The Love Game

“He has very definite opinions about the launch. But he’s the CEO.” Iris smiled to soften her words. “I’m sure the fact he’s your father adds to his certainty that he knows best.”

“It’s my launch. He should leave the decisions to me.” Tyler dragged a hand over his close-cropped hair.

“Tell him that,” Iris suggested. “If your promotion depends on how you handle this project, then tell him you want to have total control over it. You want to fail or succeed on our own.”

Iris finished her salad while Tyler digested her words.

Finally, he nodded his agreement. “I’ll take your advice. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” She smiled, thinking of Rose. “I have some experience handling bossy relatives.”

Tyler’s eyes widened. “Someone bossier than you? That’s hard to imagine.”

Iris’s lips curved into a lopsided smile. “I never said I listened to her.”

“That sounds like the woman I’m getting to know.”

Iris’s gaze slid away from the admiration in Tyler’s dark eyes. She was getting to know him, as well. It scared her how much she liked what she saw.

Chapter 7

“Are we on schedule with the internal launch?” Foster stood in the threshold of Tyler’s office.

It was almost six o’clock Friday evening—a day after his lunch with Iris. Anderson Adventures was as still and quiet as a morgue. Even Donovan and Xavier had left for the weekend. Tyler was pretty sure he and his father were the last people in the office. Judging by the black faux-leather briefcase in Foster’s fist, Tyler was about to become the last executive standing.

“I signed the vendor contracts yesterday.” Tyler saved his computer file, then swung his chair around to face his father.

“I would’ve liked to have seen them.” Foster strolled into Tyler’s office and sat in front of his desk. He placed his briefcase beside the chair. Foster had paired his conservative brown suit with a bold red tie. It was a sharp if old-fashioned look.

“These weren’t the first contracts I’ve reviewed.” Tyler tried not to sound defensive.

“I know.” Foster adjusted the crease in his suit pants before crossing his legs. “In the future, let me know if you want me to review anything with

you. How are things going with Iris?”

“Fine.” He welcomed his father’s change of subject. “I like the communication pieces she’s creating for us.”

“She’s doing good work.” Foster nodded. “The two of you had lunch yesterday.”

“How did you know that?”

Foster chuckled. “I saw you leaving together. I like her. She has a lot of spirit and determination.”

Yes, she does. She’s intelligent, creative and sexy as hell. But Tyler didn’t want his growing attraction to their marketing consultant to bias him toward her work. “Let’s see how well the launches go.”

“I’ve been thinking about the internal launch.” Foster rested his elbows on the arms of his chair and linked his fingers. “Our associates should meet us at the convention center instead of driving to the office, then taking limos to the center.”

His father was second-guessing him. Again. “Are you concerned about the cost?”

“No, you and Xavier have assured me that Iris’s initial estimates are within your comfort zone.” Foster arched a brow. “Considering how stingy the two of you can be, I’m certain we’re nowhere near overspending.”

“If it’s not about the expense, why do you want to change the transportation arrangements?”

“It’ll be more convenient for our associates to drive themselves to the convention center.”

This again? They’d had this debate last week. He’d thought it had been decided. Why was Foster revisiting it?

Foster spread his hands. “We shouldn’t make them drive all the way into the office.”