attracted to her, he said, âYou can help me look over the orders.â
She stood and went to the file cabinet. âGranddad was old-fashioned. As you see, no computer for him.â She pulled out two stuffed folders. âIâve been through his files. He kept records of all sales.â She handed him a folder.
âThis might take a while.â
âThen we better get started.â Samantha pulled up a chair to the front of the desk, took a seat, and opened the folder.
âWhat are you doing?â
âGoing over the records.â She never paused.
âYouâre not that obtuse.â
Finally she lifted her head and gave him her attention. âYouâll be doing the lionâs share of work, so you should have the desk and comfortable chair.â
He grunted. So she didnât use her femininity as most of the women he knew did. âTake the chair. Iâll go check with maintenance to see if there is another desk and chair.â
âDillon.â
He swung back around, caught by the sound of his name on her lips and something else. âYes?â
She bit her lower lip. âI havenât told anyone weâre partners.â
Heâd thought as much. âDo you plan to?â
âI sort of told Uncle Evan that I might not.â
âI didnât.â He opened the door to leave, then swung back around. Sheâd probably feel bad for Evan, and heâd probably make her life at work and the mansion even more uncomfortable. âSo they think Evan is in charge?â
âYes,â she said, then rushed on, âItâs not an excuse, but you werenât here and I needed his help.â
âAnd heâs taken full advantage.â Dillon put his hands on his hips. âNo one is going to take orders from me if they donât know Iâm a full partner. Iâm not going through Evan every time I need something.â
She rose from her chair. âIâve been thinking. Maybe if there is an announcement that weâre consultants and that our orders are to be carried out without question, that might work.â
âThe order would have to come through Evan.â
âI realize that.â She gestured toward the PA system in the corner. âUncle Evan could make the announcement now.â
âHeâd chew off his arm first.â Dillonâs arms came to his sides.
âThe way I see it, he has no choice,â she said with a bite in her voice.
Dillonâs brow lifted. âThere might be hope for you yet.â Grinning, he opened the office door. âLetâs go make your uncleâs day.â
*Â Â Â *Â Â Â *
Samantha didnât like the grin on Dillonâs face. There was entirely too much glee in those haunting black eyes of his. She just hoped her uncle didnât provoke Dillon. She stopped in front of her uncleâs door and knocked. âUncle Evan.â
There was no answer. She knocked again. âMaybe heâs in the plant.â
âNot likely,â Dillon said, stepping around her. He opened the door.
Samantha entered behind him, closing the door after her. Evan snatched down the newspaper heâd been reading and came to his feet. âHow dare you come in here without permission!â
âI dare because Iâm half owner,â Dillon shot back. âIf I were you, Iâd be more worried about maintaining my job. You donât get a free ride.â
âMy fatherâs will said Iâm to have a job at my full salary,â Evan said, regaining some of his calm.
âBut it didnât say you couldnât be fired for nonproductivity or insubordination. Of course, you can fight your firing, but then your check would be frozen.â Dillon smiled coldly. âEither way, you lose.â
Samanthaâs gaze snapped between the two men. Dillon had deliberately provoked her uncle, but her uncle had been rude not to answer the door. It was
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