Outbid by the Boss Read Online Free

miss your turn, you simply go around again.
    Point made, Sam reached up and popped open the sun roof. The rush of cool air tousled her hair and calmed her overheated emotions. Zipping past the turnoff had been childish and she knew it, but cutting loose had made her feel better. Back in control of her own destiny, even if only for a short time. She’d spent months keeping her natural exuberance under wraps while she made her mark at Burton-Porter. No question, Chas Porter had the pedigree and the business acumen to be the star of the show. Her place was to flawlessly assess value, draw attention to overlooked treasures as antique silver collections became available, and ensure that the firm’s, and his, reputation were unassailable.
    Having been raised to know that reading the needs of the powerful was a survival skill, Sam carried herself accordingly – always wearing well-cut suits, the odd piece of silver jewellery, and just enough pressed powder and lipstick to feel good about herself. Not that she’d ever been one to put herself on display. Sam knew her thick, auburn hair was her best feature, but even that was kept in check. The rest of her was, well, a constant reminder not to overdo the cream cakes and double lattes.
    Her stomach gurgled in response.
    Sam groaned aloud. She really was hungry.
    There was a pub ahead on the right, its sign swinging in the breeze. Sam eyed it longingly, but nipping in for a quick sandwich would only make things worse. Especially when the rental agency was just up the road. Even from this distance, Sam could see Chas lounging against the back of his car with his arms crossed. His stance was that of a predator biding his time, relaxed yet with muscles coiled ready to spring. Sam shivered. The dark glasses he wore made him look even more commanding…if that were possible.
    If she was going to keep both the candlestick and her job, she would have to act as though she were in the showrooms at Burton-Porter dealing with a well-heeled client, instead of raging against the ruggedly handsome man now orchestrating her every move.
    At least, he was easy on the eye. With disquieting warmth, Sam remembered how she had felt when he had briefly held and steadied her. In that instant she had felt safe. No man had ever made her feel that way before.
    Sam braced herself for whatever was to come and turned into the parking lot.
    Carefully nosing into a vacant space, she cut the ignition and set the handbrake. She grabbed her shoulder bag with its precious cargo off the passenger seat and slipped out of the car.
    “Waiting long?” she asked Chas politely.
    The dark glasses swung her way. “Long enough to settle your account.”
    “Just add it to my tab,” said Sam archly. She began walking towards the small building which housed the offices of the rental car agency.
    “Where do you think you’re going?” barked Chas.
    Without breaking her stride, Sam stretched out her arm and jangled the car keys.
    “I told you I’d already settled the account.”
    Sam spun around to face him. “Don’t they have to check the car for damages?” she asked, forcing herself to smile sweetly.
    “Not if they want our business.” They glared at each other across the tarmac, but the expression on Chas Porter’s face brooked no protest.
    “Fine,” said Sam. Chin up, she strolled back to the rental car, tossed the keys inside, and then paused to draw a calming breath. If that’s the way he wanted to play it, she decided silently, then that’s the way it would be. She’d pushed her luck enough for the moment.
    “Now that that’s done, I suggest we stop for a bite to eat.”
    “Fine,” Sam repeated. At least she wouldn’t suffer the embarrassment of a rumbling stomach in his lordship’s company.
    Sam gave him a wide berth and strode up the side of the sedan, half-expecting him to open the door for her. Obviously, he was not as gallant as she’d thought. He hadn’t budged.
    A deep chuckle reached Sam as