Her Boss by Arrangement. Teresa Carpenter

      

       His mouth cut her off, his kiss a hard slant of his lips over hers.

      The shock of his action threw her off stride. She placed her hands on his chest, intending to push him away. Then he softened the kiss, stealing her ability to think. She sank against him, opening her mouth under his.

      In the next instant she was teetering on her own feet while he strode to lean against the mantel.

      Not trusting her legs to hold her, she perched on the bench of his weight equipment. She glared at him. “That was unprofessional. We’re in a professional relationship. It would complicate things unnecessarily to inject a personal element into the situation.”

      She blinked up into his silver gaze …

      Her Boss by Arrangement

      Teresa Carpenter

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      TERESA CARPENTER believes in the power of unconditional love, and that there’s no better place to find it than between the pages of a romance novel. Reading is a passion for Teresa—a passion that led to a calling. She began writing more than twenty years ago, and marks the sale of her first book as one of her happiest memories. Teresa gives back to her craft by volunteering her time to Romance Writers of America on a local and national level.

      A fifth generation Californian, she lives in San Diego, within miles of her extensive family, and knows that with their help she can accomplish anything. She takes particular joy and pride in her nieces and nephews, who are all bright, fit, shining stars of the future. If she’s not at a family event you’ll usually find her at home—reading, writing, or playing with her adopted Chihuahua, Jefe.

      MILLS & BOON

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      Dedicated to my twin nieces, Michelle and Gabrielle.

       They call themselves wombmates and they turn twenty-one this year.

       Thanks for the inspiration. I love you both.

       And may the world beware.

      Contents

       Cover

       Introduction

       Title Page

       About the Author

       Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

       CHAPTER FOUR

       CHAPTER FIVE

       CHAPTER SIX

       CHAPTER SEVEN

       CHAPTER EIGHT

       CHAPTER NINE

       CHAPTER TEN

       CHAPTER ELEVEN

       CHAPTER TWELVE

       CHAPTER THIRTEEN

       EXTRACT

       Copyright

CHAPTER ONE

      “PARKING, CODE BLUE.” Tori Randall heard the request for assistance from the valet station through her headset. They usually had three valets for an event of this size but one of their regulars had called in sick at the last minute, leaving them shorthanded. They were one short in the kitchen, as well. The darn flu was killing them.

      “En route,” she responded and caught her twin sister’s gaze across the open expanse of the living room from where she stood just outside on the top level of the terraced patio. Lauren nodded subtly, indicating she’d heard.

      “Hey, do you see the spark between those two?” Tori gestured to a stunt coordinator and a production assistant seated on the patio, chairs pulled close so their heads nearly touched. “Love is blossoming.”

      Lauren’s gaze touched the couple and Tori knew her twin felt it, too, the sense of knowing when two people were meant to be. It was a talent they shared.

      “No meddling,” Lauren cautioned, though her eyes softened. She was a sucker for true love. For everyone but herself. “We agreed to focus on the business.”

      “We don’t meddle,” Tori protested. “We introduce. I don’t think we’re needed in any case.”

      “No,” Lauren agreed. “They’ve found each other all on their own.”

      “The buffet has been refreshed and new appetizers are circulating.” Tori gave Lauren an update on the food. This was their first event for one of Hollywood’s top directors, Ray Donovan. Everything needed to be perfect. “We’re past the witching hour, so desserts are coming out in a half hour. I can use a bit of fresh air.”

      “Keep an eye out for Garrett Black,” Lauren said.

      “Are you still expecting him to show? Give it up, Lauren, he’s not coming. As usual.” The new head of Obsidian Studios was the newest “it” guy everyone wanted at their event. But the man was refusing to play. No surprise. He had a rep for being antisocial as a director and producer. Why should running the show make any difference?

      Their company, By Arrangement, had landed a coveted contract with Obsidian Studios to organize their events at the Hollywood Hills Film Festival starting in six weeks. Lauren hoped for an opportunity for them to introduce themselves to the top dog.

      “Midnight is young by Hollywood standards. My source said he was planning to attend. He and Donovan go back.”

      “Right.” Tori rolled her eyes. But the truth was Lauren’s infamous sources were uncannily correct. “I’ll keep a lookout.”

      She still doubted they’d see the elusive Black tonight. Injured in the car accident that killed his father eleven months ago and left