A Bargain with the Boss

by Barbara Dunlop

  “I do,” she said against his chest. “I should. I thought I did.”

  He drew back just far enough to look at her. “You’re overthinking.”

  “I’m underthinking.” If she was even contemplating letting things go further, she wasn’t giving it anywhere near enough thought.

  “That sounds promising.”

  “Tuck.” She sighed, leaning against his strength for one last moment.

  “I have a marvelous room,” he responded, his voice rumbling deeply. “A huge bed, an enormous tiled shower and I bet room-service breakfast is fantastic. And I’m willing—no, eager—to share it all with you.” But then his hold on her loosened and his tone changed. He drew back even farther. “But when a woman has to debate this long about whether or not to make love, the answer is already there.”

  She wanted to disagree. But he was right. And he was being such a gentleman about it.

  It was chivalrous and admirable, and she was deeply disappointed. What had happened to the bold Tuck who’d stolen candies and sneaked out his bedroom window?

  “You’re saying no.”

  “I’m saying hell yes. But I don’t want you to regret anything. And you would.”

  He was right again.

  “You’re nicer than people think,” she said.

  “I’m smarter than people think.”

  “Is this you being smart?”

  “Responsible. This is me being Dixon. I’ve always known he was the better man.”

  “Yet you’re here. And he’s missing.”

  “Life is full of ironies.”

  She forced herself to take a step back, out of Tuck’s embrace. “I’m really sorry.”

  He gave a self-deprecating shrug. “That you don’t want to sleep with me?”

  “That I let things get away from me. I didn’t mean to lead you on.”

  “I’d rather have the shot than not.” He reached out and smoothed her hair. “Kiss me any old time you like. And take it as far as you want. I can handle the disappointment. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be sure about what you want.”

  It was on the tip of her tongue to agree. But she didn’t dare voice it. If she wasn’t careful, she would convince herself she wanted him now, right now.

  “Don’t look so scared,” he said.

  “This isn’t like me.”

  “It’s called chemistry, Amber. It doesn’t have to mean anything.”

  Her chest went hollow. Reality brought with it intense disappointment. “So you’ve felt this before? You’ve done this before?”

  “All the time.”

  And it meant nothing to him. Good that they’d cleared that up. Jade was right. Getting involved with the wrong man inevitably ended badly.

  “I’ll never be sure.” Then she realized it sounded as though she was waffling. “I mean, I’m already sure. The answer is no, and it’s going to stay no. I’m here to work. I’m here to find Dixon. And that’s all. Full stop.”

  “You want to add an exclamation point to that?”

  “You’re mocking me.”

  “I am. You have to admit, it was a quick turnaround.”

  “It took me a minute to get my head on straight. That’s all. Good night, Tuck.”

  “Good night, Amber.” The mocking tone was still in his voice.

  She struggled to leave things on a professional note. “Jackson will be here in the morning?”

  “You think Jackson will protect your virtue?”

  “I’m thinking about finding Dixon. I’ve moved on.”

  She had. No more kissing Tuck. No more touching Tuck. No more flirting with Tuck.

  She would keep her distance and keep it professional.

  * * *

  After a sleepless night fantasizing about Amber, and repeatedly asking himself why on earth he’d behaved like a gentleman, Tuck wasn’t in the mood to care about corporate sales. But Lucas was on the phone asking, and Lucas was right. Robson Equipment was an important client and Tuck was only half an hour from Phoenix.

  “Tell them yes,” he said to Lucas. “Jackson showed up with a couple of guys. I’m sure they can spare me for a few hours.”

  Robson Equipment was hosting a black-tie business event and Lucas had arranged an invitation. It would be a chance to Tuck to touch base with the corporate brass and head off any moves Zachary Ingles might be making to poach the account.

  “Take Amber,” said Lucas.

  “Jackson needs her help.”

  “Tell him he needs to share.”

  After her stance last night, Tuck couldn’t imagine Amber agreeing to attend a dinner. “I don’t need a date.”

  “She’s not your date. She’s your assistant. She knows the account inside out and I’m beginning to think she’s smarter than you.”

  “Ha-ha.”

  “That wasn’t a joke.”

  “I doubt she’ll agree,” Tuck told him flat out.

  “She’s there to work, isn’t she?”

  Tuck didn’t want to explain the complexity of their relationship, not that he was even sure how. The chemistry between them was combustible. He’d lied to her last night. What he’d felt with her didn’t happen all the time. He’d never experienced anything like it in his life.

  He could vow to keep his hands off her. But he was too smart to trust himself. He might have decided to behave more like Dixon, but it was definitely going to take some practice.

  “Tuck?” Lucas prompted.

  “She’ll be working all day already.”

  “So pay her overtime.”

  “I’m not sure—”

  “What did you do?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You did something to upset her.”

  “I did not. Okay, I did. But it’s not what you think.”

  “What do I think?”

  “That I made a pass at her.”

  “That’s exactly what I think. I bet she said no. And I hope you remember that for next time.”

  “She didn’t say no. Far from it.” Tuck checked his ego, but not quite in time.

  There was a pause. “What did you do?”

  “Nothing. But it’s complicated.”

  “Uncomplicate it,” said Lucas.

  If only it was that easy. “You’re such an armchair quarterback.”

  “Do I need to quote the Robson sales figures for last year?”

  “No.” Tuck knew they were significant.

  “Are you going to argue that she doesn’t know the portfolio?”

  “I’m not.” Tuck knew he was being cornered, but there wasn’t a thing in the world he could do to stop it.

  Lucas was right on all counts. Lucas was looking out for the best interests of Tucker Transportation, which is exactly what Tuck needed to be doing.

  A knock sounded on the hotel room door.

  “Get it done,” said Lucas.

  “I will.”

  “I’ll talk to you after.” Lucas ended the call.

  Tuck finished buttoning his shirt as he crossed the living room of the suite. It was southwest in character, lots of rusts, browns and yellows, creating a warm atmosphere. The bed had been extraordinarily comfortable, the room temperature perfect with a fresh, fragrant breeze coming in from the desert side.

  He’d returned here last night to find chilled champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Nice touch, but it was impossible to enjoy them by himself. He’d longed to invite Amber over to share, only to talk, just to listen to her voice, watch her expressions.

  He blew out a cold chuckle as he reached the door. He wasn’t kidding anyone, least of all himself. He wanted Amber in his bed, naked, smiling, welcoming him into her arms without a single ment
al reservation.

  He answered to find her in the outdoor breezeway, Jackson by her side. Even without a smile, she was gorgeous, totally perfect.

  “We’ve checked hospitals, morgues and police stations,” said Jackson, heading directly into the room.

  Tuck dragged his gaze away from Amber. “I take it you found nothing.”

  It wasn’t a question. If there was bad news, Jackson’s manner would be quite different.

  “No leads from airlines, private or public. We’ve checked trains, buses and rental cars.”

  “Buses?” Tuck couldn’t bring himself to believe Dixon would take a bus. “Have you met my brother?”

  Amber marched into the room, expression schooled, her manner all business. He inhaled her subtle scent as she passed, feeling pathetic.

  “He could have bought a car,” she suggested.

  “That would be more like him,” Tuck agreed.

  “We’ll check to see if anything was registered in his name or in the company’s. In case he stayed here in the Scottsdale area, we’re also checking hotels, motels and resorts.”

  “Surely, he wouldn’t buy a house,” said Amber. She still hadn’t looked directly at Tuck.

  “Depends on how long he’s planning to stay,” said Tuck, willing her to meet his eyes.

  “I suggest we have breakfast,” said Jackson. “Then Amber and I will walk through everything she remembers.”

  “What about Highland Luminance?” Tuck asked.

  “Their records are confidential.”

  “I know, but maybe you could—”

  “Probably best if that’s the last question you ask on that front,” said Jackson.

  “Got it.” If Jackson was up to something less than legal, Tuck didn’t want to know.

  Amber looked puzzled. “What are you planning to—”

  Both men shot her warning looks.

  “Right,” she said and shut up.

  Tuck stuffed his wallet into his back pocket and located the room key. “Let’s get started on what Amber remembers.”

  “It’ll be better if she and I do it alone,” said Jackson.

  Tuck fought a spurt of jealousy. “No.”

  “She needs to be relaxed.”

  “She is relaxed. She will be relaxed.”

  “Given your history...” said Jackson.

  Tuck couldn’t believe she’d told him about last night. “Our history?” he challenged.

  “You fired her.”

  “That?”

  “Yes, that.”

  “I need to hear what she has to say,” said Tuck.

  “She doesn’t want you there.”

  Tuck tried to catch her gaze again. He willed her to reassure Jackson, but she didn’t.

  “She might prompt a memory, remind me of something from our childhoods.”

  “You’re going to use that against me?” Amber challenged.

  “Do you or do you not believe Dixon’s background might be relevant?”

  Her blue eyes narrowed.

  “It’s not as if you’re going to be naked.”

  “Oh, that’s helpful,” Jackson mocked.

  “He’s just being ridiculous,” said Amber.

  “She’s right,” Tuck agreed. “But I don’t want to miss something because neither of you recognize its significance.”

  There was a beat of silence. “He’s also right,” said Amber, her shoulders dropping a notch.

  Tuck would take the win.

  “Don’t gloat,” she said to him.

  “I’m not.”

  “You’re such a liar.” She started for the door.

  “I’m going to need her tonight,” Tuck said to Jackson.

  Both Amber and Jackson swung their gazes his way.

  “Robson Equipment is hosting a corporate event in Phoenix. Lucas said, and I’m quoting here, Amber has to attend because she’s smarter than me, and we can’t afford to lose the account.”

  “Fine by me,” said Jackson.

  Amber opened her mouth, but Tuck cut her off. “Double overtime. You’ll be well compensated.”

  She hesitated. Then she nodded and turned for the door.

  Tuck was surprised, shocked even. Money had swayed her again? This was starting to seem too easy.

  Eight

  Amber had dredged up every possible memory about Dixon’s plans. Jackson was very good at his job, leading her down pathways that would have seemed insignificant to her, but clearly helped form the picture of Dixon’s state of mind.

  Tuck had been quiet throughout the conversation, excusing himself afterward without comment. She couldn’t tell if he was pursuing a new lead or if he was annoyed with something she’d said. Jackson had immediately left to meet with his team, leaving Amber with some time to call Jade.

  The news from the hospital was all good. Jade’s blood pressure was stable and there were no other worrisome signs. They’d done an ultrasound and the baby still seemed fine. The technician had given odds on it being a girl.

  Amber had also discovered that her signing bonus had been deposited into her bank account. It was a huge relief to know she was able to pay the hospital bills as they arrived.

  Up next was the Robson party. After their kiss last night, she was nervous about spending the evening alone with Tuck. But she reminded herself that this was what she’d signed up for. Finding Dixon was one thing, but she also had to help Tuck keep the company running.

  Lucas had said the Robson party would be formal—evening-gown and black-tie formal. She had a sleeveless, black crepe dress at home that would have worked. But she’d traveled light, with nothing but business and casual clothes in her suitcase.

  Fingers mentally crossed, she navigated the hallway to the lobby shops, hoping the hotel boutique had something suitable.

  She stopped at their display window, taking in a sublimely beautiful cobalt blue dress. The cap sleeves were sheer netting and appliqué, with a fitted, crisscross bodice of supple, lightweight tulle. The dress was finished with an elegant, full skirt that glittered under the display lights.

  It was perfect. It was also ten times Amber’s price range.

  She wandered inside, checking out the few formal gowns among an eclectic women’s collection that ranged from hats and purses, to beachwear and jackets. She found a couple of dresses that would work without breaking her bank account and the saleslady directed her to a compact fitting room.

  She started with an unadorned navy gown with three-quarter-length sleeves and a V-neck. It was neutral, and she could see how it would fit well on many body shapes. She moved out of the cubicle to look in the full-length mirror.

  “A bit uninspiring,” said a male voice behind her.

  She turned to find Tuck, a plastic suit bag slung over his arm.

  “Great minds think alike,” he said, holding up what was obviously a newly purchased outfit for the evening.

  She turned back to the mirror. “It’s not bad. It’s not as if I have a lot of choices.”

  “I do like the shoes.”

  Fortunately, Amber had tossed in a pair of silver spike heels that had just enough rhinestones to make them interesting. They weren’t perfect with the navy dress, but she could get away with them.

  “I’ve got a pair at home that would work better with this dress.”

  “I have no doubt that you do.”

  She peered at him in the mirror, trying to determine his level of sarcasm.

  “Don’t look so suspicious. Your extensive shoe collection is one of my favorite things about you.”

  “Nice save.”

  “It wasn’t a save. I’m saying you need a different dress.”

  “There’s not much to choose fr
om.”

  He pointed over his shoulder at the display window. “What about that one?”

  The saleslady was quick to pounce. “We do have it in her size.”

  “Great,” said Tuck.

  “Wrong,” said Amber. She hated to be crass, but she didn’t see any point in pretending. “It’s too expensive.”

  “It’s a business function,” said Tuck.

  “I know that.”

  “She’ll try it on,” he said to the saleslady.

  “No, she won’t.”

  “I’m not asking you to pay for it.”

  “You’re sure not paying for it.”

  He was her boss, not her boyfriend. A few kisses notwithstanding, they didn’t have the kind of relationship that allowed him to buy her clothes or anything else for that matter.

  “Not me, Amber. Tucker Transportation.”

  “That’s not how it works.”

  “That’s exactly how it works. You’re here on business. I’m compelling you to attend a business function. Your wardrobe is the company’s responsibility.”

  “Did the company buy your suit?” she challenged.

  “Yes.”

  “You’re lying.”

  “Corporate credit card.” There was a distinct note of triumph in his voice. He gestured to the navy dress. “You’re not going in that.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “Like it or not, Amber. Part of your function tonight is to be a billboard for Tucker Transportation’s success.”

  She could barely believe he’d said it. “A billboard?”

  “Don’t get all high and mighty. It’s part of the gig.”

  “You’re saying I’m visual entertainment for your boardroom cronies? Do you want me to jump out of a cake, too?”

  The saleslady had just returned with the dress and her mouth dropped open at Amber’s jibe.

  “It applies to me, as well,” said Tuck. “Thanks.” He smiled at the saleslady and took the dress from her arms. “I can’t show up in a cheap suit.”

  “I don’t imagine you own a cheap suit.”

  “Don’t pretend you don’t understand my point. You know full well what I mean. You and I both have to look the part tonight.”

  Amber hated that she did, but she got what he meant. And he wasn’t wrong. She glanced at the rich cobalt blue dress. The irony was that it would be perfect with her shoes.