Fancy Free

An Excerpt From: FANCY FREE
Copyright © SHELLEY MUNRO, 2008
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
“It’s quite impossible. Alice can’t stick around and run a company that makes money from sex.” Steven’s emphasis on the word sex made it sound like something dirty and despicable. “What will our employers think?”
Alice touched him on the forearm. “They don’t have to know.” She attempted to placate even though his attitude peeved her. They might have an unspoken agreement but they weren’t married yet. This was her inheritance. Alicia had left it to her for a reason. Besides, an opportunity to pay off her debt and grab her dream with both hands didn’t occur every day. Condoms might prove a noteworthy enterprise with the constant cry for safe sex, and at least she’d gain knowledge of a topic she knew nothing about.
Steven glared at her, his dark brows drawn together in a flat, bushy line. “As a lawyer and an accountant, our reputations must be spotless.” The image of a caterpillar jumped into her mind and she had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at her fanciful thoughts. “You must walk away. Distance yourself.”
The need to laugh dropped away, replaced by irritation. Now he’d started to treat her like one of the newly graduated lawyers at his law firm. “I have a spotless reputation.” So spotless she wouldn’t know a condom if it bit her in the butt. Steven and she hadn’t done anything more amorous than kiss—a mere brush of lips—and it had become a sore point with her. Sometimes a girl just wanted to express herself, sometimes sex came to mind. Every time she tried to take things a bit further, Steven backed away. If they were committed, then surely they could make love without it being the crime of the century. “A condom is responsible these days. I doubt any employer would condemn the use of a condom and safe sex.”
“Alice! Lawyers can’t be involved in sex.”
Alice opened her mouth and closed it again with an audible snap. Did Steven have to spout his views on sex in public? Heaven knows what the two men thought.
“Is this a private conversation or can anyone join?”
Mr. Dashing. Mortified, Alice blinked, her legs weak and shaky the second she heard his husky voice. Up close, he was Mr. Dynamic. His strong, masculine personality shone from his tanned face. And that voice… It reminded her of rich, dark chocolate, the smooth and decadent type that melted in the mouth and tasted exquisite.
“Who are you?” Steven demanded.
“James Bates. I work for Fancy Free.” He smiled at Alice, the gleam in his eyes evident as he extended his hand for her to shake. Alice’s pulse rate shot from slightly elevated to fast and choppy at the idea of his touch. Slowly, she placed her hand in his. Oh yes. Touching him was every bit as memorable and unsettling as she’d envisaged. The tingles, delicate at first, shot up her arm like a mild case of pins and needles. Then he squeezed, his calloused palm abrasive against hers. The tingles morphed into a full-body shot, much like a pick-me-up tonic. Bad-girl thoughts crammed her mind. With difficulty, she tugged to free herself of his potent masculinity. Breathless, she stared up at him and the scenario of a mouse cornered by a cat came to mind.
He worked for Fancy Free? With his dynamic personality and good looks, he probably spent a lot of money on their products. He most likely took full advantage of cheaper rates for staff.
“Hello.” To Alice’s horror, her voice came out breathless and low. A come-hither voice if ever she’d heard one.
“Alice and I will work closely together.” James smirked. Mr. Dashing obviously thought she was interested in him too.
Steven drew up to his full height of five foot eight. “I don’t think so. Tell him, Alice.”
Alice gulped. Okay, so James had emphasized the closely together bit. Steven had noticed as well, and Glen Bellbooth, indicated by the lawyer’s sly chuckle.
“I’ve called a board meeting so you can meet everyone.” The lawyer stood. “Tomorrow morning at nine sharp.”
“We’re not on an overnight vacation. I need to get back to Remuera,” Steven said. “I must finish preparations for my court case that starts next week. I thought you had to shop and iron before work on Monday,” he added pointedly.
Mortification filled Alice at Steven’s bossy, snippy tone. Had he always been like this? Or was she just noticing? Embarrassed by his behavior, she cast a quick, uneasy glance at James and the lawyer and the others who had stopped to witness the scene. Yes, she wanted security, but that didn’t mean Steven could smother her or ride roughshod over her feelings and the things that were important to her. “I need to think.”
“I don’t know what’s wrong with you,” he snapped. “There’s nothing to think about. We can’t possibly stay here.”
She hadn’t disagreed with him before. He wasn’t used to her contradicting him, but in this case, she intended to stand firm. “I need more details before I can make an informed decision.” She strove for calm even though her stomach jumped nervously inside. She’d get her friend and next-door neighbor Jennifer to ship some of her clothes and other necessities. If Jennifer sent them by courier, they’d arrive tomorrow. Yes. That would work. Alice made eye contact with Steven and sucked in a deep breath. “I intend to stay.”
“But you can’t. The idea is ludicrous,” he said, his distaste readily discernable.
“Maybe you’d like to discuss it in private,” the lawyer suggested. His quiet words made Alice aware of people’s stares, their whispers and laughter. Some had even slowed their departure from the hall, as if they thought the entertainment wasn’t quite over. Alice straightened, determined to grab control and prevent the occurrence of anything further for them to laugh about later.
“Good idea.” For the first time in their relationship, Alice took the lead, grasping his elbow to drag him from the hall. “We’ll discuss this over coffee. I noticed a cafe when we drove into town.” The snickers from behind brought a flash of discomfort but she kept moving despite Steven’s resistance.
“I don’t like coffee.”
“I’m sure they’ll have tea,” she said. A hand on her shoulder made her jump and to her great chagrin, a squeak emerged.
James Bates’ blue eyes twinkled and his dimple flashed into prominence. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He didn’t wait for her answer but strolled from the hall with the lawyer at his side.
“Alice.” Steven’s sharp tone pierced any chance of daydreams. “You can’t seriously consider this ludicrous legacy a good idea.”