CFO's Affair

By Tina Gayle

Sylvia Donovan is emotionally wounded from the unexpected death of her husband and still haunted by their last conversation: his request for a divorce and his confession of love for another woman. Her husband gone, her only daughter off to college, Sylvia faces the challenges of learning to live alone and move on with her life.
Vince Wilshire, enchanted with Sylvia, is more than willing to do what it takes to capture the heart of the hurting and untrusting Sylvia.
Can he help her forget the past and make her believe in love again?

Excerpt:
She shifted the car into park and killed the engine. “If you need a ride home, let me know.”

A hand closed around her upper arm and she glanced over at Vince.
He released her immediately. “I'm sorry about the bad attitude this morning. I didn't sleep very well last night. I keep having...” He shook his head as if he decided against sharing details of his dreams.

“Don't worry about it. I didn't sleep too well either so it's probably best we both kept our mouth shut during the trip or we might have come to blows before we even got here.” Sylvia leaned forward to retrieve her purse from the floor. In a way, she liked knowing he didn’t always have a quick comeback. It made him more human, more approachable—she cast a wayward glance in his direction—sexier.

“So what do you want me to do for you?”

His question played against her current thoughts and several erotic images from her dreams sprang to the forefront of her mind. He'd set her up with his alluring call and her mind had flowed pictures of him into her dreams. She choked back a randy comment and stuttered, “That's not really necessary.”

“I want to do something. You've gone out of your...”

She tugged on the door handle and the sound of a car passing nearby them invaded the interior of the car. The large SUV pulled into the slot a few spaces down from them.

“There's Knox.” Glad to see her friend, Sylvia turned and stepped out of the car. She'd debated this morning if she still wanted to go through with helping Vince and had convinced herself she could handle being alone with the man.

Now, she didn’t feel as confident.

He had helped by remaining quiet during the drive, the silence giving her a breather from the attraction between them. Then he opened his mouth, spoke a teasing remark, and the bottom dropped out of her desire to resist his charm.

No, she had to get away from him. Better to use Knox's presence as a buffer, then she could walk into the office and sit down at her desk without any more lustful thoughts.

Knox strolled around the end of his vehicle and lifted a brow. “Well, seeing as you two rode into work together, does that mean you two are dating?”
The words hit her in the chest and she slammed her car door with extra force. “No, I—”

Vince hurried forward and interrupted, “No, Sylvia was kind enough to offer me a lift. My car broke down yesterday and is in the shop. We...” He waved a finger between the two of them and finished with “...are just friends.”

She blinked and stared at him a long moment, her mind racing with how to respond. “You know, I don't think we can even say we're friends. I simply thought it was a nice thing to do for a co-worker.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tina Gayle
• Release date: Oct 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301156320

Tina Gayle

Married twenty-five years, Tina Gayle and her husband love to travel and can’t wait for Mike to retire so they can do it more. Always working on perfecting her craft, Tina is a member of RWA, attends writing conferences, and can be found in a number of writing classes. She also loves to hear from her readers. You can email her at tinagayle (at) roadrunner.com.

Book preview

Blurb for CFO’s Affair

Sylvia Donovan is emotionally wounded from the unexpected death of her husband and still haunted by their last conversation: his request for a divorce and his confession of love for another woman. Her husband gone, her only daughter off to college, Sylvia faces the challenges of learning to live alone and move on with her life.

Vince Wilshire, enchanted with Sylvia, is more than willing to do what it takes to capture the heart of the hurting and untrusting Sylvia.

Can he help her forget the past and make her believe in love again?

What others are saying about Tina Gayle's books.

Birth – IT Exec’s Baby -- For fans of traditional romances or romances with kids, this is a must read. For all other romance readers, give it a try. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

http://www.theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/birthgayle.htm

Baby Decision --As the relationship develops between Colt and Susan we’re treated to a love story that warms the heart."

Reviewed by: Rachel C at Fallen Angel Reviews

http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2008/April/RachelC-BabyDecision.htm

Youthful Temptations is about a couple finding love and overcoming stereotypes. We see that we all have baggage, it’s a part of us, and those that love us don’t mind the load we carry. Awesome story, I really enjoyed Youthful Temptations.

Reviewed by Raine at Review at Joyfully Reviewed

http://joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Oct09/youthfultemptations.TG.html

Pregnancy Plan is not only a book I enjoyed but I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to know when the lie would blow up in their faces and what would happen when it did. I loved this book and I’m looking forward to seeing what Tina Gayle comes up with next.

Reviewed by: Rachel C.

See the full review at Fallen Angel Reviews

http://www.fallenangelreviews.com:80/2007/September/RachelC-PregnancyPlan.htm

CFO’s Affair

By Tina Gayle

Dedication

To everyone who has helped me along the way, thanks.

Smashwords Edition

* * * * * *

Published by:

Tina Gayle

Copyright July 2013 by Tina Gayle

All Rights Reserved

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or used fictitiously. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Breathe, damn it. Sylvia Donovan forced air into her lungs and continued the running argument she’d had with herself since she’d agreed to come here. All those yoga classes should have taught me something.

Fire burned in her chest with each inhalation. Crying didn't allow for the luxury of deep breathing. She coughed, trying unsuccessfully to stop the sobbing that persisted in blocking her air passageway.

Tears blurred her vision and she blotted her eyes carefully with a crumbled tissue, not wanting her makeup to run. Misery surrounded her like an old friend. Why had she ever agreed to help Knox?

She blinked back her tears and stared through the windshield of her car. In front of her stood the building she'd promised never to enter again. Yet...

The bright light from a sunny autumn day reflecting off the glass windows appeared almost cheerful. She forced a weak smile and worked to picture the adventure ahead as a trip along a yellow brick road where all her dreams would come true.

Yes, and look at the trouble Dorothy got into, Sylvia grumbled. The tirade that had been brewing since she'd woken this morning played again through her head. She opened her mouth. Her thoughts turning to the hours she’d lain awake last night worrying.

Her cell phone rang. The ugly names she'd compiled to lambast herself with slipped away.

Instead, she grabbed the small devise and glanced at the display screen hoping against hope to see her daughter's number. The reality of where her daughter now lived hit Sylvia in the chest. She figured Cassey hadn’t even rolled out of bed yet. She didn't have a class before ten and probably hadn't even gotten to bed until after midnight.

Irritated at the man calling, Sylvia punched the connect button and barked, What?

Well, good morning Miss Sunshine. Are you planning to sit in your car all day or are you coming into the office? Knox's cheerful voice hit a nerve.

She scanned the windows facing this side of the building and noticed the figure standing in the corner office.

He waved.

You know I should tell you to go to hell. She fought the desire to reach for the ignition switch.

A laugh sounded in her ear. Go right ahead, but you know the alternative to coming inside is to go back home. Nothing is waiting on you there except an empty house.

Why was the man torturing her?

Knox, we've talk about this. I have other things I could do. Sylvia figured another trip to the mall or a visit to the gym could kill a few hours. She also had a mystery to read by M. Catherine Berg that looked interesting.

Nevertheless, you promised to help me out. Are you trying to renege? Knox walked away from the window and his voice drop to a seductive purr. It's only for a few days. Then if you want, you can go back to being the workout queen.

Sylvia battled the urge to scream. Between Knox and the other executive wives, she'd been bullied and coerced into doing more things than she wanted. Why couldn't they just leave her in peace?

Does Marianne fall under the bus every time you use that particular tone? Sylvia wiped a finger under her nose and searched the interior of her car to make sure she had everything she needed.

He laughed again. I could only wish. The woman seems determined to evade my charm. However, you are different. You have no illusions about me and know how much I love you, even if I have to drag you kicking and screaming into a new job.

You know this is only for a few days. I’m not here on a permanent basis. She shook her head, recognizing how far his caring attitude would go. Right to a place where she could help him the most by filling in for a sick employee. In fact, maybe, you should call a temporary...

A knock sounded on the window beside her and she jumped. Her head swiveled around and she stared at the man looking at her through the window.

Vince Wilshire's handsome face could make any woman melt with desire. With it so close to hers—the glass being the only thing separating them—a rush of adrenaline swept into her system. She leaned sideways in her seat and knocked her hand against the steering wheel. The horn beeped and she muttered, Damn it, Knox, why did you...

The sound of his laughter sent anger flooding through her, the muscles in her arms tightening with the need to strike out. She lowered the phone and clicked the disconnect button in retaliation to his attempt to manipulate her.

Vince opened the driver's side door and cold air rushed into the car. Hey, beautiful, are you heading inside?

What is this? Are you guys ganging up on me? Sylvia ignored the man beside her and glanced in the rear view mirror, checking to make sure her tears hadn't caused any lasting effect.

A warm hand landed on her shoulder and Vince toyed with her hair. Not at all, I like the idea of entering the building with a gorgeous woman on my arm.

Right, she protested and stuffed her phone into her purse before turning to stare into his bedroom-brown eyes. The spark in their depths had her reevaluating her impression of the man. Yes, he had the face and body to rival every other Casanova in the world, but he also had a sense of humor. That alone sent a shiver of awareness through her.

She fought the desire gathering in her stomach and waved her hand at him so he'd move out of the way, letting her exit the car. Did Knox make you wait out here in the parking lot to make sure I would come inside?

Vince grinned and held her door open while she stepped onto the asphalt. His gaze fell to her legs.

She stared at her new, high-heel, red pumps and silently prayed she wouldn't land face first in the dirt when she tried to walk across the pitted parking lot in them.

A low whistled sounded beside her. Man, are you ever hot.

She ignored the comment and didn't turn until she heard the car door slamming closed. And there's not a woman you've ever met you haven't wanted.

He slapped a hand over his chest. Oh, you injure me. If I had a beautiful woman like you on my arm, I'd be content for eternity.

Or until the next pretty face walked by. Sylvia tossed her dark auburn hair off her shoulder and walked toward the front entrance without glancing back.

The man is entirely too cocky.

He hurried to her side and slipped his arm through hers. Not a chance, no woman can compete with you.

She shook her head, unable to believe a word he said. They had met at a party several months ago when Knox had bought back his company. Vince had danced with her several times, giving her hot looks and tender caresses. By the time the evening ended, she had expected him to ask for her number. He hadn’t, meaning he must have no intentions about getting serious about anyone.

The man simply enjoys flirting with every woman on the planet.

She understood. She had no desire to get involve with anyone either. Allowing him to lead her to the front door, she remained quiet. Her mind replayed all the reasons she had for never setting foot inside this building again.

Robert Donovan, her husband for over twenty-plus years had given his life for this company, along with the other executive team. Yes, they called it an accident. In truth, she had to admit he'd deserted her to do the company's bidding years before the fatal car wreck. Now for some reason she couldn’t fathom, she agreed to join the ranks for a few days.

Why?

Did she really expect to learn anything new about the things Robert did here at work after all this time? He could have met his secret lover and had his sordid affair somewhere else.

****

She’s not trying to be difficult, Vince told himself as he considered the beautiful woman at his side. Almost as tall as him in her heels, she moved like an actress on the red carpet, her curves shifting provocatively in an erotic dance. He wanted to capture and hold her tight against his body until their rhythm matched and they obtained mutual pleasure.

He increased his pace and wove around to reach the outside door before her. She paused and her luscious body rocked, her full breasts playing with the revealing slit of her blouse.

Diverting his gaze away from the appealing sight, he held the door and waved her through. After you, beautiful.

You know being a gentleman is gaining you no brownie points. She offered him a ghost of a smile and preceded him inside.

His heart rate kicked in to high gear again as she sashayed around him. The light bump of her shoulder into his arm sent a shockwave of longing through him and he reminded himself why he needed to avoid her at all cost.

Yes, she was sexy as hell and wealthy to boot. Two attributes he found very appealing. Yet, she had one major flaw. She also happened to be a very good friend of the owner of the company where he worked.

He learned not to mix business and pleasure a long time ago. Plus, Sylvia came with a mind field of other issues, one of which was adjusting to her daughter going off to college and suddenly being alone.

She slowed, her feet dragging to a stop as she glanced around the lobby. You'd think after all these years Knox would have changed up this place. It's as uninviting as ever.

Vince examined the bland lobby. A touch of green from a few large plants hid the view of the parking lot. Two dark blue vinyl benches met at the far corner where a table sat with several logistic magazines on top. Most people aren't in here long enough to care what it looks like.

He stepped around her and guided his security card through the scanner. With her so close, he drew in the sweet scent of her perfume. Thoughts of drawing her into his arms played through his head. Why did he find her so irresistible?

The door clicked open.

Wrapping his hand around the handle to keep from reaching for her, he shoved the door open. Are you ready for this?

Her face mere inches from his, he noticed a brief flash of panic in her eyes before she lifted her chin and stepped through the entrance. Nothing I haven't seen before. Or probably won't see again.

He understood she meant the task of doing a job, but for some reason his brain registered the sexual implications of the comment. Oh, man, you're brutal. Some things you know get better with age.

Matching his steps to hers, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and leaned in close. He whispered beside her ear, It's all a matter of knowing how to use what you've got.

She shrugged and shifted away from him, eyeing him with a raised brow. Yes and some people are amateurs, Mr. Wilshire. You, I take it, are an old pro who knows how to wield your sword with the best of them.

Laughter bubbled up into his throat. He marveled at her sassy tone and didn't relinquish his grip. I must admit I’m very good at a few chosen tasks.

****

Whether from Vince’s sexual innuendoes or the fear of facing old hurts, Sylvia couldn’t breathe. Her heart raced and she stopped to gain some distance from Vince’s sexy male cologne. Shifting away, she stumbled and her hips hit the wall, pinning her in place and blocking any direct means of escape.

She forced air into her lungs and fired back. I'm sure you are. However, I’m not here to help you with those assignments.

The hallway in front of them led to the executive offices. Told to report to HR, she tried without success to recall the layout of the building and the location for each department. Aren't we headed in the wrong direction? I'm supposed to check in with human resources.

No, Knox's voice echoed down the hallway. I told Vince to bring you to my office first.

Sylvia turned, expecting to see Knox. Though, like he did whenever she saw him, the man’s good looks captured her undivided attention.

Tall, dark, and handsome, he had the most amazing blue eyes and his smile could convince a nun to shed her clothes. The slight touch of gray at his temples didn't distract from the picture, instead the color added a regal charm to the hard cut of his jaw.

Knox, you can tell your jailer here I'm inside and he's free to get to work. Sylvia’s gaze bounced between the two men and she wondered how the women in the company ever got anything done with these two gorgeous hunks parading the halls.

Now, Sylvia, Vince here was just being friendly. Knox waved her forward and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. You should feel sorry for him. The man is completely smitten with you.

Rolling her eyes at the absurdity of the comment, Sylvia allowed Knox to lead her down the hall to his office. She glanced into the other executive offices along the way. Most appeared exactly the same as they had two years ago when Robert and the other executive team had worked there. Did the other company that bought you out not change anything?

No, and I'm happy they didn't. Now everything is back to the way it was before I ever sold the company.

The statement cut through her and grief opened an old wound. Not everything. Four of his executives were dead, their wives now widows. She paused outside the office next to Knox's. Jack Clark's office appeared different, a new oak desk sat in the room with a matching hutch positioned behind it.

Vince edged by her and entered the office. So what do you think?

Surprised by the man's sense of style, she grinned. How did you ever get Knox to agree to new furniture?

He made it part of the hiring agreement so he could decorate his office to his own personal taste, Knox answered from his place in the hallway.

Right, and what did you do with Jack's furniture? Sylvia had to ask because her best friend and Jack's widow, Marianne would be upset to learn no one was making use of the rich maple desk she'd chosen for his office.

Sylvia studied Knox, judging his calm reaction to the question.

He rubbed his neck and then directed her into his office. I gave it to Marianne. Though, I don't know what she did with it.

What, trouble in paradise? Sylvia strolled to one of the guest chairs in Knox's office and sank into the soft cushion. Positioning her purse on her lap, she wrestled with the feeling of stepping back in time. I thought with Nolan finding a new girlfriend. You would have sailed in and captured Marianne's heart.

Knox walked behind his desk and settled into a high-back, black, leather chair. She keeps giving the excuse I'm too young for her. Not that I care, but it seems to bother her.

Or maybe, she's enjoying her new grandchildren too much to want to settle down and be a proper executive wife. Sylvia pictured Brie and Jason, Marianne's daughter-in-law and son. After their marriage, Marianne had found a new purpose in live. She spent a part of almost every day with Brie's new baby and her children.

Could be, though neither of us is really in any hurry. We're both still recovering from the death of our spouses. He worried a hand over the collar of his shirt and his gaze met hers. Concern lay in the depth of his. How about you? Are you ready to start dating again?

Hell, no. I gave Bob the best years of my life. Now, I plan to have a little fun. The words fell flat between them.

With Cassey gone, Sylvia didn't have anyone to take care of except herself. She filled her days with meaningless tasks and fought the depression that threatened to consume her at times.

Her habit for the last few weeks was to force her weary bones out of bed and repeat an inspiring pep talk. Not that either did much to shorten the endless days. She'd gotten by and had managed to keep her personal struggles to herself.

Right and yoga... He paused as if reconsidering his words. His raised brow and the tight strain of his lips over his teeth revealed he hadn’t bought her clever lie and had considered arguing the point. I'm, uh, just glad you agreed to help me here for a few days. Our receptionist, Deb, is having some health problems. She's working to overcome them, but she never knows from day to day if she'll feel like coming in.

I heard about her car accident. Did you tell her to go visit Hagan? Sylvia pictured Jen, another one of the widows of the old executive team. She'd been the first to remarry. Her new husband, Hagan Cheney, a chiropractor, had seen everyone in the group for a variety of reasons from a headache to severe back pains.

Yes. He's helping her and she’s making progress. However, she is still struggling to feel better. That's why it so nice of you to come in on such short notice.

It also helps when you give her the day off. Sylvia watched his expression carefully, noticing the quick blink of surprise, confirming her suspicion he'd set her up to come in today.

Now, Sylvia...

Don't sweat it. I knew you come up with one way or another to get me in here. Sylvia shifted her purse and rose. Now, I better head to HR before they decide I'm a no show.

Oh, no, Mrs. Donovan, we saw you walk in with Mr. Wilshire. A girl around twenty stood at the open doorway of Knox's office. Cute with Shirley Temple curls, the woman smiled and stepped forward.

Good morning. Knox stood and made the introductions. Nancy here will show you around, Sylvia, and then show you the ins and outs of being our receptionist.

Sylvia nodded and followed the girl out of his office. Once out of earshot of the men, she had to ask, So does the job come with handcuffs so I can't leave until five?

Nancy stuttered, What?

Sylvia held back a groan and patted the girl's arm. Never mind, I was just teasing.

****

Very few changes had occurred since the last time Sylvia had visited Momma Turner's Transportation and Logistics Company or better known as Momma Turner's TLC. Many of the faces had changed. A number had remained the same. Everyone she met welcomed her, except one.

Wyoming Tetterman, Robert's old administrative assistant, appeared to know where Sylvia would be and had avoided her during her initial walk through the company.

Sylvia had paused at the woman's desk and recalled Wyoming’s small office outside of Robert’s. Not holding the same position now, she occupied a cubical in customer service. The area no more than a large closet. Her desk wrapped around the walls of the unit, leaving her only the space in the middle to sit.

Her desk held all the normal items; computer, papers, printouts, and files. She also had a number of personal items, plant, what nots and pictures. The ones of her baby sparked a tidal wave of information from Nancy.

Isn't he cute? Wyoming is so proud of him. That's all she ever talks about. Nancy continued along the aisle and directed Sylvia back toward the HR area. He turned one about a month or so back and is getting into all sorts of trouble.

Not wanting to be labeled a gossip, Sylvia tried to curb her natural curiosity. She had liked the girl and had shared many conversations with Robert about what Wyoming could do to make a better life for herself. Please tell me she didn't marry her old boyfriend.

No, they didn't get married. He has his own place near her and drops in on her every now and then. Nancy increased her pace. At five foot nothing, she had trouble keeping up in her four inch heels.

Pausing briefly, Sylvia struggled to remember all the facts about Wyoming's relationship with her bum of a boyfriend. What was his name again, Xero, Zerky, something strange like that?

Xeno Rasmindel. He's one heck of a screwed up individual. Luckily, I've never had the pleasure of meeting the man. Nancy placed her hand on a thick door and turned the handle that led into the receptionist area. Now, let me show you where you will be sitting.

Sylvia glanced through the glass window into the empty lobby. A few feet beyond against the same wall sat a gray workstation common to almost every office across the world. Why business people like the dull furniture, she couldn't fathom.

All you need to do is sit here and answer the phone and sign people into the building. Nancy pointed to the phone and then lifted the receiver, giving instructions on how the device worked.

Sylvia listened and wished for the hundredth time today for another cup of coffee. She hadn't slept well after she received Knox's call and his request for help. Doesn't seem too hard.

It's not. Just tell one of us if you need to step away from your desk and we'll cover for you. Nancy walked to another doorway and indicated a row of desks where most of the other people in human resources sat.

Great, then I guess I better get to work. Sylvia hoped to settle into her seat and catch her breath before she needed to answer a call.

With Nancy talking through the whole tour of the building, Sylvia wanted five seconds of peace and quiet.

No, wait. I need to tell you about visitors. You should call whoever they are here to see before you allow them into the main part of the building. Nancy grabbed a sheet of paper off the desk and held it out to Sylvia. This is a list of all the employees and their telephone extensions. If you can't get a hold of them, you'll need to page them.

Great, I love hearing my voice ring through the building. Sylvia bit her tongue to keep the comment from spilling through her lips.

Nancy explained the procedure and added, Then just speak into the phone normally.

Sylvia nodded and set her purse on the desk. I believe I’ve got it. Answer the phone and ring in guests.

The phone rang and she reached for the receiver. Guess it's time I earn my pay.

She lifted the phone to her ear. Good morning, Mama Turner's, how can I help you?

Nancy smiled and walked away.

"Well,