw his head back and laughed at her wordplay.
    “I’m glad you find this amusing. Have a nice life.” Creep . Andie started to leave.
    “Wait, Andie. Please allow me to explain.”
    She wasn’t sure why, but she stopped. Something in his voice sounded so sincere, but she kept her pepper spray pointed in his direction. “I’m listening.” This was going to be good. She was dying to hear his explanation for being a dirty old man. Slimy little weasel. Squirm your way out of this one, go ahead .
    “Please, I can explain. All I ask is that you hear me out.”
    “You have two minutes. I’m staying right here and I suggest you keep your massive desk between us unless you like the idea of becoming blind.” She closed the door to his office, but stood with one hand on her pepper spray and the other on the doorknob.
    His demeanor changed. He ran his hand through his hair seemingly in frustration. With his hair disheveled, he looked even more charming. A wolf in sheep’s clothing. “One minute and counting,” she reminded him.
    “You’re the twentieth girl I’ve