A Bargain with the Boss (10 page)

“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 mental 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

A
mber 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 from.”

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.

She looked for a graceful way forward. “Tell me this isn't the first time Tucker Transportation bought somebody a dress.”

“This isn't the first time Tucker Transportation bought somebody a dress.”

She gave him a skeptical frown.

“I think,” he added. “Okay, I don't care. My rationale is sound.” He glanced at his watch. “And we're running out of time. You might want to do something with your hair.”

“What's wrong with my hair?”

The saleslady piped up. “We have a lovely salon in the hotel.”

“Can you get her an appointment?” asked Tuck.

“Right away.”

“This is ridiculous,” Amber muttered. But she scooped the dress from Tuck.

It would be, by far, the most luxurious thing she'd ever worn. But if the man was determined to drop that much money for a single evening, who was she to fight him?

* * *

In the opulent ballroom, Tuck had to struggle to keep from staring at Amber. He'd expected the dress to transform her from her usual librarian look. But he'd had no idea the effect would be this dramatic.

The salon had styled her hair in an updo, wispy around her temples, showing off her graceful neck and highlighting her amazing cheekbones. Her makeup was subtle, but deeper and richer than she normally wore. Her thick, dark lashes and artfully lined eyes reflected the deep blue of her dress.

At the moment, he was trying hard to concentrate on Norm Oliphant's description of his newly evolving supply chain, but he was torn between watching Amber and glaring at the dozens of men checking her out. Didn't they realize she was with him?

Dinner was over and a music ensemble was filing into the room. Lighting was being subtly adjusted, dimmed around the perimeter, slightly brighter to highlight the polished wood dance floor.

“I hope there's some good news about your father,” said Norm.

Tuck checked his wandering mind and told himself to behave like Dixon. Kassandra had been gorgeous as well, but he was certain his brother had never let that detract from business discussions.

“We're all encouraged,” Tuck said to Norm.

“So you've seen him recently?” asked Norm's wife, Regina.

Tuck wasn't sure how to answer that. Truth was he hadn't seen his father since they'd move him to Boston. But how was that going to sound?

Amber smoothly and unexpectedly stepped in. “Tuck has become so pivotal to the day-to-day operations, Jamison is insistent that he focus on the company. Jamison has his wife with him, of course. She's been a stalwart support every day during his recovery. But he gathers peace of mind knowing Tuck is at the helm.”

Tuck could have cheered. It was all lies, of course, made up on the spot, which made her explanation all the more impressive.

“Where's Dixon in all of this?” asked Norm.

Amber stepped slightly closer to both Norm and Regina, lowering her voice, throwing Norm off balance with the intensity of her gaze. “I'm sure you heard what happened. With Dixon's wife?”

“We did,” said Regina, leaning in.

Amber nodded. “Tuck insisted Dixon take some time to himself. He left a contact number, but we haven't wanted to bother him. You know how brothers can be when one is betrayed. They value loyalty above everything.”

Regina glanced at her husband.

“Loyalty,” Norm agreed with a nod.

“In business as well as life,” said Amber.

Her words were bang on, the inflection perfect. Tuck had to glance at her to convince himself she'd done it on purpose.

He caught her gaze and realized she had. She had skillfully and adroitly reminded Norm of his long-standing business arrangement with Tucker Transportation. She was frighteningly good at this.

Then Amber gave the man a dazzling smile.

Norm raised his glass to Tuck in a toast. “Good of you to come tonight.”

“Good of you to invite us.” Tuck took a drink with him.

The small orchestra came up with opening bars on the opposite side of the hall.

“We'll be in touch next week,” Norm said to Tuck. “I hear Zachary Ingles moved on.”

“I'm afraid he thought the grass was greener,” Tuck said with a disapproving frown, deciding to stick with the loyalty theme.

“Don't like to see that,” said Norm.

“I've promoted Lucas Steele to vice president. Good man. He's been with us for over a decade.”

“Worked his way up through the ranks?” asked Norm, looking pleased by the notion.

“Absolutely,” said Tuck, though he had no idea exactly how far through the ranks Lucas had worked his way up. “Corporately, we like to nurture talent.”

Tuck was tossing things out on the fly, but it seemed like a vague enough statement to be true of most companies.

“Have Lucas give my guys a call,” said Norm.

“First thing Monday,” said Tuck.

Norm smiled at Regina. “Shall we dance, dear?”

“My pleasure, darling.”

Tuck and Amber watched the two walk away.

“You were good,” she said. “Very confident, very much in charge.”

“Me? You're the one who deserves an acting award. My father gathers peace of mind knowing I'm in charge?”

“I'm sure he does. Or he would. If he knew what I know.”

Tuck arched a brow. “Dixon left a contact number?”

She gave a sly smile. “He did. It didn't work in the end, but he did leave a number.”

“Remind me to listen very carefully to how you phrase things.”

“You don't already?”

Tuck started to smile, but then he caught another man eyeing Amber and sent him a withering stare.

“We should dance,” he said.

“Why?”

Because she might not be his date, but she'd arrived with him. He wasn't used to having women poached from under his nose, and he wasn't about to start now.

“It'll look good,” he said, taking her hand.

“To who?” But she came easily as he started walking.

“Norm and Regina.”

“You think?”

“Sure.”

Why wouldn't it look good? It was a perfectly acceptable excuse. They made it to the dance floor and Tuck turned her into his arms.

She fit perfectly. Of course she fit perfectly. And she smoothly matched his rhythm. Within seconds, it was as if they'd been dancing together for years. He immediately relaxed, drawing her closer.

“Thank you for all that,” he said into the intimacy of their embrace.

“Just doing my job.”

“You're doing it extraordinarily well.”

“I guess that's what you get when you pay double overtime.”

Tuck smiled at that. “You're a mercenary at heart.”

She was quiet for a moment. “Money makes life easier.”

“It can,” he agreed. “But it can also be a burden.”

Right now, Tuck felt the weight of every employee who depended on Tucker Transportation.

Her tone turned teasing. “Spoken like a man who just spent a mortgage payment on a dress.”

“In order to ensure hundreds of other people can make their next mortgage payment.”

“Do you have any idea how that feels?” she asked.

“To make a mortgage payment?” He wouldn't pretend he did. “The house has been in our family for a couple of generations.”

“To worry about making your mortgage payment. To worry about paying for food, clothes, medical bills.”

“You know I don't.”

They danced in silence. He could tell she was annoyed with him. He didn't really blame her. From the outside looking in, his life must seem like a walk in the park.

Then it hit him, what she might be saying.

“Do
you
earn enough money?” he asked.

She glanced up in obvious surprise. “What?”

“Should I give you a raise?”

“Where did that come from?”

“It sounded as though you were having money problems.”

“You pay me fairly.”

He searched her expression. He could tell the conversation was hitting very close to home for her. If it wasn't now, then when? When had she been worried about meeting expenses?

“Your childhood?” he suggested.