Surprised by Love: A Contemporary Romance (The Armstrongs Book 4) Read Online Free

well.”
    Douglas took a breath and then paraphrased her job duties back to her, “So basically, every decision I make on this project needs your approval.”
    She smiled at him and nodded, “Exactly. I’m so glad you understand how this will work.”
    Douglas gritted his teeth and stared hard at her. He so did not like taking orders. From anyone. He was trying to prove to his father he had what was needed to take control of the company by managing this job well. I don’t need a babysitter! Not even one as beautiful as she is.
    Seeing her scrutinizing him, he tamped down his ire and gave her a short non-committal smile. “Yes. I would like it to go on record though, that your services are not necessary. I can perfectly manage this project myself.”
    “Duly noted, but those were not the terms of the loan. Now, I imagine you would like to get back to work, and I would like to go over the books.”
    Douglas clenched his teeth so hard, he almost feared he’d break them. With a curt nod, he strove for civility and stood up. Coming around the desk, he waited for her to precede him to the door. He was trying to be nice, but her very presence was making that difficult. What a bitch she is!
    He reached past her to hold the door open, and accidentally brushed his hand over her shoulder. The sudden zing that ran through his body caught him off guard. God, why do I have to be so attracted to her? She’s completely unlikeable.
    He moved his hand back quickly as if he’d burnt it and then led her out and let his secretary take over the task of showing her where she was to work. He returned into his office, barely refraining from slamming the door behind him.
    His body was still humming from that slight contact and he sighed loudly. Give it up, buddy. She is not for you. Besides, she just spent the last fifteen minutes scrutinizing you like a bug under a magnifying glass.

Chapter 4
    Toni managed to keep her thoughts to herself and her smile in place as the secretary walked her down a short hallway and showed her a nicely appointed office that had been set aside for her use.
    “Thank you, Abby.”
    “You are most welcome, Ms. Barkin.”
    “Please, call me Toni.”
    “Very well. Let me know if you need anything.”
    “I will,” Toni assured her. She waited until the secretary had returned to her desk before she walked to the large window and stood looking out over the city. That meeting was worse than I imagined it would be. Douglas Armstrong is an arrogant alpha male with serious control issues. I can’t believe he actually thought he could convince me to leave.
    She stared at the horizon for a moment and then realized this would be her hardest job yet. Why did she have to be so immensely attracted to him? Even now, she was having trouble concentrating on the job she was supposed to be doing. Her body tingled and her feminine parts were alive and aware, which confused the hell out of her.
    You’ve just made your job a lot harder, stupid . She didn’t recognize herself, she wasn’t normally acting hostile towards a client. No, on the contrary, usually she was overly friendly and did everything in her power to try to win her clients over. But she hadn’t done that with Douglas, and probably wouldn’t. I need him to dislike me so he will stay away from me. He’s too dangerous to my peace of mind. Besides, I’m here for business, not for romance.
    Toni took a great amount of pride in her job and was one of the best consultants and controllers within Asia Bank. She had worked hard and proven herself during the last years. This had given her the status of being awarded the biggest and most prestigious projects. Especially the projects where the bank was heavily invested with loans.
    Her specialty was the construction business. She smiled to herself, half amused and half bitter. Everyone always underestimates me just because I’m a woman. And a blonde.
    She consoled herself with the fact they all ended up seeing their