Promoted to Wife? by Paula Roe Page A

and his mouth landed firmly on hers.
    â€œFor later,” she purred, pulling back, then shooting Emily a triumphant glance.
    When Zac steered Emily away, her back was rigid beneath his hand.
    â€œShe’ll ‘teach me’?” she muttered.
    â€œIgnore her,” he commanded as they steadily made their way across the room.
    â€œOh, I intend to. I’d rather take swimming lessons from a shark.”
    He grinned, then looked fleetingly over his shoulder. The now-unsmiling Haylee still stood where they’d left her, one elegant finger tapping rhythmically against her champagne flute.
    He’d never understand women. Haylee had been fun for a month or two—impulsive and unconcerned with looking perfect, unlike many of his other exes. And growing up with wealth meant she’d been unfazed by his billion-dollar reputation. But gradually, her attentiveness had begun to chafe. Where was he? Who was he with? When would he be back? She’d gone from fun to serious, hinting about “a more permanent living arrangement” and casually wondering aloud when she’d get to meet his family.
    His cue to backpedal like an Olympic champion.
    â€œSorry,” he muttered.
    â€œFor what?”
    â€œFor putting you in the middle of that.”
    She shrugged, keeping pace with him as they wound their way through the crowd. “I’ve handled worse.”
    â€œReally?”
    She paused, forcing him to stop dead too. “I answer your phone, Zac. I field a handful of ex-girlfriends’ calls every week. I’ve been screamed at, cajoled, threatened. Some even beg and cry.”
    â€œYou’re joking.”
    â€œNo.”
    The truth was reflected in her expression, prompting a frown.But when he opened his mouth, someone clapped a hand on his shoulder.
    â€œZac. How was Sydney?”
    When he turned to Joe Watts, Valhalla’s chief engineer, his expression was neutral.
    Emily stood calmly by as they chatted, fully aware of his arm, his shoulder close to hers, fully aware he could touch her at a moment’s notice—but she knew without a doubt he wouldn’t. This was work, and she had drawn the line. Plus…
    She glanced around the room, her eyes coming to rest on a familiar catsuited woman, the center of attention in a group of men. Haylee’s little display only underscored her need for the line. The billionaire’s daughter didn’t seem the type who liked competition. She was also someone who could make life uncomfortable with one calculated conversation with her father.
    Yes, Emily realized as she watched Haylee’s gaze devour an unsuspecting Zac more than once as the minutes ticked by, Daddy’s little girl would come first, despite Zac and Josh’s professional business relationship.
    She quickly excused herself and made her way to the bathroom.

Eight
    T hey drove home the same way they’d come, with the soft strains of music alleviating the distinctly uncomfortable silence.
    Zac had sensed a change ever since their first kiss. It was as if he made her nervous somehow. Unsure. So unlike the Emily he knew.
    It was oddly gratifying, knowing he could ruffle those perfect feathers, that he had this kind of effect.
    He stole a glance as she stared out the window. She’d unbuttoned her shirt to reveal an elegant collarbone and smooth skin, demure yet extremely tempting. And she’d done something with her hair, loosened it up so that small strands floated around her jawline, bringing emphasis to that lush Cupid’s-bow mouth.
    â€œA lot of people are interested in Point One,” she said suddenly.
    The compliment he’d been reworking lay preempted in his mouth. She was still in work mode. And right now, he was her boss.
    Damn. He nodded. “How are the plans coming along?”
    â€œI’ve already talked with Michelle from Publicity.” She crossed her legs and kept her focus ahead, out into the dark night.