Best Dating Rules by Tamie Dearen (story books to read .TXT) 📗

“Why would he do that? Is the stock doing badly?” He wondered if the tabloid speculation could actually hurt Gherring Inc. financially.

“No. No the stock’s up, actually. I don’t know—I’m worried because this isn’t normal.”

The noisy group fell completely silent as Gherring entered. His face was stern as he looked over the large group, standing awkwardly and craning to see. He motioned to the side. Emily and Gherring’s secretary approached him, carrying two large boxes. Gherring stood up on a chair.

“I’m sorry we don’t have a conference room large enough to accommodate all of you. I have a very important announcement to make.” He paused, and the audience waited in uneasy silence.

“The timing on this is a bit awkward. We didn’t really want to make this announcement until we were closer to the actual time, so we’d be sure it would actually happen.” He paused again, and the group began to murmur. Suddenly Gherring’s face changed. His dimples flashed, and mouth stretched in a huge grin.

“I’m going to be a dad!”

There was a moment of shocked silence, and then the whole group started cheering and clapping, sending out shouts of congratulations. Spencer could tell the employees really liked Gherring and were genuinely happy for him.

“And!” Gherring shouted over the crowd noise, “I’ve got cigars and candy for everyone so we can celebrate. But please, remember no smoking at the office.” He chuckled with the employees.

“But… there is more,” he added, with a more somber expression. “Anne’s having some serious complications, and the media got possession of some pictures... To make a long story short, we’ve got a television interview about it tonight. But we didn’t want you to be the last to know.”

Sam whispered, “I thought she didn’t look well this week. And she’s so thin—that can’t be good.”

“She’s already considered a high-risk pregnancy,” Gherring continued, his face lined with worry. “And she has a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Anne and I would both really appreciate your prayers.”

He reached out to Emily and caught her hand, giving it a squeeze.

“But we’re not going to let that stuff take away from how excited we are.” He grinned sheepishly. “We’re pregnant!”*****

“I saw your mom and dad on the news tonight,” said Grace as she and Emily made their way toward the art class. “It sounds really scary. Are you worried about her? I thought she was really brave to go on television like that, but she looked really thin. Has she gained any weight at all?”

Emily giggled as Grace prattled on. How on earth would she ever answer a question? Grace never stopped talking long enough for her to say anything. But she enjoyed her new friend’s enthusiastic chatter.

“I’m so excited you’re going to this class with me. Just wait until you see the art teacher. He’s so hot! And he’s mysterious and sort of, I don’t know, sultry.” Grace gave a little shiver to emphasize her words. “But he’s got this strict policy of not dating students. Which is too bad, because I’d love to lock lips with the guy. His voice is even romantic, and he talks so... You’ll have to meet him to understand.”

“How old is he? I pictured the art teacher as being about fifty for some reason.”

“Oh, he’s older, but not that old. He’s like thirty-two I think. And the whole class is girls. I think there’s maybe one guy out of twenty. And the girls all flirt with him and try to get his attention, even though he says he won’t date a student.”

“Well I won’t flirt with him—I’m going to this class to improve my technique.”

“Me, too. But I’d like a chance to improve my technique with him in other areas in addition to art.”

“My, oh my! What would your brother say if he heard you talking like that?”

“Spencer? He’s already got his technique down pat. He can’t fault me for getting in a little practice.”

For some reason the topic of Spencer’s love life irritated her. How many other girls had there been? She decided to change the subject.

“Are you sure I can join the class now? Isn’t it the middle of the course?”

Grace shrugged. “It doesn’t matter because it’s not for credit or anything—they’ll prorate your fee. He’s the most popular teacher at the Art Academy. You’ll understand why when you meet him.”

Emily decided she wouldn’t mind a little eye candy. But she wasn’t going to be swept off her feet by any guy, no matter how suave and debonair. At least that’s what she told herself before she actually met Asher Denning.

He greeted each student by name as they entered the classroom. His blond hair was a bit too long, but it suited his face, which could only be described as beautiful. His eyes were a brilliant blue and his jaw was strong. Emily couldn’t stand a guy with a weak jaw. His face had a few days of stubble on it, giving him a laissez faire appearance. He was about six feet tall and tanned, with the broad shoulders and chest that came only from hours of lifting weights. His athletic build was at odds with his artistic bent and smooth mannerisms. He looked good, and he knew it. No wonder he didn’t date any girls in the class, he was probably in love with himself. Then he spoke to her and she was lost. He had an English accent—he was her dream guy.

“Hello. Who have we here? I know we haven’t met, for I could never forget such a lovely visage.”

She felt her face heat up. “I’m Emily Best. This is my first night, but I’ve painted before.” That sounded so stupid. Why hadn’t she thought of something clever to say?

“Well, Emily Best, I can’t wait to see the results of your efforts tonight.” He raised her hand and turned it over to examine her long slender fingers. “Such beautiful hands must do beautiful things.” He pressed his lips to her hand before releasing it, and Emily giggled