A Bargain With The Boss. Barbara Dunlop

called on every single ounce of her fortitude to focus. “I’d tell you to go to the New York trade show. It’s the smart thing to do and the best thing to do for the company.”

      “Okay.”

      His easy answer took her aback.

      She wasn’t sure she’d understood correctly. “You’ll go?”

      “We’ll both go. I’m still going to find Dixon. But until I do, I’m the only owner this company has got. You’re right to tell me to step up.”

      Amber moved a pace back and he released her hand.

      New York? Together? With Tuck?

      She struggled for a way to state her position. “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I’m definitely not going to—”

      “Sleep with me?” he said, finishing her thought.

      “Well. Okay. Yes. That’s what I meant.” She hadn’t planned on being that blunt, but that was it.

      “That’s disappointing. But it’s not the reason I want you in New York. And I promise, there’ll be no pressure on that front.” He smoothly closed the space between them and leaned down.

      She waited, her senses on alert for the kiss that seemed inevitable.

      But he stopped, his lips inches away from hers, his voice a whisper. “I really like your shoes.”

      She reflexively glanced to her feet, seeing the jazzy, swirling gold-and-red pattern of her high-heel pumps.

      “They’ll look good in New York.” He backed off, his voice returning to normal as he took his place in front of the computer screen. “Let’s stay at the Neapolitan. Book us on a flight.”

      Once again, she fought to regain her emotional equilibrium. She swallowed. “Do you want an airline ticket or should I book a company plane?”

      “What would Dixon do?”

      “Dixon never flies commercial.”

      Tuck grinned. “Then, book us a company plane. If I’m going to take Dixon’s place, I might as well enjoy all his perks.”

      Amber wanted to ask if he considered her one of Dixon’s perks. But the question was as inappropriate as it was dangerous. Her relationship with Dixon was comfortably professional. By contrast, her relationship with Tuck grew more unsettling by the day.