When he pulled back to look at her, disappointment replaced her arousal. “I definitely don’t have a problem with it, trust me. But if we don’t leave within the next five minutes we’re going to be late. And I don’t think it’s a good idea to keep a board member waiting.”
“Do you think it’s a good idea to keep me waiting?” she asked.
His huge hands splayed across the small of her back and he pressed his forehead to hers, groaning in response. “You have no idea how difficult it is for me to say no to you. But what kind of boss would I be if I let you get in trouble with the board?”
She bit her lip and slipped out of his embrace. “Good point. I guess I’m just nervous about today. It’s weird to be invited to a board member’s house like this, right?”
“It doesn’t happen often, but Agnes has basically taken over from Everett. His arrest blindsided her and she’s had to adjust pretty fast,” he reminded her. “She has to solidify her new position and she’s probably making as many alliances as she can.”
“But I’m not important enough for her to need an alliance with me,” Heather said.
“You’re important to me,” he said. “Which means you’re important. And I suspect that Agnes knows this.” He paused. “Look, I know you’re worried, but I’ll be there with you. Agnes has a lot of power, but I’m the CEO. Even if Gary might have gotten to her somehow, I’m in charge—and believe me, Agnes knows that.”
His words calmed her down somewhat, and after finally settling on an elegantly casual skirt and blouse she got into Simon’s car.
They pulled up to Agnes’ house and Simon helped her out of the car. The house was a gorgeous two-story surrounded by well-tended trees and shrubbery. Agnes opened the door to greet them and led them to the tastefully decorated living room that was decorated out in cream, beige, and gold tones.
Agnes motioned for them to sit on the large sofa, while she reached for the teapot on the coffee table and started pouring the tea into three cups.
“My husband sends his regards, but he can’t be here with us this afternoon,” Agnes said, taking her seat in an empty armchair. “He was friends with Everett, and is just beside himself with guilt. I think many of us are still grappling with the fact that we couldn’t see Everett for what he really was. He fooled us all so well.”
“How are things going for Everett?” Simon asked.
“Oh, he’s been trying all sorts of schemes to get out of jail,” Agnes replied before taking a sip of her tea. “First he tried to get out of jail and into a house arrest-type situation. Since that hasn’t worked, he seems to be co-operating with the police. For now, anyway.”
“Do you think he’ll take a plea deal?” he asked. “That might reduce his sentence.”
“It might,” Agnes said. “We’ve got to look to the future now, no matter what happens. Which is why I invited you both here.”
“Thank you for inviting us.” Heather shifted in her seat awkwardly, still unsure of herself. Simon was wealthy, but it had always been easy to be around him. He was down-to-earth, and his wealth hadn’t changed him all that much over years. Agnes, on the other hand, seemed like the type of wealthy person who inadvertently made guests uncomfortable simply with her brusque manner.
“Thank you for coming,” Agnes replied. “I invited you here because, as you might have guessed, I will be taking over Everett’s position.”
“Oh, I see,” Heather murmured though, truth be told, she still didn’t quite see at all.
“I’m trying to get to know the staff at Dover,” Agnes said. “Reintroduce myself, now that I’ll be steering the board.”
Heather bit her lip. “Do you often invite assistants to your home?”
Agnes exchanged a glance with Simon. “Watch out for this one. She seems naïve but she’s a quick study, isn’t she?” Agnes gave Heather a tiny smile and set her teacup down. “You’re right, Ms. Hall, it is unusual for me to reintroduce myself to the administrative side of the staff in this way, but I see a bright future ahead of you. After all, you managed to beat Everett at his own schemes and you hung on to your job. I want to get to know the woman who pulled that off.”