When She's Bad Read Online Free

“Perhaps you are smarter than some thought.”
    Damn right , Delilah thought, but smiled instead. “Who would have known? Go ahead and write the want ad advertising the positions.” She extended her hand to seal the deal then headed for the door, knowing she’d just made an agreement with someone who would love to see her fail. A deal with the devil. Delilah had a gnawing feeling it wouldn’t be her last.
    On the way back to her office, she slowed at the sight of Lilly Bradford at the front desk. She felt an odd pang at the sight of Howard’s only daughter from his long-dissolved marriage. He had loved her so much, and would have moved heaven and earth to protect her from his secrets. Now Delilah was in charge of protecting Lilly. Overhearing the receptionist tell Lilly they were booked for the day, she intervened.
    “I’m sure we can work something out,” Delilah said to the receptionist.
    “But we’re slammed,” the receptionist protested. “I’ve already had to work in—”
    “We’re never too slammed for Miss Bradford,” Delilah said firmly, looking at the book. “What can we do for you today, Miss Bradford?”
    Lilly didn’t quite meet Delilah’s gaze. Come to think of it, she never really had. Lilly had been a plain, painfully shy adolescent who was now desperately trying to be seen as a desirable marriage partner for Robert Huntington. She’d successfully straightened her teeth and Howard had been more than happy to pay for laser vision correction surgery that meant she no longer had to wear glasses. Her hairstyle covered ears that stuck straight out just like Howard’s had, but anyone with a smattering of women’s intuition could see that Lilly suffered from a dearth of self-confidence. “I-uh have a special dinner date for tonight. I need my hair done,” she said, absently stroking her shoulder-length highlighted blonde hair. “A manicure and makeup.”
    “Is Sharon okay for your hair?” Delilah asked.
    Lilly nodded, still not meeting her gaze.
    Delilah felt a strange tug in the region of her heart. “Big night planned with Mr. Huntington?”
    Lilly’s eyes widened in surprise. “Yes,” she said. “Perhaps. I’m not sure.”
    Delilah smelled an engagement coming. Or at least Lilly’s hopes for one. “We’ll have you looking so beautiful you will bring him to his knees.”
    Lilly swallowed and if her face could talk, it would have said, I can only hope . She could practically feel the woman shimmer with nervousness. “Call these clients and reschedule their appointments. Miss Bradford’s services are on the house as always,” she said to the receptionist. “Come this way. Would you like a glass of wine during your manicure?” she asked Lilly.
    Lilly hesitated then nodded. As they rounded the corner, Howard’s daughter came to an abrupt stop and she met Delilah’s gaze with a fierce anger her demure, uncertain appearance had completely belied.
    “Don’t bother trying to make nice with me,” Lilly said. “You can’t bribe me to like you. You may have been able to sleep your way into getting my father to care for you and give you control of the spa, but I can’t stand the sight of you. And I never will.”
    Delilah blinked in shock as Lilly whirled away. She shouldn’t feel hurt. It was natural for Lilly to dislike her. Everyone in Houston had believed Delilah was Howard’s mistress and he was her sugar daddy. It had been her job to make everyone believe. Unfortunately, even though Howard had died, it was still her job. She sighed. Deathbed promises were a pain in the butt.

Flirting is one of life’s least expensive pleasures and it can sometimes get you free dessert.
—D ELILAH’S D ICTUM
    Chapter 3
    A fter a tough day at work, Delilah was looking forward to relaxing at home—and hoping that just maybe her dreadful neighbor would take a break from his renovations.
    As she dragged herself to the elevator, Delilah heard the sound of fist pounding flesh and winced.