Indiscretions by Donna Hill

turned her head to ask the waiter standing nearby to refill her glass with water, she saw something that caused her heart to momentarily freeze. She had turned just in time to see Sean exiting the restaurant, his arm casually wrapped around a tiny waist.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
    For several seconds, Khendra couldn’t keep her heart from hammering in her chest. She went through an array of mental explanations for why he would be there with another woman. It was obvious from the intimacy of their contact that he knew the woman very well. She could think of no explanation that would make the feeling of betrayal disappear.
    An overwhelming sense of hurt and anger engulfed her at once. Her appetite was gone, and she completely lost track of what Alex was saying. It wasn’t until he placed his hand on hers that she even remembered he was there.
    â€œWhere did you just go?” he asked, breaking into her troubling thoughts.
    â€œI…I’m sorry. I thought I saw someone I knew.” She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. “But I guess I was mistaken.”
    Alex briefly looked in the direction that had caught Khendra’s attention, an inquisitive look lifting his brow. “I see. Well, I certainly hope it didn’t bring back any unpleasant memories. I want this evening to be special.” He smiled at her invitingly.
    She immediately dismissed his look and his remark. She looked him squarely in the eyes, forcing her emotions beneath the surface. “I was under the impression we were here for a business dinner, and nothing more.”
    â€œOf course. But I’m sure we’ll find other things to discuss as well,” he replied in a controlled voice.
    Khendra finished what she could eat of her meal and nervously checked her watch. “It’s getting late, Mr. Counts, and I have quite a few things to do this evening, so if we could get to the point.”
    â€œThat’s what I admire so much about you, Khendra. You don’t mince words. You’re direct and assertive. I like a woman who isn’t afraid to say what she feels.” His eyes roamed over her as he spoke. “That’s why I feel so sure that making you a partner would be good for the firm.”
    â€œThank you. But I thought we discussed this already.”
    Alex had finished eating and took a sip of wine before he spoke. “You’re a bright girl, Khendra. I’m sure you realize that nothing comes easy. You would be the first female partner the company has ever had, and it would be based on my endorsement.”
    â€œAre you trying to tell me I would never be offered this opportunity based on my own merit?” Her voice rose in astonishment.
    â€œI would never say such a thing,” he said, smiling cautiously. “However, without inside support, it would be extremely difficult.”
    â€œWhy are you telling me this?” she asked, trying to keep the exasperation out of her voice.
    â€œBecause I like you. I like you very much. And I think that together we can do wonderful things.”
    â€œI’m sure you’re referring to the job.”
    â€œWhy of course, my dear. What else would I be referring to?”
    Khendra knew that her experience with men was limited, but she knew a double entendre when she heard one. “As long as we understand each other.”
    â€œYes. But as I mentioned before, nothing comes easy. If you want this job, you’ll not only have to show the firm you can do it, but me as well.”
    Khendra was getting tired. “It would be a lot easier on us both, Mr. Counts, if you would just say what you mean.
    â€œI’m sure you’re quite aware of what I mean.” He gazed directly in her eyes. “I’ve invited a select group of friends out to my boat next weekend for dinner and dancing. I’m sure you’ll attend this time.”
    She took a deep breath and rapidly explored her options. This was all too much to