Baiting the Boss (17 page)

“If it was up to me, you’d be my only candidate. Darling Grace, you and that job are a perfect match.” He stroked his fingers slowly up and down her nape. “I’m determined to make you say yes. What if I become your sex slave for a week? Will that convince you?”

A delicious tremor rippled down her back. “Make it two weeks and I’m all yours.”

“You drive a hard bargain. I like that.” He brushed his lips over hers, tantalizing her with his taste. “And I’m going to make damn sure you’re all mine.”

“It’s that important to you I take the job, is it?” she murmured, reveling in his eagerness.

“Oh yeah. If you’re in charge of the foundation, I get to see you at work, but no one can accuse me of favoritism toward my wife.”

“Your
what
?” she squeaked.

“Ah, hell, I didn’t mean to blurt it out like that. I was going to take you somewhere romantic and do the whole thing properly, but…” His hands tightened on her waist, and his face filled with tender intensity. “Grace, my darling, love of my life, will you marry me?”

She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t speak. Then, the conviction in his eyes strengthened her, uplifted her, and she took his hands in hers and allowed her answer to glow through her.

“Yes.” Her voice shook. “With all my heart, yes.”

He breathed out a deep sigh and gathered her into his arms. “This day is turning out better than I ever expected.”

Lifting her face, Grace felt sunshine soaking into her. Through the windows she could see blue sky everywhere. She snuggled into Jack’s embrace, content for now to savor the pure joy of the moment.

“This penthouse is incredible,” she said, “but I want you to know that I’d live anywhere with you. You’re my home, Jack.”

He stroked her hair and lowered his mouth to hers. “We’re both home.”

How right that sounds
, Grace thought before she gave herself up to the pleasure of his kiss and the promise of his love.

Acknowledgments

I’d like to acknowledge the wonderful editorial input of Bev Katz Rosenbaum, who took my manuscript and breathed fresh life into it. Grateful thanks too to Kate Fall and Stacy Abrams for their in-depth editing skills, which they ply with prosecutorial zeal.

About the Author

Coleen Kwan has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life—and discovered writing. She loves writing both contemporary romance and steampunk romance.

Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia, with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office. She is also the author of the Real Men series for Entangled’s Bliss line, which includes Real Men Don’t Break Hearts and Real Men Don’t Quit.

Contact Coleen at her website
www.coleenkwan.com
.

Keep your Indulgence going with these classic contemporary romances…

The Wedding Gamble by Cindi Myers

After two failed relationships and six stints as a bridesmaid, Stephanie Ludlow is convinced she’s man-poison. So when her hormones point due south to her sexy—but not so charming—new landlord, she can’t help the sparks that fly. It’s a good thing she’s declared a strict “no sex” policy, because Mike Brubaker might as well have “it’s not happening” tattooed across his delectable chest.

The Boss’s Fake Fiancée by Inara Scott

After two failed relationships and six stints as a bridesmaid, Stephanie Ludlow is convinced she’s man-poison. So when her hormones point due south to her sexy—but not so charming—new landlord, she can’t help the sparks that fly. It’s a good thing she’s declared a strict “no sex” policy, because Mike Brubaker might as well have “it’s not happening” tattooed across his delectable chest.

Not the Marrying Kind by Nicola Marsh

LA party planner Poppy Collins has kept her side business—planning divorce parties as the Divorce Diva—under wraps, but keeping her sister’s company afloat is proving tougher by the day. When a new divorce party prospect gives Poppy the opportunity to save the day, she can’t pass it up. Beck Blackwood knows Poppy’s secret, and he’s not afraid to use it to get what he wants—a wife. And if blackmail is the only way to get Poppy to the altar, then so be it…

The Oil Tycoon and Her Sexy Sheik by Ros Clarke

Olivia McInnes needs to prove herself worthy to take the reins of her father’s oil company. Her only obstacle is marine biologist – and Saqat’s royal heir – Sheih Khaled Ibm Saqat , who’s determined to protect both his people and his country from environmental devastation… Caught between duty and ambition, can an oil tycoon and a sexy sheikh find room for love…or will this business deal spell disaster for them both?