Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

"Lyman, where are you off to?" Randell called after him.

"Mixing a little business with pleasure," Lyman replied, not even slowing his stride.

Randell and Fenton exchanged a knowing look, as if they'd seen this coming a mile away.

Lyman beckoned Luther to follow, and together they made an unannounced entrance into the Design Department.

Without any preamble, Luther, on Lyman's behalf, commended Effie and Shirley in front of everyone. Shirley especially had outdone herself lately, and so, with a nod from Lyman, she was promoted from probationary to full-time designer.

"Whoa! Wait-I'm not dreaming, am I?" Shirley practically bounced with excitement.

She threw her arms around Effie, grinning like a child. "Effie, pinch me! Quick, pinch me, I need to know this is real!"

Effie hesitated, smiling. "You do it. Give yourself a slap-it'll work better."

"Alright!" Shirley let go, dashed over, and gave Luther a good-natured smack on the hand.

Luther stared at her, dumbfounded. He'd never expected Shirley to actually hit him.

"Didn't even hurt. Am I really dreaming?" Shirley muttered under her breath.

Luther couldn't find the words. Seriously, princess, you hit me-how would you feel it?

After Shirley's little stunt, the whole department fell dead silent. You could hear a pin drop. Everyone gawked at Shirley-she was bold, sure, but of all people to hit, she picked Luther? Didn't she know Luther was Mr. Etheridge's right-hand man, the power behind the throne?

Most of them figured Shirley was a goner after this.

To everyone's astonishment, neither Lyman nor Luther seemed remotely bothered.

Whispers began to spread-maybe Shirley was the real VIP around here.

Then Lyman made another announcement: Thanks to Effie's outstanding performance-nailing several big projects since joining The Etheridge Group and rooting out a major problem in the company-he was officially promoting her to Design Manager.

No one seemed particularly surprised. They all knew Effie's talent; even without the promotion today, it was only a matter of time before she rose through the ranks.

"Is anyone unhappy with this result?" Lyman suddenly asked.

His wife deserved to be cherished-and if nobody else would clap, he'd start. Lyman began applauding, and the others quickly followed suit.

Effie shot Lyman a look, equal parts grateful and exasperated—so much for keeping a low profile.

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Then Lyman turned to her, all business again. "Miss Bagnold,. would you come to my office?

an important matter need

with you."

Without waiting for her response, he strode into his office.

Effie was left a little bewildered. What could be so urgent or so secret that he

couldn't just say it in front of everyone?

Still, she followed him inside.

"Close the door," Lyman said.

As soon as Effie turned around from shutting the door, Lyman moved in-fast-catching her wrists and pinning her gently between the door and his body.

Effie's breath hitched, nerves fluttering in her stomach.

Lyman's lips curled in a satisfied smile at her reaction.

With one hand, he tilted her chin up, drawing close, his gaze intense.

Effie's scalp tingled in alarm. There was a whole office full of employees outside- was he really going to do this here?

"What... what are you doing?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Lyman's smile deepened. "Mixing a little business with pleasure," he teased.

His words brushed her skin, warm and damp, sending a shiver through her whole body.

Before Effie could protest, Lyman's

lips claimed hers in a fierce kiss net

stea

her breath, seizing here

it were a battle he fully intended to

if

Win. noveldrama

Only after a long moment did he finally let her go.

Effie slumped against his chest, her legs weak, heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst.