Bluegrass Seduction (The Bluegrass Billionaire Trilogy Book 1) by Alice Ward, Jessica Blake

could.”
    I nodded and went around the table to kiss him quickly. This seemed to relieve whatever apprehensions he was feeling and he smiled. “Good,” he said and went back to eating.
    “So, you’re really not going to tell me what this is all about?” I asked.
    “That’s right.”
    “You wouldn’t set me up to get embarrassed, would you?”
    His fork clattered to the table. “Auggie, I’m sensing a trust issue here. Do you think I would set you up?”
    “Look,” I began. “You need to understand something about me. I might appear to be a spoiled brat and all, but I go by the rules. It’s important to me. In fact, it’s the only way I know how to be.”
    “I know that. It’s what attracts me. I’m bothered that you would think I would intentionally cause you harm.” His voice was hurt.
    “I’m not sure your definition of following rules and mine are the same, Worth.” I was upset.
    “Where is this coming from, Auggie?” he asked and leaned back in his chair. “I thought you’d appreciate the tip. I didn’t expect to be attacked for my character.” He wasn’t happy.
    I sat back in the chair too and crossed my arms over my chest. “You’re right. That wasn’t fair. I apologize.” He continued to stare at me and I needed to get out. “I’m full. Thanks for dinner, and for the tip, but I’m heading home now.” I stood up and laid my napkin on my plate. “Goodnight, Worth,” I said softly and, grabbing my bag, left the restaurant.
    I cried all the way home and sat in the driveway to finish it off. What is wrong with me?

C HAPTER F IFTEEN
    Worth
    I knew I was playing with fire telling Auggie to contact Jessup. It wasn’t so much Jessup I cared about, but Auggie walked a narrow line, one with which I wasn’t so familiar. If anything, the lines I’ve walked in my life have been anything but straight.
    I went into the office early and noticed that Jervis’ car was in the parking lot. There was no way to know whether he’d never gone home, or whether he was in even earlier than me. I decided I really didn’t care and went into my office. As it turned out, I was to learn shortly. A tap on my door was the only announcement he gave me.
    I looked up to see Jervis standing in the doorway. “You’ve been avoiding me,” I said calmly. At least he had the grace to flush a bit and clear his throat.
    “I thought we should talk,” he began.
    “Oh? Really? What about?” I wasn’t going to make this easy for him.
    “I, ah, well, you know there was that incident…” he faltered in his words.
    “Yes.” A simple response that leaned in neither direction.
    “Well… that is… I’m not sure if you know who that was in my office.” He was begging for me to fill in the blanks so he wouldn’t have to spill more than he needed to.
    “I’m aware,” I answered.
    “Good,” he said and took a seat, crossing one leg over the other in a gesture of defense. This was not lost on me.
    “What can I do for you?” I put him on high alert.
    “I had a phone call late last night, from the lady in question,” he began.
    I only raised my brows. “I’m not sure how that involves me.” I gave him no toe hold.
    “You’re seeing her daughter.”
    “I still don’t see how this involves me,” I repeated.
    “She doesn’t want you to,” he stuttered and looked down.
    “I see.” I tapped a button and music filled the office, making his predicament insignificant and giving the overall message that I was in control. Chopin spilled into the room, weaving around the furniture from hidden speakers, giving an illusory effect of floating.
    “That’s all you’re going to say? ‘I see?’” he questioned.
    “Yes.”
    “Look here, my boy…” he began.
    “Dr. LaViere,” I corrected. I was strangling him.
    “Worth, Auggie was a patient here. It’s against our ethics.”
    “Dr. Jervis,” I emphasized his title. “Her mother sent her and there was nothing wrong with her. Anyway, I believe the