A Bargain with the Boss

“I should have said no.”

“I’m glad you didn’t.”

“I’m... Oh, this is not good.” She struggled to sit up.

He moved out of the way, offering his hand to help her up.

Neither of them seemed to know what to say.

Tuck broke the silence. “I guess we’re ready for the meeting.”

“Tuck, I—”

“You don’t have to explain.”

A woman was entitled to say no for any reason she wanted. And he did understand her hesitation. She worked for him, at least temporarily. She was smart not to let it get complicated.

She rose to her feet. “You’re an attractive guy. But you know that.”

He stood.

“I’m sure most women would—”

“I don’t like where this is going.” He didn’t.

“I know you don’t often get turned down.”

“Now, how would you know that?”

“I read the papers.”

His annoyance grew. “You believe the tabloids?”

“They have pictures.” Frustration crept into her tone. “You can’t deny you have gorgeous girl after gorgeous girl on your arm.”

“Is that what you think of me? I didn’t kiss you because you’re beautiful, Amber.”

“I know that. I’m not comparing myself to them.”

“Comparing yourself?” He didn’t understand her point.

“I’m not suggesting I’m one of your bombshells.”

“Good.”

She was so much more than that. He might not have known her long, but he knew there was more depth to her than a dozen of his Saturday-night dates combined.

Her shoulders dropped. “I’ll just say good night.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong.”

He didn’t want her to leave. He wanted to keep talking, even if they were arguing. He liked the sound of her voice. But he also wanted to kiss her again and carry her off to his bed. He couldn’t do that.

“It’s late,” she said. “We’re both tired. Let’s not say or do anything we’re going to regret.”

“I don’t regret a thing.”

“I do.”

The words were like a blow to his chest. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I’m your employee, Tuck.”

“You’re Dixon’s employee.”

“Tucker Transportation’s employee. And you’re a vice president.”

“In name only.” He found himself parroting his father’s words.

“You need to change that, Tuck. You really do.”

“Are you lecturing me on my corporate responsibility?”

“Somebody has to.”

He was about to retort that they already had. But then he realized it wasn’t true. Neither his father nor Dixon had lectured him. They’d never pushed him to become more involved in the company. They’d barely suggested he show up. But he wasn’t about to admit that to Amber.

He had to stop himself from taking her hands in his. “How did we get here?”

Her eyes narrowed in puzzlement. “We were prepping for the client meetings.”

“I meant in the conversation. We were talking about us, and suddenly we’re on to Tucker Transportation.”

“There is no us.”

“There was almost an us.”

It was barely there, but he could tell she stifled a smile.

It warmed his heart.

“I’m leaving now,” she said.

He reflexively grasped her hands. “You don’t have to go.”

“I do have to go.”

“Stay.” He gave himself a mental shake, backing off. “I’m sorry. I never do that. I never try to convince a woman to sleep with me.”

She arched a brow. “They normally throw themselves into your bed?”

They did. But he knew how that sounded.

“I like you, Amber.”

“I’m not going to sleep with you, Tuck.”

“That’s not what I’m asking.”

“It’s exactly what you’re asking. It’s 2:00 a.m., and I’m in your hotel room.” She hesitated. “That was my mistake, wasn’t it? What was I thinking?”

“You didn’t make a mistake.”

She tugged her hands from his. “I didn’t think this through. I just assumed you wouldn’t misunderstand.”

“I didn’t misunderstand. I didn’t plan this, Amber.” He’d taken her behavior at face value. He knew she was only trying to help him get ready for the meetings.