Читать книгу: «Christmas Secrets»

Three

The next morning, Cole headed for the Hendersons’ penthouse apartment to return Amber’s shoes. He took the dog with him, thinking maybe he’d stop by the shelter on his way back and drop it off. He told himself they were in the business of finding stray animals good homes.

The dog looked much more appealing since Cole had given him a bath in the hotel’s carwash bay. He smelled better, too, considerably better. And he’d probably put on five pounds between the room-service steak last night and the bacon and sausage breakfast.

The animal had been meticulously well behaved, and now stood quietly by Cole’s side while Cole rang the bell.

A minute later, Amber answered the door. She was dressed in faded blue jeans, bare feet poking out at the bottom. A stained T-shirt stretched across her chest, and she had what looked like oatmeal smeared in her hair. Zachary was bawling in her arms.

“The doorman said it was a delivery,” she told Cole over Zachary’s cries.

Cole held up the shoes. “It is a delivery.”

She focused on the shiny creations while struggling to hold the wiggling, howling Zachary. “Honestly, I’d hoped somebody might steal them.”

“You have got to be kidding.” Cole didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Only partially kidding,” she admitted. “They cost a lot of money, but I don’t ever want to have to wear them again.” She glanced down. “You have a dog?”

“I have one now,” he said.

“Okay.” She seemed to digest that while Zachary continued to wriggle. It was clear she had her hands full. “Could you maybe just bring them in and toss them down?” She glanced around the foyer.

“Sure.” Cole moved through the doorway, spying a closet door. He opened it and placed them inside.

The baby’s cries faded to whimpers behind him.

He turned back. “I’ll have you know I practically risked my life to rescue these.”

Zachary suddenly stiffened. He twisted his head to stare at Cole in what looked like amazement.

“The party got that wild?” Amber asked.

Zachary’s silver-gray eyes focused on Cole like lasers. He went silent and stared unblinking, seeming to drink in Cole’s appearance.

Then, suddenly, he lunged for Cole.

“Hey.” Amber grappled to keep hold of him.

Zachary’s own arms were outstretched, reaching almost desperately for Cole. He started to howl again, hands clasping the air.

“This is weird,” said Amber.

Cole didn’t have a clue how to respond.

“Do you mind?” She moved closer, glancing meaningfully at the baby.

“I guess not.” Who would say no?

Taking Zachary from her arms, he cautiously brought him into his chest. Zachary instantly wrapped his arms around Cole’s neck, squeezing tight. He nuzzled his sticky, tear-damp face against Cole’s skin. Then he sighed, and his entire body went limp against Cole’s chest.

Through his shock and surprise, Cole’s heart started to pound, bringing a strange tightness to his chest. For some bizarre reason, his baby brother trusted him. How was a guy supposed to react to that?

“You’re magic,” Amber whispered. “Whatever it is you’re doing, just keep it up.”

“I’m only standing here.”

“He’s been crying for over an hour. He gets like that sometimes.”

“He probably exhausted himself before I got here.”

“I think he misses his parents,” Amber said softly, her expression compassionate as she gazed at Zachary. She reached out to stoke the baby’s downy hair. “But he doesn’t understand what he’s feeling, and he certainly can’t put it into words.”

Then she gave Cole a sweet smile. “You should come inside for a minute.”

The dog seemed to understand the invitation. It padded gamely into the living room.

Amber’s cute, disheveled appearance, the mutt’s claws clicking on the hardwood and the baby powder scent of Zachary’s warm body curled in his arms brought a sense of unreality to Cole.

“Sure,” he answered, and followed her through the archway.

It took only seconds for him to realize this was a perfect opportunity to learn more about her.

“It was either this or the mansion.” She seemed to be apologizing for the opulent surroundings. “We thought it would be less disruptive if Zachary kept his nanny, Isabel. She occasionally sleeps over, so there was no way we’d all fit in my apartment. It’s one bedroom with a tiny kitchen. This place belonged to Samuel.”

The furnishings were obviously expensive, but they were strewn with baby blankets and rattles, the floor decorated with colorful plastic toys.

“Sorry about the mess,” she said.

“You don’t need to apologize.”

“And me.” She looked ruefully down at herself. “Well, this is me. This is what I normally look like. Last night was the anomaly.”

“Seriously, Amber. You have nothing to apologize for. You look great.”

She coughed out a laugh of disbelief.

“Okay, you look normal. How formal do you think we get in Alaska?”

She seemed to consider that. “Can I get you something?”

“I’m fine.”

He didn’t want to put her to any work. Then again, judging by Zachary’s even breathing and relaxed body, his excuse for hanging around had just fallen asleep. Maybe refreshments weren’t such a bad idea.

“Do you happen to have coffee?” he asked.

“Coming up. Take a seat anywhere.” She gestured to the furniture as she exited through another archway that obviously led to the kitchen.

Cole took in the massive living room. In one corner, a plush sofa and a couple of leather armchairs bracketed a gas fireplace. Another furniture grouping was set up next to a bank of picture windows overlooking the city. The room was open to a formal dining room at one end and a hallway at the other that obviously led to the bedrooms.

He decided to follow Amber into the kitchen. No point in wasting valuable conversation time here by himself.

The kitchen was also huge, with high ceilings, a central island, generous granite counter spaces, stainless-steel appliances of every conceivable description and maple cabinets interspersed with big windows that faced the park. There was a breakfast nook at one end, stationed beside a balcony door, and an open door at the other, leading to a big pantry.

“This is very nice,” said Cole.

“I’m still getting used to the size.” She closed the lid and pressed a button on the coffeemaker. “It’s weird moving into someone else’s stuff—their furniture, their dishes, their towels. It’s crazy, but I miss my pepper mill.” She pointed to a corner of the counter. “You practically need a forklift to use that one.”

Cole found himself smiling. “You should move your own stuff in.”

For some reason, her expression faltered.

“I’m sorry,” he quickly put in. “It’s too soon?”

She paused, seeming to search for words. “It’s too something. I won’t pretend I was close to my stepsister, and I barely knew Samuel. Maybe it’s the court case. Maybe I don’t want to jinx anything. But I’m definitely keeping my own apartment intact until everything is completely finalized.”

Cole perched on a stool in front of the island. Zachary was quiet and comfortable in his arms and surprisingly easy to hold. “Tell me about the court case.”

“You haven’t read the tabloids?”

“Not much.”

“I’m in a custody battle with Roth Calvin. He’s a vice president at Coast Eagle and Samuel’s stated choice for guardian.”

“I’d heard that much.”

“Coco named me as guardian, and I won on a technicality, but Roth’s fighting it.”

“Is Roth close to Zachary?”

Amber pulled two hunter-green stoneware mugs out of a side cupboard. “Roth’s close to Coast Eagle. You were right last night in the car. The person who controls Zachary ultimately controls the company.”

“So you can get me my Pacific routes.” Now that Cole had thought it through, he realized the cover story was perfect. It gave him an excuse to ask all kinds of questions without anybody growing suspicious.

“I have no intention of micromanaging Coast Eagle.”

“We had a fight last night, didn’t we?” Cole had become so focused on the shoes, and then the dog, and then on Zachary, he’d forgotten she’d left the car mad at him.

“You call that a fight?”

“I believe I questioned your commitment to Zachary’s inheritance.”

“My commitment is to Zachary. I want the company to stay healthy for him, sure. But I can tell when I’m not the smartest person in the room. There are a lot of committed, hardworking managers and employees at Coast Eagle. They need to continue running the company.”

“Don’t sell yourself short.”

“I’m an assistant director, Cole.”

He liked it when she said his name. “You’re responsible for the well-being of the company owner.”

Her gaze rested on Zachary, and her tone went soft. “Poor thing.”

“Poor little rich boy?” It came out more sarcastic than Cole had intended.

“I honestly wish he’d inherited a whole lot less. That way nobody would fight me for him.”

“So you’re afraid you might lose?”

Her expression faltered, and she focused on pouring the freshly brewed coffee. “I try not to think about it.” She turned back with both cups in her hands. “I can’t believe you got him to sleep.”

“I’m just sitting here breathing. You wore him out.”

“Maybe he likes the sound of your voice.”

“Maybe,” Cole agreed.

Cole didn’t like to think Zachary’s behavior had anything to do with the genetic connection. But Cole supposed it was possible he sounded like Samuel. Maybe Zachary was subconsciously picking it up.

“You can probably get away with putting him down in his bed,” said Amber.

“He’s fine here.”

Oddly, Cole didn’t want to put Zachary down, at least not right away. This vulnerable little baby was his brother. And for some reason, the kid had instantly trusted him. Cole was suddenly acutely aware that there were two of them in the world. He could not have imagined how that would make him feel.

Amber’s boss, Herbert Nywall’s, expression was stern as he rose from the table in her compact office on the seventh floor of the Coast Eagle building.

Max Cutter was the company’s chief lawyer, so Herbert had had no choice but to acquiesce to his request to speak privately with Amber. But it was obvious Herbert was becoming frustrated with the increasing interruptions of Amber’s day-to-day duties.

She didn’t blame him.

“Can this wait, Max?” she asked, earning a look of shock from Herbert.

“I’m afraid not. Sorry, Herbert.”

“Not at all,” Herbert responded with false cheer. “She’s all yours.”

“We’re pretty busy today,” Amber told Max as Herbert closed the door behind him.

“You can’t pretend this isn’t happening.” Max took the chair across from her at the two-person meeting table. It was wedged between her desk and a bookshelf in the windowless room.

“Believe me, I’m not pretending anything isn’t happening.” In the past three weeks, her life had been turned completely upside down.

Nothing was remotely normal, and now Cole Parker had appeared, somehow insinuating himself into the circumstances. She didn’t quite know what to make of him. He was opportunistic, that was for sure. And he had definite designs on Coast Eagle.

But Zachary’s reaction to him had been astonishing. And her own reaction was just as bizarre. Yesterday, she’d fought a ridiculous urge to throw herself into Cole’s arms and trust him completely.

Max got straight to the point. “Roth’s pressuring the board to appoint him president.”

The news surprised Amber. It also worried her. “I thought they were going to wait to choose a president.”

“That was the agreement. But he wants it bad, and half of the board members are convinced he’ll win the custody battle. If he does, he’ll be the guy deciding who stays on the board. They want to ingratiate themselves now while they have a chance.”

Amber understood their dilemma. She even sympathized. If Roth obtained custody of Zachary, he’d be ruthless in his revenge on board members who’d stood against him.

“Plus,” Max continued, “they see strength in him, decisiveness and intelligence. They think he’ll make a good president.”

“I don’t like him,” Amber blurted out. “And I don’t think he’d make a good president.”

Max sat back in his chair. “That was definitive.” He seemed to be considering her words. “Is it because of the situation with Zachary? Because that would certainly be understandable.”

“It’s because he recklessly spends company money. He wants to refurbish or replace the entire fleet with no regard whatsoever for the debt load. He’s a shopaholic on a massive scale.”

Max quirked a smile. “Interestingly put, but not inaccurate from what I’ve seen.”

“They can’t make him president.”

“The board’s deadlocked. We need to appoint another board member to break the tie.”

Amber shook her head. Max had broached the subject of board appointments with her two weeks ago.

“You know I don’t want to do that.”

“I know you don’t.”

“I don’t want to run Coast Eagle.” She knew she wasn’t qualified to take the helm of the company.

“Well, you’re the only one who doesn’t.”

Amber came to her feet, taking the three steps that brought her flush against the front of her desk. She turned back. This was a terrible office for pacing.

Max spoke again. “If you appoint the right person, a majority will agree on a different interim president and Roth will have to back down. If you don’t appoint anyone, MacSweeny will flip. It’s only a matter of time. And then Roth’s in.”

Amber spoke more to herself than to Max. “And the spending spree begins.”

For some reason, her thoughts turned back to Cole Parker. In the car Saturday night, he’d said it was her responsibility to take control of the company for Zachary. She’d disagreed with him at the time, but the advice stuck with her.

She let the memory take shape, and his image came clear in her mind. The streetlights had played across his handsome face. He was sexy in a suit, sexier still in his blue jeans the next morning at the penthouse. And the memory of him holding Zachary? The tenderness had touched a chord deep down inside her. It shouldn’t have turned her on, but it did. The truth was, everything about Cole turned her on.

All that probably meant she shouldn’t take his advice.

She looked at Max, bringing herself back to the present. She had to agree that letting Roth plunge the airline into debt wasn’t in Zachary’s best interest. Any thinking person could see that. And what Max said was true. At the moment, she was the only person who could legally appoint a new board member.

If she didn’t do it, no one could.

“Who?” she found herself venturing. “If I was to appoint someone, who would that be?”

It had to be someone they could trust. It also had to be someone who didn’t have to fear Roth if he won the custody battle. It had to be someone who understood the airline, who brought true value to the board and who could be strong in the face of divided loyalties, uncertain times and extraordinarily high stakes.

She couldn’t think of a single person who fit the bill.

“You,” Max told her softly.

“No.” She gripped the back of her chair and shook her head. “No.” It was unthinkable. “No.”

“You underestimate yourself, Amber.”

“Coco chose me because she knew I would love Zachary. She had no idea it would put me in this position with the company.”

“Coco had no idea about anything,” said Max.

Amber didn’t know how to respond to that. Her sister wasn’t the most analytical person in the world. It was fair to say that Coco had operated on emotion rather than logic. It was also fair to say that Coco had never really grown up. She’d wanted what she’d wanted, and she’d usually wanted it right away. She’d never spent much time worrying about the impact on others.

“There’s no one else,” said Max, spreading his palms.

“There has to be.”

“It’s one vote. You take the appointment. You go to one meeting. You vote. You leave. And the new president takes over the reins.” He glanced around her small office, all but wrinkling his nose. “You can come back here an hour later and take over your regular duties.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my job.”

“Nobody’s saying there is. Though not many new billionaires would keep working in this particular office.”

“I’m not a new—”

“Amber, please. I can see that your instinct is to be humble. But you’re Zachary’s guardian. Anytime you want to exercise it, you have control of a billion-dollar company.”

“Temporarily.”

“Maybe. But maybe not.”

She slid back into her chair, propping her elbows on the table. “It’s not that simple.”

“It’s very simple.”

She couldn’t, wouldn’t, didn’t dare let her head run away with any aspect of the situation. There was too much at stake for her to let her guard down.

She tried to explain her feelings to Max. “I can’t let myself think it’s real until it’s really real. You know?”

“Amber, this is no time to be superstitious.”

“I can’t jinx custody of Zachary. I can lose anything else, but not him.”

“Coast Eagle needs you to step up.”

Her stomach went hollow, and her pulse began to pound. It wasn’t exactly what Cole had said, but it was close. Two apparently smart men were telling her the same thing.

“How long do I have to decide?”

“Twenty-four hours. After that, we may lose MacSweeny.”

“Let me think about it.”

Max gave a sharp nod. Then he rose. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“I’ll be here.”

“Max is a very intelligent lawyer,” said Destiny over Zachary’s cries.

They were in the penthouse kitchen, Amber jostling Zachary and Destiny doling out linguini and salad.

“You’re a smart lawyer, too,” said Amber.

“Sure, but I’m looking after your interests. Max is looking after the interests of Coast Eagle. From the perspective of what’s in the best interests of the company, you should absolutely take the board appointment.”

“And from the perspective of me?”

“You’ll make a lifelong enemy out of Roth.”

“I’ve done that simply by breathing.”

Destiny grinned, while Zachary’s cries increased.

Amber jiggled harder. She was growing exhausted. “I swear, if I had Cole Parker’s phone number, I’d call him up and beg him to come over.”

“He’s the other Alaska guy?”

“Yes, the one who put Zachary to sleep Sunday morning without lifting a finger.” Amber knew she should feel miffed by that, because it sure didn’t seem fair.

Destiny picked up her phone. “I’ve got Luca’s number.”

“Yeah, right,” Amber chuckled.

But Destiny raised her phone to her ear. “Luca? It’s Destiny.”

“Don’t you dare,” said Amber.

Destiny stopped talking and smiled. “Thanks.”

Amber shook her head in warning.

“That’s not why I’m calling,” said Destiny. “No. It’s really not. I’m looking for Cole.”

Amber shook her head more frantically, moving closer.

“Not even close,” said Destiny. “Tell him Amber needs him to put Zachary to sleep.”

“She’s joking,” Amber called out, causing Zachary to cry louder. She turned away, walking toward the living room. “Shh, shh, shh,” she whispered in his ear. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Hi, Cole,” said Destiny from behind her. “Yes, Amber needs the baby cavalry. Can you come?”

Amber couldn’t believe this was happening. Cole was a stranger. You couldn’t ask a stranger to drop everything, drive over and soothe your baby. The world didn’t work like that. With any luck at all, he’d be bright enough to say no.

“They’re on their way,” called Destiny.

“You’ve lost your mind.”

Destiny set down her phone and moved to the wine rack recessed in the kitchen wall. “How’s Zachary been doing with the nanny?”

“Sometimes he’s good with Isabel, sometimes not. Evening is always the worst. We’re been helping each other, but tonight’s her night off.”

Perusing the shelves, Destiny chose a bottle. “Do you think maybe we could give him a little of the merlot?”

“I wish. But definitely pour me a glass.”

Destiny located the corkscrew, peeled the foil and opened the bottle. She moved two glasses to the center of the island and poured, placing them next to the two plates of linguini.

Then she slid onto a stool while Amber jiggled her way back to the island.

Amber knew there was no point in sitting down. Zachary had a built in altimeter. His preferred height was precisely five feet off the ground, not four feet, not four and a half. And his preferred swaying arc was approximately nine inches. Any deviation from the pattern brought an immediate vocal protest.

Luckily, Amber had become adept at simultaneously standing, swaying and eating. She lifted her fork and swirled a bite of the seafood linguini.

“Say I was to appoint myself to the board,” she ventured.

“Say you were.”

“Would it hurt my custody argument? I mean, would it look like I was the kind of person who used Zachary to gain power in Coast Eagle?”

Destiny thought for a moment. “Maybe. I mean, we’d spin it that you were willing to step up and look after Zachary’s interests.”

“Would a judge believe that?”

“Maybe. It’s a fifty-fifty shot. Then again, a judge might just as easily take you not joining the board as a sign you weren’t a suitable guardian.”

“Problem is we can’t separate the two.” Amber set down her fork to free her hand for a drink of wine.

Zachary batted his arm out, nearly knocking the glass from her hand. She gave up on the drink.

“If you do it,” said Destiny, “Roth will spin it that you’re power hungry. If you don’t, he’ll spin it that you’re incapable. But Coco wanted you, and that’s important.”

“But Samuel wanted Roth.”

“He did,” Destiny agreed.

“And in a character and intellect debate, Samuel is going to win out over Coco every time.”

Destiny took a drink, and Amber couldn’t help but feel envious. She settled for another bite of the linguini.

A knock sounded on the door.

“That was fast,” said Amber, starting for the path through living room.

“They’re staying at the East Park.”

With a tired and tearful Zachary on her shoulder, Amber crossed to the entry hall. She checked the peephole and opened the door to Cole and Luca.

She couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the dog at Cole’s heels. He’d told her about the shoe altercation, and his decision to take the animal back to the hotel. She also knew he’d been planning to drop the scruffy dog at a shelter. He hadn’t done it yet, and that was somehow endearing.

His expression was sympathetic as he gazed at the pathetically sobbing Zachary.

“I hear you’ve got trouble?” he said.

Zachary instantly perked up. He straightened in Amber’s arms, turning to Cole and blinking his watery eyes. Then he lunged for him.

Cole reflexively reached out, stepping forward to catch the baby. “Hey there, partner.”

“It’s hard not to take this personally,” said Amber, even though her arms and shoulders were all but singing in relief as the weight was removed.

For some reason, Luca was grinning ear to ear as he took in the sight of Cole and Zachary. “Nice to see you again, Amber.”

“Hello, Luca. I’m really sorry that Destiny called you guys. It wasn’t a fair thing to do.”

“No problem at all,” said Luca. “She in here?” He brushed past Amber.

The dog kept his position next to Cole.

“In the kitchen,” Amber called to Luca’s back.

Cole moved into the entry, and Amber shut the door behind him. Zachary heaved a shuddering sigh and laid his head on Cole’s shoulder.

“Do babies always react to you like this?” she couldn’t help asking.

“I don’t know. I’m not usually around them. Mostly, they ignore me.”

“Do you mind if I have something to eat while you hold him?”

“Not at all.” Cole shrugged out of his jacket, draping it over the brass coat tree. “Do whatever you want. Have a bath. Take a nap.”

“Tempting,” Amber admitted. “But I’ve got a glass of merlot in there with my name on it.”

Cole and the dog followed her into the kitchen, where Destiny had dished up some linguini for Luca.

“Peace and quiet,” she noted, taking in Zachary’s posture.

His little hand was stroking one side of Cole’s neck, his face buried in the other.

“Hungry?” Amber asked Cole.

“You go ahead. But I’d pour myself a glass of wine.” He took the remaining of the four stools, and the dog curled up at his feet.

Amber took a satisfying sip of wine and another bite of linguini. It was wonderful to have the use of both hands.

“What’s his name?” Destiny nodded to the dog as she poured wine for the men.

“I don’t know,” said Cole, looking down. “We met in the alley after the dance, and I wasn’t really planning to keep him.”

“I think he’s planning to keep you,” said Amber.

“That’s because I fed him a burger that first night.”

“Cole’s got plenty of room in Alaska,” said Luca.

“You’re taking him home with you?” asked Destiny.

Cole glanced down and seemed to contemplate. “I suppose I am. I’m not liking his chances stacked up against those adorable puppies at the shelter. I don’t know who would choose him.”

“He’s not that homely.” Amber sized up the square, tan muzzle, the floppy, uneven ears and wiry, mottled coat. “Okay, maybe Alaska’s not such a bad idea.”

“You’re so diplomatic,” Cole said with a smile.

“He’ll need a name,” said Amber.

“Rover?” Cole asked the dog.

It didn’t react.

“Spot?”

Nothing.

Amber smiled as she ate and drank.

“Lucky? Butch? Otis?”

The dog glanced sharply up.

“Seriously?” asked Cole. “Otis?”

The dog came up on its haunches and lifted its chin.

“Otis wins,” said Destiny.

“Otis it is,” said Cole, reaching down to pat the dog’s head.

It sniffed at Zachary’s bare foot.

Zachary looked down with curiosity, and the two stared at each other for a long moment.

“Sizing up the competition?” said Destiny.

“Which one?” asked Amber.

Zachary looked suspicious of Otis, and Otis looked suspicious of Zachary. The adults all chuckled at the picture.

Amber quickly polished off her dinner, knowing it wasn’t fair to take continued advantage of Cole.

She moved her plate to the sink. “I should give this little guy his bath.”

“I’m guessing you mean Zachary and not Otis,” said Luca.

“Definitely Zachary.” She couldn’t help but picture Coco’s reaction to Otis in her expensive bathtub.

Cole shifted Zachary on his lap. “Otis had a bath in the hotel car wash the first night I found him.”

“Did he mind?” asked Amber.

“Didn’t seem to. He smelled pretty bad, so I bribed the valet.”

She couldn’t help admire his ingenuity.

“Smells a little like Showoff Gold now, but it’s a big improvement.”

Zachary reached for Otis, grabbing a handful of his ear.

“Careful there,” said Cole, gently pulling Zachary back. But Otis just gazed at Zachary, not seeming the slightest bit concerned.

Much as Amber hated to disturb Zachary when he seemed so happy, it was getting late. She moved toward him.

“Time for a bath?” she asked, a lilt to her voice as she smiled brightly, trying to send him the message that something fun was about to happen.

She held out her arms. “Bath?”

Zachary shrank against Cole, his face scrunching up in discontent.

“I can come with you,” Cole offered.

“That seems like a cop-out,” said Amber. She was already feeling a bit inadequate as a guardian.

Cole rose. “It’s a bath. No big deal. Sometimes it’s good to just go with the flow.”

She couldn’t deny she was tempted. “Okay, maybe just this once. But I’m supposed to be convincing a judge that I’m the best guardian for Zachary. I’d hate to have to tell him it was you instead.”

“Definitely just this once,” Cole answered. “I can hardly give the kid a bath from Alaska.”

“In that case, let’s make my evening easier.”

She led the way down the hall to the main bathroom.

It was easy to tell which of the rooms had been redecorated by Coco. The living room and kitchen were luxurious, with the finest appliances and handcrafted furnishings. But they were subdued and sophisticated, with the obvious touch of a professional decorator.

The master bedroom and the three bathrooms were in stark contrast. They were bright and flamboyant, every feature an extravagance of brilliance and color.

“I should probably prepare you for this,” she told Cole.

He was behind her in the wide hallway, followed by Otis.

“I don’t mind a mess,” he answered.

Amber couldn’t help but laugh. “I wish I was talking about a mess.”

The bathrooms were very well cared for. Samuel had employed the same housekeeper at the penthouse for nearly a decade, and Amber had no intention of letting the efficient woman go. She paused with her door on the handle.

“What’s wrong?” Cole asked.

“It’s purple.”

“Okay?”

“Very purple.” She pushed the door wide and pressed the light switch, watching for his reaction.

The floor tiles were a deep, mottled violet. The wallpaper was mauve with violet pinstripes. Two ultramodern sinks were purple porcelain on clear glass.

The skylight glowed with perimeter lighting, while spotlights twinkled above the shower, sinks and tub. In addition to the complex purple tile work, the walls were decorated with pink-hued abstract paintings, while violet-scented candles and whimsical figurines were placed on glass tables.

“This is very purple,” Cole agreed, moving inside as he gazed around in obvious amazement.

She followed. “The tub in here is a relatively manageable size.”

She pushed up the sleeves of her sweater and twisted the taps on the oval tub. “The one in the master bedroom is nearly a pool.”

Cole grinned. “I guess if you’ve got the money, you can do whatever turns your crank.”

Straightening, Amber retrieved a couple of thick towels and a facecloth from a recessed cabinet, balancing them next to a pink porcelain cat. For all its size, the room was hopelessly impractical. There was only one small cabinet, and the counter space was minimal, most of it taken up with decorations.

“It was pretty interesting to see what Coco did when she was suddenly presented with money,” said Amber.

“Did you offer your opinion?” Cole asked, shaking his head at the outlandish decor.

“I didn’t see this room until after she died.”

Cole perched himself on the edge of the tub and began to pop the snaps on Zachary’s one-piece suit. “But you don’t think your stepsister handled money very well?”

“I think it overwhelmed her. She grew up in downtown Birmingham without a lot of advantages. She was nineteen when she met Samuel.”

“He must have been fifty.”

“At least.”

There was an edge to Cole’s voice. “Nice.”

“She was pretty, stunningly beautiful, actually. She was outgoing and fun loving, and she seemed to idolize Samuel. I’m sure a psychologist would have a field day with the relationship.”

“I’m sure,” Cole agreed.

Amber knelt down and tested the water temperature with the inside of her wrist. She shut off the taps. Then she suction cupped Zachary’s bath safety ring to the bottom of the tub and dropped a couple of brightly colored plastic fish into the water.

“Based on my single college psychology elective,” said Amber as Cole lowered the naked Zachary into the ring, “I would say Samuel was everything Coco’s father was not. Conversely, I suspect Samuel secretly feared he’d never have children and saw Coco as someone he could care for and protect.”

“And sleep with,” said Cole.

“He did marry her. I have to give him credit for that.”

Zachary grabbed for the green fish, sending splashes of water over the edge of the tub, dampening Amber’s sweater and jeans.

“To be fair,” she continued, “from what I saw, he genuinely loved Zachary. I think he’d have had more children if Coco was willing.”

Cole had gone silent, his attention fixed on the baby.

After a long moment, he spoke. “You liked Samuel?”

“Not really. I mean, I barely knew him, but it’s hard to admire a fiftysomething man who marries a nineteen-year-old. Especially one who…” Amber tried to reframe her thought, but there was no way to put it that wasn’t insulting to Coco.

She stretched to retrieve the facecloth, dampening it in the bathwater then squirting some rose-scented soap from a china dispenser.

“So how is it that you and Coco became stepsisters?” Cole asked.

Amber started to wash Zachary’s back, relieved that he’d let her blow past the nonanswer. “My mother died when I was a baby. When I was seven, my father remarried. But shortly after, he was killed by a drunk driver, and then it was just Tara and me.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thank you.” At first, Amber had been inconsolable over the loss of her father, while Tara had seemed overwhelmed by the responsibility of Amber. So Amber had grown up fast, accepted the situation and learned to be strong.

She continued with the story. “Shortly after he died, Tara remarried and got pregnant with Coco.”

“Did you and Tara have a good relationship?”

Zachary splashed happily, cooing in the tub while Amber washed him.

“We didn’t fight or anything. She worked as a waitress. I was in after-school care. She made sure I was fed and had clothes. Meanwhile I was a pretty good kid, and stayed out of her way.”

“That sounds lonely.”

Amber shrugged. “It was okay. I didn’t really know any different until Coco came along.” She dampened Zachary’s soft hair and rubbed in a dollop of baby shampoo.

“What happened?”

“I saw a different approach to parenting.”

“Let me guess, Coco was the golden child.”

“She was the princess of the family. She was their biological baby. While I was ten and didn’t belong to either of them.”

“I’m so sorry, Amber.”

She gave herself a mental shake as she removed Zachary from the bath ring. “It was a very long time ago. I don’t know why I’m even going into it.”

“Because I asked.”

Crouched over the tub, she leaned Zachary along her arm to rinse his hair. He squirmed but didn’t cry.

“I never knew my father,” Cole said from beside her.

“Divorce?” she asked.

“Yes. Before I was born.”

“Did you have a relationship with him?”

“None.”

“Why not?”

“My mother wanted nothing to do with him, and neither did I.”

“Do you still feel the same way?”

“I do. But it wouldn’t matter.”

Amber guessed at what Cole meant. “He passed away?”

“He did.”

She stood Zachary up, checking to make sure he was squeaky-clean. “Any regrets?

“Not a one. He never knew about me. My mom was absolutely fantastic. It was just the two of us, but she was hardworking, loving, supportive.”

“That’s nice to hear.” Amber lifted Zachary from the tub, wrapping him in a fluffy mauve towel.

He cooed happily, but then spotted Cole. He wriggled in her lap, reaching out and whimpering.

“This is definitely insulting,” she said.

“You’re great with him.”

“I’m not sure about that.” She was honest. “But I’m what he’s got, and I do love him.”

Cole rose from the edge of the tub, reaching out to take Zachary in one arm and then helping her to her feet. It took him a minute to speak.

“Sometimes,” he said softly, “families just happen.”

His hand was warm and dry beneath hers, broad, strong and slightly callused. He didn’t immediately let her go, and a strange feeling surged up her arm, pushing into her chest.

Time seemed to stop. She stood still and drank in his appearance. He was such a gorgeous, sexy man. His smoke-gray eyes were warm with emotion. She noticed once again that his shoulders were broad, arms strong, chest deep. He seemed to radiate a power that was more than just physical.

She fought another urge to throw herself into his arms.

“Amber,” he breathed.

He lifted his hand to brush her damp hair from her cheek.

His touch was featherlight, but she felt herself sway toward him.

He leaned in, slowly, surely.

Then he touched his lips to hers.

He tasted like fine wine, his lips warm and firm. The scented steam rose between them while his fingers slipped back, delving into her hair.

The kiss deepened, and her desire skyrocketed.

“Gak,” called Zachary, his hand smacking her ear.

She jerked back in shock.

“Gak,” Zachary repeated, pressing his feet against her as if he needed space.

“All right, partner,” said Cole. “You have my attention.” But his gaze stayed fixed on Amber.

Embarrassment flooded her. “I don’t know what happened there.”

“I do,” said Cole. He held her gaze for a long beat. “And I’ve never taken a single psychology course.”

Then he backed away to the bathroom door, leaving her awash in arousal and confusion.

Four

Cole sat across from Luca at a small table in the festively decorated lobby lounge in the East Park Hotel. A blue-and-silver Christmas tree towered thirty feet above them. Lit reindeer bracketed the entrance. Strings of garland and clusters of icicles cascaded from the high ceilings, while the windows were frosted with scenes of ice and snow.

Carols played softly in the background as guests enjoyed the breakfast buffet.

“There’s not a doubt in my mind that Amber is the right guardian for Zachary,” said Cole.

He couldn’t help but worry about Amber’s description of her stepsister, and how Roth’s legal team might use Coco’s background and reputation. Amber was definitely going to have a fight on her hands in court.

“This is what I’m talking about,” said Luca, seeming not to have heard Cole’s comment as he swiveled his laptop around to face Cole. “That’s Samuel at the age of thirty-three, a year older than you are now.”

Cole focused on the picture of his biological father. The eyes were similar, but Samuel’s hair was lighter, his chin narrower and his nose had a bit of an upturn.

“It’s only there if you’re looking for it,” he said. “And nobody’s looking for it.”

“You’ve been outed by a nine-month-old baby.”

“Yeah, well, I think we can count on him to keep quiet.”

“He’ll learn to talk someday.”

“Not before I leave town.”

“And listen to this.” Luca turned the laptop and punched another key. “It’s Samuel giving a speech twenty years ago.”

“…once the plan is fully implemented, the new routes will take us to Britain, France and Germany…”

“Okay, that’s a bit uncanny,” Cole had to admit. He’d heard his own voice recorded on numerous occasions, and Samuel’s was very, very close.

“The kid knows you’re family.”

“At least that explains why he’s latched on to me.”

Luca took a sip of his coffee. “But you’re still just going to walk away?”

“No.”

Luca drew back in clear astonishment. “You’re not?”

“First, I’m going to make sure Amber wins custody. Then I’m going to walk away. Involving myself in the Henderson family was never part of the plan.”

Cole was heading back to his life in Alaska just as soon as things were under control here. Showing up in Atlanta was about him doing his duty. It wasn’t some family reunion, and he wasn’t about to upend his and Zachary’s lives by acknowledging their biological connection.

Kissing Amber last night might have momentarily thrown him off track. He still couldn’t believe he’d done it—in a purple bathroom of all places, with Zachary in his arms. How ridiculous was that?

His plan was to keep complications to a minimum. Not that a single kiss had added some huge complication. In fact, he’d already put it into perspective.

Sure, Amber was pretty. She was sweet and kind and compassionate. And she’d had a rough time of it growing up. Her stories had engaged his sympathies.

But lots of people had a less-than-stellar upbringing. She was fine now, and she loved Zachary. And Cole was right to leave the two of them to get on with it.

“You’re sure that’s what you want?” asked Luca.

“I’m positive it’s what I want.” Cole pulled his thoughts back to his earlier point. “Roth will try to prove that Coco was unfit to name either a guardian for Zachary or the person to control Coast Eagle.”

“On the bright side,” said Luca, “I don’t think many wills are overturned because they’re foolish.”

“I hope not.” Just then, Cole wished he knew more about the law.

“So what do you think of Destiny?” he asked Luca. “I mean, other than she’s hot. Can you see past the fact that she’s hot? Because you should declare a conflict of interest if you can’t be objective.” Cole wanted to be sure Amber was getting the best possible legal advice.

Luca was all but laughing as he cut into his waffle. “I don’t need to declare a conflict of interest. I know she’s smart.”

“Are you sure? How do you know?”

“I asked her a few questions last night.”

“And?”

“And she had a ton of technical information at her fingertips. But she wouldn’t tell me anything about Amber specifically.”

“You didn’t make her suspicious, did you?”

“No. I pretended I was curious about what I’d read on social media. There’s a lot out there on social media.” Luca set down his cutlery and pressed a few more keys on the laptop. “For example, this, here. There are new rumors that Roth Calvin will be named interim president of Coast Eagle.”

Cole reached out to turn the laptop to face him again. “I thought Amber was in charge?” Letting Roth step up as interim president couldn’t be a good move for her.

“It’s a board decision,” said Luca.

“Which tells us Roth has the ear of the board.” Cole didn’t like the thought of that.

“It does seem like he’s got the power at least temporarily.”

Cole dropped his napkin onto the table and stood. “I need to get a handle on the guy.”

“Where are you going?”

“Coast Eagle’s corporate headquarters. I want to look Roth Calvin in the eyes.”

“Right now? Without an appointment?”

“I’ll talk my way in. I’m a fellow airline owner.”

“You want some help?”

Cole considered the offer. But then he shook his head. “He’s less likely to have his guard up if it’s just one guy.”

“Whatever you want.”

Cole shrugged into his jacket. “See what else you can find out about the law.”

“Can I talk to Destiny again?”

“As long as you’re oblique.”

Luca’s eyes lit up. “Covert operations. Roger that. This is kind of fun.”

Cole couldn’t help but grin in return. “Seduce her if you have to.”

“I’m all in for you, buddy.”

Cole skirted the Christmas tree, made his way past the reindeer and exited to the sidewalk. It was easy to hail a cab, and it was a short ride to Coast Eagle.

He took a few fast steps across the lobby, purposefully blending in with a group of employees to pass unnoticed by the security counter. Then he entered the elevator, pretending he knew exactly what he was doing. Taking the chance that Roth’s office would be on the top floor, he pressed the button.

The rest of the group exited on twelve. Cole continued up to a big, brightly lit reception area. It had gleaming hardwood floors, a bank of windows overlooking the city and a pair of immaculate saltwater fish tanks bracketing a long reception counter staffed by one woman.

“Good morning.” She was immaculately dressed and thirtysomething, and she smiled as she greeted him.

Cole strode forward and held out his hand. “Good morning. I’m Cole Parker, owner of Aviation 58. We’re a midsize commercial airline out of Alaska. I was told Roth Calvin was the man to speak with at Coast Eagle.”

“Do you have an appointment, sir?”

“I’m afraid I just got into town.”

The woman’s smile faded a little. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Calvin doesn’t have any openings today.”

Footfalls and male voices rose up behind them. The woman’s surreptitious, worried glance to the group told Cole one of them was likely Roth Calvin.

He quickly turned, talking the man in the middle of the group to be the guy in charge. It had to be Roth.

Again, Cole strode forward, offering his hand. “Roth Calvin. I’m Cole Parker.”

Roth’s expression was guarded, and his critical glance flicked to the receptionist. Cole figured it was only a matter of moments before security arrived on the scene.

“I was speaking with Amber Welsley the other day. She suggested you were the person to discuss Coast Eagle’s Pacific routes? I’m Cole Parker, Aviation 58 out of Alaska.”

“Amber told you to see me?” Roth asked.

“She did,” Cole lied. “She speaks very highly of you.”

Roth’s eyes narrowed, and Cole feared he might have gone too far. He was trying to arouse Roth’s curiosity, and maybe put him off guard with the mention of Amber.

Roth looked at Cole. Then he looked to the receptionist. “Sandra, push the Millsberg meeting by fifteen minutes.”

“Yes, sir,” the receptionist answered.

“Right this way, Mr. Parker.” Roth gestured to a doorway off the reception area.

“Please, call me Cole.” Cole entered an airy meeting room that housed a round table for four with leather and chrome chairs, coffee service on a marble side counter and a sofa grouping near the picture windows.

Roth gestured to one of the chairs at the round table, then took the one opposite. “How can I help you, Cole?”

“I understand you’re about to be named interim president,” Cole opened.

A smug smile formed on Roth’s face. “You’ve been listening to rumors.”

“I find, more often than not, rumors tend to be based on some truth. I’ll be honest, Roth, Aviation 58 is looking to expand along the West Coast. With the shakeup at Coast Eagle, I wondered if you might be interested in discussing some of your less-profitable routes in the West.”

“All of our routes are profitable.”

Cole had checked out Coast Eagle’s public information on the ride over, and now he made some assumptions and guesses. “Seattle to Vancouver is barely break-even. You’ve been losing market share in Portland. And your passenger load is low on anything northbound out of LA. Entering into a lease or codeshare deal with Aviation 58 could boost your cash flow and profits considerably.”

“You’ve done your homework, I see.”

“I have,” said Cole. “And it tells me Amber Welsley is a short-term play. You’re the guy with the ear of the board.”

Roth didn’t answer, but he did nod.

“I haven’t seen the actual will, of course. But I can guess where that’s going. A trophy wife is all well and good, but nobody’s under any illusions. Samuel would never have allowed a situation where Coco’s decisions could run Coast Eagle into the ground.”

Roth chuckled, and his expression relaxed. “You strike me as an intelligent man, Cole Parker.”

“I’m also a patient man. I get that your attention has to be on the home front for a few months.”

Roth gave a shrug. “These things can be expedited.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“A word here, a conversation there. It’s all about who you know, and who knows you.”

“I understand,” said Cole. “The sooner you get custody of the kid, the better.” He paused. “I mean, the better for Coast Eagle, of course.”

“Once the big question is settled, we will be looking for an early cash influx,” said Roth, coming to his feet.

Cole rose with him. “That’s good to hear, I’ll—”

Suddenly, the meeting room door flung open, and Amber burst in. She glared at Cole, cheeks flushed, nostrils flared. “You went behind my back?”

“Amber.” Roth’s voice was stern and patronizing.

“You suggested I follow-up,” Cole said to Amber, purposefully mischaracterizing their conversation.

“This is a private meeting, Amber.” Roth’s tone grated on Cole’s nerves.

Amber ignored Roth and spoke to Cole. “I suggested you follow up with Joyce Roland.”

“Amber,” Roth all but shouted. “Can you please excuse us?”

Cole had to steel himself from demanding that Roth shut up.

The receptionist appeared in the doorway. “Mr. Calvin? They’re waiting. The Millsberg meeting?”

Roth looked to Cole. “I do apologize.”

“No problem. Thank you for seeing me. I’ll be in touch.”

Roth looked to Amber, obviously waiting for her to leave.

She folded her arms across her chest, standing her ground. Cole wanted to applaud.

Roth gave in and left the room, followed by the receptionist.

“How dare you,” Amber whispered.

Cole wished he could tell her he was on her side. “It was an initial courtesy call. Nothing sinister. I told you up front that I was interested in the Pacific routes.”

“And what were you doing last night? Pumping me for information? Are you actually using Zachary’s trust to gain an inside advantage?”

“You called me last night,” he reminded her.

“And you were only too happy to show up.”

“To help with Zachary.”

“That’s how you played it, all right.” There was something in her eyes, a veiled hurt that made him think of their kiss.

He took a step forward. “Amber, I’m sorry.”

“For lying to me?”

“I didn’t lie to you. Last night was all about Zachary.” He paused. “I mean, it was mostly all about Zachary.”

She gave her hair a little toss. “You don’t need to explain.”

But he did need to explain. He wanted to explain. “I like you, Amber.”

“Well, I don’t like you.”

He moved closer anyway. “Yes, you do.”

“Go away.”

He shook his head. “I understand that it’s complicated.”

“It’s not complicated.”

“It’s Zachary. It’s business. It’s you, and it’s me.” Even as he spoke the words, he asked himself what on earth he thought he was doing. He needed to leave this alone, not ramp it up.

“There is no you and me.” But her expression instantly shifted, telling him otherwise. Her lips parted, her blue-eyed gaze going bedroom soft.

Cole glanced at the open door, debating pushing it closed and pulling her into his arms again. But that would be a stupid move. The receptionist, Sandra, would certainly report the closed door to Roth. It would complicate things even further for Amber.

But she was so enchanting, and his memory of kissing her was so incredibly strong, he couldn’t stop himself. He reached past her and gave the door a shove. Her eyes went wide as it clicked shut.

Without giving her a chance to protest, Cole pulled her into his arms, bringing his thirsty lips down to hers and kissing her soundly. She gasped, but she didn’t pull away. After a moment, her lips softened. She kissed him back, and her arms wound around his neck.

He pressed their bodies close together, feeling the sweet heat of her thighs and the softness of her breasts. He teased her lips with his tongue, and she responded, parrying with him, a small moan burbling in the back of her throat.

His hand went to her cheek, cradling the soft skin, holding her in place while he plundered her mouth. He forgot where they were, forgot everything except the sweet taste and scent of Amber. His other hand moved to her waist, sliding beneath her linen blazer, along her silk blouse, feeling the heat of her skin through the thin fabric.

Suddenly, she pushed back. “We can’t.”

Cole sucked in a breath. Of course they couldn’t. What was he thinking? They were in her place of business.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

But she shook her head. “My fault, too.” Then she glanced at her watch. “I have to go. There’s a board meeting.” She stopped talking. Inhaled a deliberate breath and took a step back. “That was foolish. I don’t know what got into me.”

“Amber—”

“Goodbye, Cole.” She moved for the door.

“Can I call you later?”

“No.” She shook her head and pulled open the door.

From behind her desk, Sandra’s sharp gaze went to Amber, then to Cole. He tried to look casual, innocent, as if nothing more than a brief conversation had taken place between them.

But it was hard to put his finger on the exact expression and posture that would convey those things. So he simply left the room, bid a brief goodbye to Sandra and took the elevator back to the lobby.

Smoothing back her hair and mentally pulling herself together, Amber reached for the door handle to Coast Eagle’s main boardroom.

She couldn’t believe she’d kissed Cole again. She couldn’t believe she’d done it in the office. And she sure couldn’t believe she’d enjoyed it.

She tugged open the door.

“There you are,” said Max, rising from his seat at the head of the long boardroom table.

The other eight members of the board nodded politely, their gazes fixed on her. They were all men, fortysomething to sixtysomething, longtime members of the Atlanta business community and the aviation industry. She knew most of them by sight, but she’d shared little more than a passing greeting with any of them.

Max moved away from the head chair, gesturing for her to sit down in it. “Please, Ms. Welsley.”

She hesitated over the bold gesture, but Max gave her an encouraging smile.

She told herself she could do this. For Zachary, she could do this. She lifted her chin, walked forward and took the power chair.

Max took the chair to her right.

She stared down the center of the table, fixing her vision on the photograph of a red-and-white biplane at the far end of the room. She had no idea what to say.

Luckily, Max opened for her. “Per article 17.9 of the Coast Eagle Articles of Incorporation,” he said, “Ms. Welsley is exercising her right as majority shareholder—”

“She’s not the majority shareholder,” said Clint Mendes.

Max peered at Clint. “According to the State of Georgia, she represents the majority shareholder.”

“But that’s under appeal,” said Clint.

“And until that appeal is settled, Ms. Welsley represents the interests of Zachary Henderson. Now, as I was saying—”

The boardroom door swung abruptly open, revealing Roth in the threshold, his eyes wide, face ruddy, and his jaw clenched tight.

“Mr. Calvin,” said Max, a clear rebuke in his tone. “I’m afraid this is a private meeting.”

“Is this a coup?” Roth demanded.

A hush came over the room as everyone waited to see what Amber would do.

She immediately realized she had to step up. She couldn’t let Max defend her against Roth. She was going to be a board member, and she had to stand her ground.

If she lost the court case, Roth would have her fired within seconds. He would have done that anyway. She had nothing left to lose.

She came to her feet, turning and squaring her shoulders. “Please leave the meeting, Roth.”

The silence boomed around her.

Roth’s jaw worked, his face growing redder. “Are you out of your—”

“Please leave,” she repeated. “This meeting is for board members only.”

“You’re not a board member,” Roth all but shouted.

“I’m the majority shareholder, Roth. That’s as much as you need to know. Now leave.”

Nelson MacSweeny coughed, but said nothing.

Roth glared at the man.

Then he fixed a biting, narrow-eyed stare on Amber.

But he seemed to understand that he’d lost the round. He stepped back, banging the door shut.

Knees shaky, Amber sat down. Everyone was still looking down the table at her. But something in their expressions had changed.

It might have been her imagination, but there seemed to be a level of respect in their eyes. She gazed levelly back. Her heart was pounding and her palms were sweating, but she wasn’t about to let anyone know that Roth had rattled her.

“Ms. Welsley is exercising her right to appoint herself as a board member,” said Max. “As current majority shareholder, she will sit as chair. As chair, she will break any tie over the appointment of an interim president.”

“So not Roth,” said Clint.

“Then who are we talking about?” Nelson asked.

“Are we taking nominations?”

“I’ve given it a lot of thought,” said Amber. “I’d like to discuss Max Cutter as the interim president.”

Max drew back in his seat. “I can’t—”

“Turns out you can,” said Amber. “I spoke to a lawyer this morning.”

“You’ll have to leave the room for the discussion,” Nelson said to Max.

Max fixed his shrewd gaze on Amber. She didn’t flinch. If she could sit as chair of the board, then he could sit as president. There was no one else she’d trust.

“Very well,” said Max. He rose and gathered his briefcase.

As he passed, he paused behind her and leaned down. “I guess we’ll go down together.”

She turned her head to whisper. “Then I guess you’d better help me win.”

“I was always going to help you win.” He gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder as he walked away.

The door closed behind him and another board member spoke up. He was Milos Mandell, a former commercial pilot and internet entrepreneur.

“Can we speak freely?” asked Milos.

“I would think we’d better,” said Amber.

“You seem like you understand what you just did.”

She couldn’t help flexing a small, resigned smile. “I believe I know what I just did.”

“He’s going to come after you,” said Nelson, clearly referring to Roth.

“He’s right to go after her,” said Clint, glancing around at his fellow board members. “This is a coup.”

Milos sat forward. “The coup would have been Roth taking over as president without the support of the major shareholder.”

Clint stared hard at Amber. “You’re jumping the gun, and it’s going to cost you.”

“While Roth will know you sided with him, so I guess you’re safe.” She let her words sink in for a moment.

Clint was smart enough to realize the opposite was also true. Amber now knew he was in opposition to her.

His jaw dropped a fraction of an inch. “I don’t mean… That is, I’m not…”

“Any discussion on Max?” Amber asked the group.

She didn’t have time to worry about Clint. She needed to get Max settled in as president, then she needed to focus on the court case, do justice to her day-to-day work and make sure Zachary stayed clean, fed and as happy as possible. The alliances, machinations and power plays at Coast Eagle were going to have to take a backseat.

On the staircase in front of Coast Eagle headquarters, Cole appeared and fell into step beside Amber. It was six o’clock. She was exhausted, and he was the last person she wanted to see.

Ironically, he was also the person she most wanted to see. The conflicting reactions were due to the kiss they’d shared in the meeting room.

“I read the press release,” he opened, turning right along with her as she headed down the crowded sidewalk toward the transit station.

“I think that was a good move,” he continued. “There’s an element of risk, but there’s nothing about this situation that’s not risky.”

She stopped to turn on him, forcing the flow of people to part around them. The man had gone behind her back, kissed her senseless, and now he wanted to analyze her business decisions? “Is that really what you want to say to me?”

Her words seemed to catch him off guard and he hesitated. Horns honked and engines revved on the street as cars breezed past.

“Yes,” he answered.

“Well.” She coughed out a chopped laugh. “It’s so very nice of you to approve of my decision.”

“Are you still upset?”

“I’m also tired, and I’m busy, and I’m going to miss my train.”

“Then you should get moving.”

He was right. She turned abruptly to march toward the station.

He kept pace. “I have a hard time believing the Hendersons don’t have cars and drivers.”

“Are you going to pretend it didn’t happen?”

“That you joined the board of directors?”

She rolled her eyes.

“That I kissed you?” he asked.

“That you betrayed me.”

“I didn’t betray you. I told you I was after the Pacific routes.”

“Don’t pretend you’re stupid, Cole. And don’t pretend I’m stupid, either.”

“You’re not stupid.”

“I know.”

“Except when it comes to transportation. Can I offer you a ride home?”

“You cannot.”

“Why?”

Because he had her rattled. The memory of his kiss had taunted her all afternoon long, messing with her concentration. She wanted to know the kiss had rattled him, too.

“It’ll get you home faster,” Cole offered reasonably. “You’ll be able to spend more time with Zachary.”