A Bargain with the Boss by Barbara Dunlop

notice.”
    â€œSometimes it works that way.”
    Jade glanced around the kitchen. “How can I, what can I— Oh, no.” She grasped tightly onto Amber’s arms.
    Amber’s heart leaped. “Is something wrong?”
    â€œThe money.”
    â€œWhat money?”
    â€œThe money , Amber. This is going to cost a fortune. Where will I get the money?”
    â€œDon’t worry about that.”
    â€œI have to worry about it.”
    â€œWorrying won’t help anything. Not you, and definitely not the baby.” Amber would have to do the worrying for them.
    â€œBut—”
    â€œWe’ll borrow it. Then we’ll pay it back.” Amber struggled to put confidence in her voice.
    â€œI’m so sorry.”
    â€œThis isn’t your fault. You’re doing so well.” Amber motioned to the books. “You’ve been studying. You’ve been eating right. You’re here. You need to keep doing everything you can to give your baby the best possible chance.”
    â€œI’m scared.” But Jade started to move.
    â€œI know. I’m not saying it isn’t unsettling. But it’s going to be fine. Everything is going to be fine.”
    Amber would get Jade to the hospital, and then she’d talk to her bank. She had some equity in her town house and a decent credit rating. Once she found a job, she would qualify for a loan. So she’d find a job. She’d find one fast. She’d flip burgers if that was what it took.

Six
    T uck knew a losing hand when he was dealt one. But he also knew he couldn’t walk away from this. For better or worse, and so far it was definitely worse, the company was his responsibility.
    It was Saturday afternoon and he’d parked down the block from Amber’s town house, waiting for her car to appear. The block was neat and bright, lawns trimmed, gardens tended, with kids playing in the park and people walking their dogs. The homes were compact, four to a building, with very little traffic passing on the street out front.
    He figured he’d have the best chance if he tried to reason with her in person. It was too easy for her to hang up a phone. And he doubted she’d answer a text or email. Plus, her expression might help him, give him a signal as to which tactic might sway her and which was a nonstarter.
    He knew it wasn’t about self-interest for her. And he couldn’t imagine she’d have one iota of sympathy for him. But maybe she’d care about the other employees. Maybe she would care that the demise of Tucker Transportation would be job losses and financial ruin for the families of her former coworkers. The way he saw it, that was his best hope.
    He spotted her silver hatchback pull up in front of the town house, and he quickly exited his sports car. While she hopped from the driver’s seat he approached from the side.
    Dressed in a pair of navy slacks and a striped pullover with a matching blazer, she was lithe and graceful as she moved across the sidewalk. Her hair was in a neat braid, while her low-heeled boots were a sexy purple suede. She was compellingly beautiful in the cool sunshine, her profile perky, her skin smooth as silk.
    She hadn’t seen him yet, so she had a smile on her face. He supposed he’d change that soon enough.
    It didn’t take long. She caught a glimpse of him, squinted at him and then frowned.
    â€œHello, Amber,” he said, covering the last few paces between them.
    Her glance flicked behind him as if seeking context. “What are you doing here, Tuck?”
    â€œBeen out shopping?” he asked conversationally. It seemed like a reasonable guess for a Saturday afternoon.
    â€œI’ve been visiting—” She stopped herself. “What do you want?”
    â€œI need to talk to you.”
    â€œI don’t have time to talk.” She started for the walkway that led to her front door.
    â€œIt won’t take