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    The Escort: The Escort Series, #3
    The Escort: The Escort Series, #3
    The Escort: The Escort Series, #3
    Ebook136 pages2 hours

    The Escort: The Escort Series, #3

    By Harmony Raines

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    Everything is going well for Max and Dan. After the fire at her work place, Max spends the night been comforted in Dan's arms.
    But when the real reason for the fire is revealed, she is drawn into trying to help her boss find out who is responsible.

    But her plan sets her at odds with Dan. Can their relationship survive? Or will Max lose the man she loves?

    Find out in this final part of The Escort Series.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSilver Moon
    Release dateJul 1, 2015
    ISBN9781513029665
    The Escort: The Escort Series, #3

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      Book preview

      The Escort - Harmony Raines

      ***

      ***

      Chapter One - Max

      Please, Dan. Max couldn’t believe he would do this to her. After everything they’d gone through, why would he put her job in jeopardy by telling her boss, and Phil, that she had hired him as an escort?

      It’s OK, Max. Trust me.

      She looked him straight in the eye, wanting him to know how much he was hurting her by doing this. Was it possible he would ruin her career so she would be dependent on him, be on the same level as him financially and in terms of career?

      If that was true then he had misjudged her significantly. Then he gave her that sexy smile, the one that made her heart melt and her body sing. He had a plan.

      Well Dan are you going to share this big secret with us? Bob pushed.

      It’s not that big really. And Max has already forgiven me, so I hope you all do too.

      Phil looked disappointed that Max might be off the hook. Out with it, Dan. What’s this big secret of yours? I’m sure we’d all like to know too.

      It’s a little bit embarrassing really, for me, especially when my work buddies are standing there. He hesitated, looked at Max, and then ploughed on. When Max told me what she did for a living, that she had this great career, I felt a little beneath her. Not that she ever made me feel that way, he quickly added. So I told her I was in construction, that I earned a lot more than I do as a firefighter.

      Is this true Max?

      Max hesitated, she couldn't lie to her boss, not when he asked her so directly, so she avoided the question. It doesn’t worry me what Dan does for a living. I’m so very proud of him, he saved us today. Him and all the other guys stood here. He’s taught me so much, about what really matters in life.

      They stood in silence, and she could feel Bob’s eyes boring into her, assessing her. Luckily the door opened, and things began to move again.

      Paramedics are here for Shirley, Dan said.

      The two paramedics came past, and went straight into the conference room. Max linked her arm through Dan’s, and leaned against him, the adrenalin that had powered her body earlier now gone.

      Hey, come on, they should take a look at you too, Dan said.

      No, I’m fine. I’d really like to get out of here though. She coughed, the smoke that still lingered in the air catching in her chest.

      Of course. Bob said. And Dan, thank you. Thank you all for helping to save the building, and our people. Phil, I’m sure you’d like to add your thanks too.

      Phil looked as if that was the last thing on his mind, but he was clever enough to know he was beaten. If he attacked Dan, who was at hero status with Bob right now, then it would backfire on him. Plus, one look around showed he was seriously outnumbered. Most of the fire crew had moved off to carry on their duties, but two of the men still stood close by, back up, Max smiled.

      Are you allowed to take me downstairs, or are you needed here? I can call Robin and see if she can pick me up.

      I’ll check with the Captain, I’m sure they’ll be some questions too. We need to figure out how the fire started.

      I don’t know. We were in the conference room. You can’t see out, or in, by the time we were aware of the smoke, it was too late. There’s little I can tell you.

      Phil, any ideas? Dan asked, acting as if nothing had happened, ignoring the accusations Phil had laid on him. But then Phil had been right in his assumptions, and Max felt guilty that Dan had lied for her.

      Nothing, he shrugged. As Max said, we were in the conference room.

      Just then the Captain came over, breaking up the discussion. Right, ladies and gents, you all need to make your way out of the building. Dan, you want to escort them?

      Max almost flinched at the word, Dan turned to her and winked, making her feel better. She couldn’t wait to get out of the building, and get cleaned up. The thought of walking all the way down the stairs did not fill her with enthusiasm. However, with Dan there she could do it, despite the heavy feeling in her chest from the smoke. She had been convinced they were all going to choke to death when the fire was at it’s worst.

      Yes, sir, Dan replied, holding her hand.

      Harry, you go down too. Make sure these people see a paramedic. I want the whole floor cleared, no none but emergency workers are needed at this time. He directed this last sentence to Bob, who had made to enter the fire damaged part of the offices.

      There are some files I would like to collect, sensitive information on clients.

      Sorry, sir. Nothing leaves here until the inspector has given the go ahead. No tampering with evidence, the insurance company will be after me if we don’t follow protocol.

      I’ll be two minutes, Bob insisted, taking a couple more steps forward.

      Sir. The Captain put his arm out to block Bob’s way. Max was pretty sure it had been a great many years since anyone dared to tell Bob what to do, and her boss didn’t look best pleased. But the Captain was not a man you argued with. At his moment, in this place, a potential crime scene, his word was law, and everyone was expected to obey.

      She smiled to herself as Bob puffed loudly, and then turned and exited the floor, taking the stairs two at a time, his speed belying his age.

      What was all that about? Phil asked, as bewildered as Max at their boss’s behaviour.

      No idea. Maybe he’s upset about the building. You know, the hassle with insurance and investigators.

      Dan, get these people moving, the Captain ordered, and down the stairs they went.

      Shirley had already been taken down, the paramedics carrying her in a chair. It would be easier to use the lift, but no one knew what damage had been done, so the slow procession wound it’s way down the numerous flights of stairs.

      Harry went ahead, the others following, with Dan at the rear and Max by his side. Slowly he eased her back away from the others, before asking in a low voice, Any idea what Bob is hiding?

      Hiding? What do you mean?

      You don’t find his behaviour strange?

      No. She turned to look at him. Do you?

      A little.

      I’ve worked for him for a number of years. He’s got one of the best reputations in banking. She had nothing but respect for her boss, and couldn’t believe he could be trying to cover something up. He was simply concerned, he’s going to incur huge losses over this. It’s going to take a few days to get everything back up and running.

      Especially when his best employee is taking a few days off to get over it.

      I’ll be back in there tomorrow if he needs me to.

      No, that’s not happening, you need a few days off to get over this.

      She didn’t feel like arguing again, so she kept her mouth shut and put one foot in front of the other, the floors slowly disappearing, and the air clearing until there was no sign that anything had happened, apart from the eerily deserted building.

      The descent down the stairs was slow. Max had to keep stopping to cough and catch her breath. Slowly, as the air became clearer, she felt better, but her body ached and she simply wanted to sleep. All through this Dan kept his arm glued to her waist, supporting her every step of the way.

      Thank you, Dan, she said.

      They had stopped on the second floor, pressing themselves back against the wall as a group of workers passed them, heading up the stairs. Max guessed they had come to assess the damage, perhaps for insurance or safety, she found she no longer cared. All she wanted was to stand here with Dan's big comforting body pressed against hers.

      You don't have to thank me. Max, you have no idea how scared I was when I found out it was your building. His voice trembled, emotions he was struggling to keep in check bubbling close to the surface.

      I'm sorry to put you through that.

      He snorted. Don't ever be sorry that someone cares for you, loves you.

      Dan ... I didn't mean it like that. She buried herself in his chest, and mumbled, I love you too, Dan.

      His hand went to the nape of her neck, massaging it, lending her his strength. I'm not just saying it because of the shock. I know all about how that works.

      And do you think that's why I'm saying it? Because I thought we were going to die trapped in that room. She lifted her head, and looked him in the eyes. I've known since that first night I was falling for you. That's what scared me so much, but I've never known this kind of love, so I was afraid of it. Afraid of looking naive and stupid, when you're so much more...

      So much more what?

      Experienced at these things.

      He laughed, Damn Max. This is as new to me as it is to you. I thought I had found love with Angie, but now, after you ... I know that it wasn't real. And for the first time I'm glad I went through all that pain and regret, because it meant I was free to find you.

      "Come

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