Rags to Rubies Read Online Free Page B

make a perfect employee for any of his vast holdings. Not that he had to worry about the efficiency of the ones he had. He was thought of as simply too dangerous to cross. Of course, the position he wanted her in had nothing to do with working for him.
    He moved closer, examining several sapphires in the glass case, watching her covertly. Today her hair brushed loosely over her shoulders, pulled back on the sides into a golden clasp. The style emphasized the classic lines of her face and her flawless complexion. He noticed the feminine curve of her spine and the trim waist that was not evident last night under her bulky sweater.
    “You’ve been swell, Miz Hathaway.” The young man preened. “Susie’s gonna think I’m the clam’s garters with this ring. It’s the berries.”
    “I’m sure Susie will love it, Mr. Hardy. You’ve made a wise decision. The quality and clarity of the stones are excellent.”
    “Call me Herbie,” he replied, hooking his thumbs around the suspenders that were holding up his plus fours and leaning one elbow on the counter. He shot Grace a wolfish grin.
    In spite of his unavailability, the young buck was fawning over her! A disturbing impulse to grab the little pup by the scruff of his collar and hurl him into the street surprised Jared. For some reason, it fired his blood to witness Herbie trying to...well, to seduce her!
    Handing her customer the jewelry box, Grace smiled. “Thank you, Herbie, and good luck.”
    The young man straightened and pushed back his shoulders. “Can’t be lollygagging. Got to get to Susie’s digs, but I just wanted to say, Miz Hathaway...” Herbie hesitated, a blush spreading across his smooth cheeks. “When I first came in here I thought maybe you were a high hat, but you’ve been really keen. I might be carrying a torch for Susie, but I just wanted to say you’re divine, Miz Hathaway, just divine.”
    Grinning widely, Herbie tossed the velvet box into the air and caught it, then shoved it into his pocket. He doffed his newsboy cap at Grace and, with a wink, was out the door.
    Jared’s lips thinned. The boy was irritating, but he didn’t blame him. Unlike most of his kohl-lined female acquaintances, Grace’s features were enhanced by daylight. She had a natural attractiveness that had more to do with the smile she wore than any paint she might apply to her face.
    “Hello again, Miss Hathaway,” Jared said as soon as the door closed behind Herbie. “Or should I say the divine Miz Hathaway ?”
    Grace turned a delicious shade of pink. “Oh, Herbie is a good sort. It has taken him over a year to save for Susie’s ring. Don’t you find that admirable, Mr. de Warre?”
    Jared didn’t want to admit admiring anything about the little cake-eater, but he managed to grind out, “At least he has the good sense to recognize a beautiful woman when he sees one. You look stunning today, Miss Hathaway.”
    The silky, crepe-de-chine dress Grace wore revealed every alluring contour of her body and flowed gracefully around the well-shaped legs revealed by her knee-length skirt. He could see the lines of her brassiere and satin slip through the bodice.
    “I hope you were able to get some rest before you came to work.” He certainly had not. She had invaded his thoughts most of the day. He hadn’t expected to be so distracted by her memory. “If you’re tired, we could do this another time.” The polite offer was out before he realized he would be disappointed if she canceled.
    “I’m perfectly fine, Mr. de Warre. Mr. Hollister gives me Saturday mornings off. I didn’t have to come to work until noon today, so I slept in a bit. Thank you for asking.” Grace turned and said over her shoulder, “I just have to lock the safe and we can be on our way. Please excuse me for a moment. I’ll be right back.”
    ****
    Grace escaped into the back room, leaned against the storeroom wall, and took a deep, calming breath. As soon as Jared entered the store the