Without Limits: Austin (Rugged Riders Book 4) by Ambrielle Kirk

dimwit.” Zaira ran her fingers through her hair. “And why didn’t you come to the party? We missed you.”
    “We got caught up at his house…and the next thing we knew pizza and a few movies sounded way better than getting smashed at an R.R. party especially with my classes the next day.”
    Zaira released an exaggerated sigh. “Are you free tonight, anyway?”
    “Yeah, girl. Let’s do dinner. We need to catch up.”
    “See you then.” Zaira stuffed her cell in her purse and exited the elevator as it reached the parking garage level.

Chapter 3
    T he lunch hour rolled around fast the very next day. Before Zaira knew it, she had spent the whole morning finalizing reports for one of the partners at her firm. She procrastinated about going to Svelte to discuss the state of the company with Trent, but it was either sooner or later.
    Dad had called her this morning before taking his flight out to Italy. And once again, he expressed his aggravation over the way she acted at the meeting. Not even her mother, who usually understood her, agreed with Zaira. Now it was time to face Trent, the man whom she both adored and hated.
    It only took about thirty minutes to get to Svelte’s headquarters from her midtown condo. Living in the city had its advantages and disadvantages. Being a hop, skip, and a jump away from several of the companies she did business with was an obvious plus.
    When she reached the office that now belonged to Trent Stone, there was no one inside. She walked in anyway, placing her briefcase on the edge of the desk.
    Zaira could tell that he’d been working here today because several objects were moved since the last time she’d sat in the big black comfy leather chair which faced a window that looked out over the bustling freeway. The desk was clear except for his laptop, monitor, and a desk phone. The daily calendar she referred to whenever she was there was already turned to the current date with hand scribbled notes written across it.
    She looked toward the door again thinking that he would barge in at any moment and find her standing over his desk. The lights had been turned down and she wondered if he had called it a day and gone home even though they’d agreed to meet here at this hour.
    Zaira walked behind the desk and pulled out the desk drawer. That bastard had even rearranged her pens and notepads to his liking. She bit the inside corner of her lip and pulled out his chair.
    That’s when she saw the sticky note on the corner of the monitor with her name on it.
    Zaira , it read. Meet me at Cafe Gusto .
    It was as if he’d known she’d not only come straight here looking for him, but also come close enough to his desk to see the personal note.
    Zaira could have caused more problems by declining and going back home, but she decided she’d take her Dad’s advice and exclude her personal views from the business union between he and Trent Stone.
    She made her way to the cafe and found no problems spotting Trent at a small table near the back corner. His attention was on the tablet in front of him. There was a water glass and an espresso mug on the table too. He must have heard her approach because he rose immediately just as she neared him.
    “Zaira.” He smiled and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. There was a light dusting of five o’ clock shadow along his jawline. His hair was trimmed short and pulled back away from his face. His six foot four frame towered over her as he pressed his palm against the middle of her back, helping her into her chair.
    “Hi Trent.”
    “Had a great day so far?” he asked, his dark eyes searching her face.
    “Time flew by actually, but no major hiccups just yet.” She fiddled with the menu, trying to think of numerous ways to explain her actions from yesterday. Who was she fooling? The memory of acting out yesterday was something she wanted to forget. “How was your first official day on the job?”
    “Not bad. The company and financials are in