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her bag and headed out of his office, choosing his strategy as he walked. He deposited the bag on his
secretary s desk and said, Rena, Julia Bennett s address is in a folder on my desk. I want you to send
her this and something nice . . .
No. Rena sat back in her chair.
Even though their conversations sometimes crossed into personal territory, Rena never argued
with him. She may not have always agreed with how he handled his personal life, or that he involved
her in it, but she had never refused him before.
The world was absolutely off-kilter that day.
I wasn t asking.
Rena folded her hands in her lap. I am not getting involved in this one. You re making a
mistake. She s not your type. I actually like her.
Weren t you lecturing me earlier on finding someone nice?
Shaking her head, Rena pushed the bag back across his desk at him. That was before I saw your
cousin storm out of your office in tears. You re not ready for a nice woman. I ve spoken to Julia.
She s as sweet and trusting as they come, and someone may teach her a harsh lesson because of it
but I won t help that happen.
Picking up her bag, Gio found himself in the rare position of defending his actions. I was merely
asking you to return this.
No, Rena said with finality.
With heat rising up his neck, Gio said, Then I ll return it myself. Heading down to the lobby,
he passed several of his employees before he realized the second looks they were giving him were
due to the purse he clutched in his right hand. The realization didn t slow his long strides down to the
security desk.
Where is she? he demanded of the two men behind the security desk.
Who, sir? the older of the two asked.
Julia Bennett. Is she still here?
The guard looked uncomfortable as he said, She just left. I have someone coming in to cover her
shift.
Left? Do you know where she went?
I saw her outside talking to a . . . He checked his log and continued, Mrs. D Argenson. They
left together in a limo.
Madison and Julia?
How could they know each other?
In his office, it certainly hadn t appeared that they were acquainted. He didn t like surprises. He
strode back up to his office, still clutching Julia s purse in one hand. As he passed Rena s desk, she
asked, Couldn t find her?
In response, Gio did something he had never done before: Fueled by all the frustration building
inside him, he slammed the door of his office shut.
He cursed and threw Julia s purse in the corner of his office.
How many times have I told Nick to stay away from women in this building? This is the
reason. It s a distraction. I have phone calls to make. Leads to follow up on.
He sat down at his desk again but, instead of reaching for any of the piles of papers that required
his attention, he reopened Julia s file. He traced the edge of her headshot that was stapled to her
application.
What did she say? If she sleeps with me once, she d sleep with me twice.
He groaned.
I have a feeling twice will be just how we start our first night together.
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat as his cock sprang to life in agreement.
Julia Bennett. I know what I want. What is it that you want?
Real life needs a rewind button.
If given a redo, I would not go upstairs to close the door for Paul.
I would not repeatedly make an ass out of myself in front of Gio Andrade.
I would definitely not tell him that I was tempted to sleep with him.
As Julia hastily exited Cogent Solutions, she noticed a black stretch limo parked in front of it,
with the pregnant woman, Madison, standing beside it. Maybe she won t see me.
Madison stepped away from the vehicle and walked quickly toward Julia. Excuse me. Can I
talk to you for a minute?
Julia looked around, then answered, Sure, I guess.
Are you leaving?
As fast as I can. Julia nodded.
Would you like a ride?
Julia hesitated. The desire to get as far away as possible was strong. I was going to take the
bus.
Madison stepped forward and took Julia lightly by the arm. Please. I ll drop you anywhere, and
we can talk on the way.
Curiosity warred with common sense. Admit it, you re hoping she tells you more about your
hot boss.
The driver held the back door of the limo open and Julia slid inside it. So, what if I am? It
doesn t mean I ll do anything about it. Anyone would be curious after the scene I witnessed
upstairs.
Madison sat down next to her and the driver closed the door. A moment later, they pulled into
traffic. Madison turned in her seat and held out her hand to Julia. I should have introduced myself
upstairs. I m Maddy D Argenson. Gio s cousin.
Julia took her hand. I m Julia Bennett. Night security.
Maddy smiled at the title and shook her hand warmly. I wanted to thank you for whatever you
said to Gio about going to the wedding.
His decision had nothing to do with me.
Really? Have you known him long?
I don t actually know him at all. I work for him. Julia referenced her outfit. The limo took a
left turn and Julia said, Shouldn t I tell the driver where I live?
I was hoping you d come somewhere with me first. There is someone I d like you to meet.
Julia looked out the window to assess where they were. The Lincoln Center? Where are we
going? This was a mistake. Do you mind pulling over?
A line of disappointment creased the rich woman s forehead. Please. I just want to talk.
About what? Julia asked slowly.
Please? Maddy leaned forward and asked, her heart in her eyes. This is more important to me
than I could ever attempt to explain. Just give me a few minutes then I ll drop you off wherever you d
like. I promise.
Julia was pretty sure she d used a similar tone with her own family when she really wanted
something. It was impossible to look into Maddy s sweetly expectant face and disappoint her. Julia
looked down at her attire. I m not dressed for anywhere nice.
With a triumphant smile, Maddy said, Don t worry. We re going to a friend s place.
The limo pulled up to the front of an exclusive high-rise apartment building. A doorman rushed
out to greet them. The driver helped Madison out of the car, but Julia hesitated. It felt safe to go with
her. After all, how dangerous could a pregnant woman be?
Maddy smiled at the doorman and greeted him by name, then asked, Is Miss Corisi home?
He returned her smile and said, Yes. She ll be happy to see you.
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