Read Expecting the Boss’s Baby for Free Online Page B

knees. “I’m thinking ‘Spotlight on a Shoestring’—because of the economy, you know? That people are looking for value in everything they do, including when they travel. I’m thinking Mexico—and no, do not give me that look. Not Cancún or Puerto Vallarta. I’m thinking of something a little more out of the way.”
    â€œLike?”
    â€œSouthern Mexico, the state of Chiapas near the Guatemalan border. San Cristóbal de las Casas, to be specific.”
    â€œYou’re kidding.”
    She sat straighter and got that pugnacious look. He really liked that look. “I am one-hundred-percent serious. It’s a great value. Four-star hotels at a hundred bucks a night. Wonderful food at really low prices and a fabulous central market where you can get amazing deals on local arts and crafts. Biking, birdwatching. Rainforest all around, filled with thousands of exotic plants and animals. Spectacular Mayan ruins…”
    He put up a finger. “Two words.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œArmed insurgents.”
    She wrinkled her adorable nose at him. “I had a feeling you would say that.”
    He knew a lot about Mexico. But then, he knew a lot about many places. “They’re called the Zapatistas, Zoe. And they’re nothing to fool with.”
    â€œMost of the trouble was back in the nineties. Things are better now.”
    â€œBut is better good enough?”
    â€œIt is, yes. I’m sure it’s safe. Yes, the Zapatistas are in a war against the Mexican state, against globalization. But it’s mostly a nonviolent conflict. My research tells me that travelers are safer in and around San Cristóbal than in just about any major American city. As long as they behave respectfully and don’t take pictures without asking first.” She produced a memory stick. “Here’s what I have. I’ve tried to cover everything—what to pack, what to see, where to stay, how to get there.”
    â€œA spreadsheet for projected costs?”
    â€œThat, too.”
    He held out his hand. “I’ll give it a look.”
    Her sleek brows drew together. He knew she was considering working on him a little more before she turned him loose with what she’d worked up. But apparently she decided against that, decided to let the work she’d done speak for itself. He very much approved of that.
    She rose and passed him the stick. “Can’t ask for more.”
    That evening, he read her proposal. And the next morning, when they went over his calendar, he told her what he thought.
    â€œI like it. We’re going to do it.”
    She gasped and those blue eyes lit up, bright as stars. “You mean it?”
    He nodded.
    â€œYes!” In her excitement, she almost dropped her laptop. It slid off her knees. She lurched to rescue it and whacked her hand hard against the side of his desk. The enormous diamond made a loud cracking sound. Something plopped to the floor.
    They stared at each other.
    She let out a wild little laugh. “Oops.” She had her laptop stabilized on her knees and she was clutching her left hand with her right. She pressed her lips together as a scarlet flush rushed up her creamy cheeks. “Uh, sorry.”
    Was she hurt? “Are you okay?”
    â€œUh, yeah. Fine. Perfect.” She pulled the ring off her finger—but carefully, keeping it out of his sight. “I think I, um, bent the setting on my ring a little.”
    â€œSounded to me like you broke the damn thing.”
    The flush on her pretty face intensified. Her cheeks were now cherry-red. “No, no. Of course not.” Trying not to be obvious about it, she scanned the floor around her chair.
    He pushed back his own chair and looked under his desk.
    Near his left shoe, half of her engagement diamond sparkled at him. He bent and picked it up.
    When he straightened, she was staring at him. The look on her face was absolutely