Thief of Hearts

Chapter Nine

Thief of Hearts
Chapter Nine

Ruth’s office reminded her of Picasso gone bad. Colors clashed everywhere with symbols that couldn’t possibly make any sense and gaudy statues dotted the office landscape. Plastic vegetation filled the corners with each displayed in unusual colors instead of natural. But her agent just couldn’t understand her bad decorating taste and refused to listen to any of the staff’s helpful suggestions. Every time she stepped into it, her head spun with dizziness urging a quick retreat. Unfortunately, there would be no such thing this time but just to make sure…

“Hi, Karen,” she addressed Ruth’s secretary warmly, “does Ruth really have someone in her office that’s interested in my book?”

The girl’s eyes gleamed and narrowed conspiratorially as the corner of her mouth tilted. “Oh my gosh, you wouldn’t believe it,” she whispered. “Not only is this guy from the biggest publisher and in her office right now, but he is totally wicked. Even though I know he’s older than me, I would totally date him.”

Megan grinned wide. Guess Ruth had actually told her the truth. She choked down a chuckle at the young receptionist’s behavior. She, herself, had been like that once. And even though she knew Ruth probably hired the girl for her youth and looks, she still had proved herself capable. Could she help now?

“Hmmm, sounds almost too good to be true. Can you do me a favor and let me borrow your computer? I’ve got to print out some of my manuscript so he can read it.”

“Sure. Help yourself. Hey, after you go in for the meeting, could I uh, just maybe pop my head in and offer you guys some drinks?”

Wow, the guy must be a looker for her to carry on so especially since the receptionist is one herself. She tapped some buttons on the computer and plugged her USB key in then looked up with a wide smile. “Knock yourself out. Do what you want to.”

“Thanks. Want me to go to the printer and bring you the printouts?”

“Yeah, that would be great. I appreciate it.”

It didn’t take too long before she had a neat stack up to chapter six sitting on the desk next to her. She stood up and smoothed her skirt then turned to the gigantic misshaped mirror behind her quickly freshening up. As she turned to leave, Karen grabbed her arm.

“Ummm, can I make a suggestion? I think it would look umm nicer if you lost the ponytail and let your hair down.”

Megan really hadn’t thought about her hair. What did she care? On the other hand, such a small thing could make a big difference.

“Oh, God, I’m going in to meet this guy who knows I write erotic romance and I look frumpy! Not a good impression from someone who’s trying to sell sex stories.”

“You don’t look frumpy. Your skirt and sandals are fine…very attractive especially since you have an awesome figure. It’s just that you need a little more makeup and need to let your hair down. Hold on, let me help you.”

She gave in and let the girl work on her. After all, Karen was a cute little sex doll herself so surely she could fix her up. Surprisingly, it had only taken a few minutes.

“Now, that wasn’t so bad was it? You’re very attractive. You only needed a little extra. Oh, and I put some of my Sexy Sunset lipstick on you. Your hair is such a beautiful auburn that it actually matches it.”

Megan turned around then smiled. Her thick hair fell to her shoulders in abundant silky waves, parted on the side, with the long wavy bangs flowing seductively over the left eye’s outer edge. Her grey-flecked emerald eyes were beautifully fringed and sported minimal eyeshadow to enhance her natural color.

“I like it! You’ve done wonders!”

“Hold on, let me spritz your hair one more time and spray you with some perfume.”

She now smelled of French vanilla. But it smelled light and she liked that. She couldn’t stand heavy perfumes.

“Go get ‘em girl.”

“I’ll try.”

Megan gathered up her work, took a deep breath then knocked and entered.

“Finally, I thought I was going to have to call the army…” Ruth trailed off then quirked a brow at her appearance. An approving smile spread across her lips. She looked just like the proverbial cat that ate the canary.

“I’m so sorry that you had to wait but I had gone all the way to the library and with traffic and all…”

“No need to apologize. I’ve been in no hurry today,” spoke Heated Hearts Publishing representative.

Megan turned her head toward his voice then smiled warmly as she stretched out her hand and discovered what the buzz had been about over this man. Her eyes sized him up to be about 6’3”, medium build, broad shoulders, trim torso, brown wavy hair about shoulder length tied back and hazel eyes…all wrapped in a sharp, dark is that Armani suit. He took her hand and her smile widened. She inhaled his scent, an unusual one that she couldn’t put her finger on. It wasn’t necessarily a cologne but whatever it was, it smelled of all man.

A blush spread across her cheeks when he returned her gaze obviously sizing her up as well. He returned her smile with a sexy, pearly-white grin while taking her hand. His fingers were thick and strong and swallowed hers nearly from site.

“Mr. Aries, this is Megan Hemmerson, the author in which you expressed an interest in. I believe that you told me that you were interested in whatever current book she’s working on.”

“Indeed, I’ve been following your work closely, Megan, and the company and I have been intrigued with your style.”

Ruth guided them both to the couch as he spoke.

“My style, really?” her eyes glowed with pleasure.

His breath caught, undetected, while he watched her eyes sparkle like jewels. When he saw dear sweet sis, he would have to remember to tell her that this human could more than compete with the Goddess of Love.

“Yes, you use what I would say is sensual conflict. It’s most intriguing and whether others realize it, divulges quite a lot about you.”

“It’s just story-telling…”

“It’s far more than that.”

Ruth watched the body language between the two and liked what she witnessed. This could bode very well on so many levels. A knock sounded on the door. “Come in,” she called out.

Karen entered carrying a tray with a few drinks and cups of ice. As she moved across the room, her hips swayed most provocatively. When she reached the couch, she leaned down showing an ample view of her creamy breasts. “Would you two care for a drink?”

“Sure, I’ll take a Diet Coke,” Megan replied containing a grin for Karen’s obvious behavior.

“I’ll take the Sprite Zero.”

Ruth’s brows furrowed recognizing her young receptionist’s tactics. “Thank you, Karen, that will be enough.”

A pout formed on the girl’s lips and she hovered just for a moment gazing down into the rep’s face.

He gave a cursory glance but acknowledged her no further past the drinks. His eyes remained steadfast upon Megan.

Her pout fell then she turned leaving the three alone.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to go over the manuscript to her newest book. I understand that it’s quite juicy but she won’t let me read it.”

Megan’s cheeks burned deeper. If Ruth only knew why it was so juicy.

“Guess I’m the lucky one then. Shall we get started?”

“By all means,” Megan replied handing him the manuscript as Ruth retreated closing the doors behind her.


McKinzie S. Heart
~Live to write, write to live~