Seduction on the CEO's Terms by Charlene Sands Page B

to get back to work. I, uh, missed it.”
    Joe smiled and looked deep into her eyes. “Good, because things don’t run smoothly without you.”
    Ali searched his eyes. Should she read more into his compliment? “That’s nice to hear.”
    The chauffeur opened the door on her side. “Well, this is my stop.”
    â€œI’ll walk with you.” Joe got out on his side of the limo, grabbed her overnight bag from his driver and then met up with her. They walked to her condo in silence. When she reached her front door, she turned to him. “Thanks for the ride. It meant a lot.”
    Joe searched her eyes and nodded. “You’re welcome.” He hesitated for a moment, then scratched his head and let go a deep sigh. “Ali, maybe now’s not the best time to ask, but are you free this weekend?”
    This weekend? Ali’s sluggish body registered a happy alert. Was he going to reschedule their bike tour? There wasn’t anything she had planned that she wouldn’t cancel for him. “Yes, I think so.”
    â€œI’m afraid it’s a working weekend in San Francisco. I’m elected to go to the Annual Grapegrowers Convention. Rena and Tony were planning on going, but Rena isn’t up to it.”
    â€œSo, they asked you to go?”
    He nodded. “And I need your help, if you’re willing to work the weekend.”
    Ali held her smile inside. An entire weekend in San Francisco with Joe? Every tired nerve in her body jumped for joy. This was a dream come true. “I can manage it. Sure, I’ll go with you.”
    Joe seemed relieved. “I appreciate it, Ali. You never let me down.”
    Ali reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks again,” she whispered, her breath caressing his throat.
    Joe blinked and leaned closer, his intense gaze focused on her mouth.
    Ali opened her door and slid inside, popping her head out. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    She closed the door and held her breath. “Fake Ali,” she muttered, “this better work because you just left the man of your dreams hanging outside your door.”
    Â 
    Friday night hadn’t come fast enough for Ali. She’d spoken with Rena out of concern for her well-being, only to have been assured that her pregnant friend was doingjust fine. Rena confessed that begging off from this trip was a perfect way to get Ali together with Joe in a romantic setting. She’d been darn proud of her plan, and Ali had thanked her matchmaking friend.
    Each day since Ali had returned to work she’d found Joe staring at her from his desk, his expression intense. The minute they’d make eye contact, Joe would glance away as if he’d been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. She’d been encouraged and at the same time, felt like a complete con artist, gaining his attention by deceptive means. The subdued hair, the glasses and the conservative clothes were everything she was not.
    But now as Ali put her clothes on hangers, her room just a few steps away from Joe’s in San Francisco’s luxurious Four Seasons Hotel, hope filled her thoughts. She couldn’t keep from smiling. Joe, the rock-solid man who held her heart, would be picking her up soon for the Welcome Dinner in the Grand Ballroom.
    She knew Joe didn’t like these stuffed-shirt affairs. Neither did she, really. Though she’d never have refused this invitation, she wished that they were here for a romantic weekend rather than rounds of business dinners and lectures. “A girl can only dream,” she said softly.
    She had just enough time to freshen up and dress before Joe would be knocking on her door.
    Ali swept her massive hair back into a tight ponytail, allowing a few curly tendrils to fall demurely along her cheeks. She applied a light coat of makeup, just a hint of green shadow to bring out the color of her eyes and a soft peach lip gloss to tint her lips.
    She