Capturing the heart of her handsome boss Blake Devlin, isn't easy for Dani Jones particularly when you're geeky, gawky and not so gorgeous.

But she discovers, there are many ways in which to catch her man and watch out – she's going to try them all!

Contact Christina Carlisle

Email: chris@christinacarlisle.com

The room was eerily quiet after the hours of debate that had prevailed. Blake took a sip of coffee and then rubbed his hand through his hair, causing it to stand on end in untidy disarray. Dani felt the urge to reach forward and smooth it down until the reality of her situation hit her again. She thought of the terrible things Blake had said about her and her mouth compressed into a thin line as she waited for him to start berating her again.

"Our relationship isn't going to work if you carry on with this attitude," he began and Dani flinched.

However, when she spoke she managed to keep her voice calm. "Are you saying I'm not allowed to disagree with you, even though I know you're wrong?" She felt she had fired her round of the battle very effectively as Blake's eyes narrowed with anger.

The next moment he banged his cup on the table with a clatter and standing up pointed a long, accusing finger at her.

"Don't get smart with me, Dani! Of course you can disagree with me, but you were siding with James. He was wrong -- and you knew it. You were just being contrary to me for some perverse reason of your own and I'm not going to put up with it. I expect your complete loyalty. Do you understand?" Blake towered over Dani and she wished she could disappear under the lounge seat.

Instead she struggled to her feet to face him, her own temper bursting out of control as she retaliated by wagging her finger at him.

"Let me tell you, Mr. Devlin. This relationship isn't going to work if you insist on calling all the shots. This is supposed to be a team effort and you have expertise around you that you obviously feel doesn't come up to your expectations. If you want me on this team I have a right to speak my mind, just as James has -- besides, you and I aren't experienced in architecture. He is and I think we should listen to him."

Dani could hear the words tumbling from her mouth in a tirade, which she seemed powerless to stop. And it wasn't until Blake caught her hand in his that she realized to her horror that she was actually poking her finger into his broad chest to emphasise every point. Oh, shit! I've done it now!

Blake held her captured hand to his chest and she could feel the fine texture of his silk shirt. One finger rested against her lips in a silencing gesture. Dani glared at him, seething with anger. There was silence as Blake's hard, brown eyes held hers. Dani snatched her hand away and pushed her glasses up on to her nose.

Blake's voice was quiet when he spoke. "Dani, listen carefully to what I have to say. This is not a good beginning for us, but please give me credit for having a lot more experience than the two of you. I am prepared to listen to your opinions but not when it wastes my time and when you are being obstreperous for some obscure reason. We're on a tight time schedule and I'm not going to spend every day arguing the point with you over every single thing. This is my company and the ultimate responsibility for the bottom line is mine. Do you get my drift?"

Dani looked up at him and thought how much she disliked him. Her lips unconsciously pouted and then parted with surprise when he leaned over and touched her bottom lip with his finger. "Don't sulk," he murmured and suddenly his face lit up with a devastating smile. Dani caught her breath. What a charmer. What an absolute charmer. He thinks he can get around me by turning on that sexy smile.

"Mr. Devlin, I'm not sure I can work with you. I really don't agree with your work ethics." Dani was proud of her blunt tone. Cop that.

"That's ridiculous, Dani. We are going to get along just fine. Just get off your high horse and recognise you can learn a lot from me."

Dani gasped at his arrogance.

"Now, that's enough for today. Run along and I'll see you at eight-thirty sharp in the morning."