I’ll Be There by Samantha Chase

was going to work with you?” Robert asked, confusion written all over his face.
    â€œThat’s the plan for right now, and that’s what we’re going to be sure to tell Zach.” Ethan chuckled and then flat out laughed. “Watch his reaction and then tell me if you notice anything…unusual about it.”
    â€œEvery reaction from my son has been unusual since the accident. It’s like I don’t even know him anymore.”
    Ethan reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Robert’s shoulder. “Give him a little more time. I think after today, we’re finally going to start moving in the right direction. I just need you to trust me and follow my lead.”
    â€œWait, I’m the one who’s telling him about you taking over. How am I following your lead?”
    â€œI meant where Gabriella is concerned. Give your speech, and then I’ll sort of chime in and present my plan for the company.”
    Robert’s eyes went wide. “Plans? What plans?”
    â€œPlans guaranteed to get Zach back to leading the company before the ink is dry on my contract as interim CEO.”
    Robert shook his head and laughed. “You know, you and my brother should go into business together. You’re both too sneaky for your own good.”
    Ethan smiled. “Yeah, but we get results!”
    * * *
    Thirty minutes later, Ethan sat back uncomfortably. The room was quiet—too quiet. He and Robert had finally gone to Zach’s house, and Robert had done a majority of the talking. He shared his disappointment in Zach’s behavior toward Gabriella and the fact Zach would put the company at risk by being so abusive toward an employee.
    To his credit, Zach hadn’t tried to make excuses or defend himself. If Ethan had to guess, he’d say his friend knew what he’d done and wasn’t proud of it. No matter what the reason. He just wished one of them would say something. Anything. The silence was starting to freak him out.
    Shifting in his seat, Ethan decided if he wanted conversation, he was going to have to start it. “I’m sorry it worked out this way, Zach,” he began sympathetically. “I know this isn’t what you want and it wasn’t something I was seeking out. Unfortunately, we have a lot going on and there’s even more we want to accomplish in the coming year. If we don’t get moving, we’ll lose momentum and miss out on some great opportunities.”
    Zach glared at him. “Is Dawn ready to take this on with you? She’s not the sharpest tack in the box.”
    A smirk begged to cross Ethan’s face, but he kept his expression neutral. “Dawn is going to stay on with Summer.”
    â€œSo what are you going to do? Hire a temp? A team of them?”
    â€œActually…Gabriella’s going to work with me. She’ll be mine now.” He grinned at his choice of words. “I mean…she’ll be my assistant now.”
    Robert coughed beside him.
    â€œWhat the hell are you talking about?” Zach demanded.
    â€œWell, considering what you did, and the predicament you currently find yourself in, you don’t need her. It only makes sense for her to be with me.”
    Zach’s eyes narrowed. “As your assistant,” he said through clenched teeth.
    â€œYeah.” Ethan leaned forward, his expression serious. “I’m thinking she’ll travel with me this weekend up to Seattle and we’ll get…you know, acquainted with one another, and by the time we’re back in the office on Monday, it will be like we’ve worked together forever.”
    â€œI thought Summer was going with you?”
    Ethan shrugged. “Change of plans.”
    â€œAnd Summer’s all right with that?”
    â€œYes. There’s no way we can keep traveling together now that one of us needs to be in the office at all times, so…” He shrugged again.
    â€œWhat the hell