Her Contract (Romance) by Lara West Page A

least, be civil to her seeing as my uncle made it clear that the director’s position comes with one mandatory attachment - the current PA, Anna Monroe.
    I remember the conversation with my uncle yesterday in vivid detail. He called me into his office after I’d finished the paperwork for the final delivery of the day.
    I was slouching in one of the chairs by his desk; fully expecting him to bust my ass over some banked up deliveries, only to hear him say, “Lucas, you’ve proven your loyalty to the company. I’m giving you the reigns.”
    My eyes had almost popped out of my skull. Was he appointing me the head of the enterprise? Just like that?
    I thought the old timer must have lost his marbles.
    “Ah… are you serious?” I stumbled out.
    “Of course,” he said firmly. “I know it’s what your father would’ve wanted. And I’m pushing sixty-two. It’s time for me to retire and get some overdue R & R.”
    I could hardly believe my ears. I knew that I’d be promoted to assistant director some day, but director…? I thought that was a long way off.
    If ever.
    His son and my cousin, Max, was the next obvious choice.
    “Is Max okay with this?”
    “Yes, he’s a family man. He doesn’t want the extra weight. However, he’ll still be the assistant director and advising you, so I implore you to listen to him. He knows this business inside out.”
    “Yes, sir,” I told him.
    I didn’t mind Max being my right-hand man. He and I have always got along. That won’t be an issue whatsoever.
    “Oh, and there’s one more thing… It’s not negotiable and comes with being the director.” I creased my eyebrows, curious as to what he was going to say. “You’ll have a PA.”
    Images of a busty blonde, a smoldering brunette or a fiery redhead flew into my mind. A plan was already in motion to interview as many hot girls as possible. Now that would be fun .
    But then my uncle said her name. Anna .
    “I’m aware that you two have a history,” he continued, clearing his throat. “Will that be a problem? Because Anna is an asset to this company. I wouldn’t dream of letting her go.”
    I had wanted to ask him how much he knew about Anna and me.
    “I’m sure we can put our differences aside,” I said, my tone reassuring. But in truth, I have no idea how it is going to work.
    Anna hates me. Like really hates me. Not that I can blame her. After out wild roll in the hay, I pretended that she didn’t exist.
    If I were a chick, I’d want to kick me in the balls too.
    But I didn’t ignore her because I didn’t like her. It was just the reverse – she made my damn head spin.
    I knew that if we started something up, I’d turn into one of those doting boyfriend types. Screw that . I wanted to play the field first. Be a free man and all that jazz.
    Little-Miss-Perfect-Dartmouth, barely-cracks-a-smile, uppity-princess, won’t be happy about any of this. And it’s going to be damn hard to stop myself from hitting on her too.
    Maybe I can get her to wear a paper bag over her head to distract me from those smoky gray eyes and plump pink lips that were once wrapped around my cock.
    Back in high school, Anna was untouchable - an off-limits zone to every guy, except me.
    I’m the only one who finally got to her and made her moan in ways I bet no one has been able to since.
    One thing I will say about Anna, though, is that even after I snubbed her, she didn’t show any signs of caring. In fact, I’m pretty sure she wrote me off as a man whore who didn’t live up to his otherwise highly satisfying reputation.
    Hmm… all those ditzy cheerleaders sure knew their way around a guy’s most valued anatomy.
    But of course, for my uncle, and for the sake of what’s best for the company, I’ll fall in line.
    For now.
    I’m going to play along with the whole boss and PA routine.
    Besides, how can I pass up the chance to get under Anna Monroe’s skin and seduce all over again?

Chapter 3

Anna
     
     
    He stands in front