Read Beyond Love Lies Deceit for Free Online

to find him walking towards me, yet another jaw dropping smile lighting up his handsome face. My mind is racing, using every ounce of its energy to determine what he is doing, how I should react, and most importantly, what the hell is wrong with me.
    “You forgot your jacket.” He gestures to the material draped over his forearm before holding it out to me.
    “Oh, right.” I can’t keep the heat from rushing to my cheeks as I take it from him, praying the entire time that he won’t see the blush that I am sure is masking my entire face.
    “Goodnight.” He says again, lingering in front of me for what feels like an eternity before finally turning and walking away, leaving me standing in the hallway unable to comprehend why such an innocent encounter would have the ability to shake me to my very core.

Chapter
Six
    ––––––––
    S amantha
    “Don’t tell me that brother of mine already has you working late on your second week?” I turn from my place in front of the copy machine to find Ryan standing just a couple of feet behind me, a stack of files in his arms.
    “Not to worry, I actually think he has an adversity to how late I want to stay.” I laugh lightly. “What do you have there?” I gesture to the files he’s holding, just trying to make conversation.
    While I was hoping to hear from Ryan much sooner than this, especially given how interested he seemed in me at lunch last week, I can’t deny the thrill that runs through me that he’s here now. I knew going in that worming my way into Ryan’s world wouldn’t be easy but I had hoped it would be a little faster moving then it has been thus far.
    “New acquisitions.” He shrugs. “Luke just finished these. Though I am starting to wonder if having an assistant that works all hours of the day and night didn’t help him close these in record time.” He gives me a cocky smile.
    “I’m afraid that’s all Luke.” I return his smile, wishing he could feel the hatred flowing from every pore in my body.
    Soon , I remind myself, widening my smile.
    “I’ve been meaning to stop by and see you.” He continues without acknowledging my words.
    “You have?” I question, playing like I have no idea why.
    “I believe you agreed to have dinner with me.” He reminds me, not the least bit offended by my pretending that I forgot.
    “I did do that didn’t I?” I smile playfully.
    “Well since we are both here, how about now?”
    “Like right now?” I ask, confused and completely unprepared.
    “Right now.” He confirms with a smile. “I just need to drop these off at my father’s office. What do you say; meet me in the lobby in about fifteen?” He asks.
    “I’ll do you one better. How about I walk up with you?” I say, having been dying for an excuse to go upstairs where Ryan and Nicholas’s offices are since I started here.
    “Works for me.” His smile widens.
    “Let me just put these on my desk.” I pull the copies from the machine before turning back towards him.
    “After you.” He smiles, gesturing for me to go first.
    Nodding, I slip past him, not sure if I am more excited or sick to my stomach at the thought of spending the evening in this man’s company.
    ****
    “S o how long have you lived in Los Angeles?” Ryan asks, tilting his wine glass to his lips before taking a drink, his eyes not leaving my face as he does.
    “Well I grew up in Bear River Wyoming.” I lie, taking a drink of my own wine.
    “Bear River?” He questions, clearly having never heard of such a place.
    “Never heard of it?” I laugh, setting down my wine glass. “Don’t worry, you aren’t missing much. It’s so small it’s practically non-existent.”
    “So you didn’t move to California until...”
    “College.” I finish his sentence. “Bit of a culture shock but I adapted.” I laugh lightly, already feeling the heat from the wine flooding my face.
    “Do your parents still live there, in Wyoming I mean?” He asks.
    “Yes, I’m sure