Night Heat by Brenda Jackson

Jocelyn standing in front of that window was even more so. She was a picture of refined elegance, just like her home.
    â€œI can make us some coffee if—”
    â€œNo, I don’t want anything,” he said, interrupting what she was about to say. He thought it was safe to remember why they were there and not let other thoughts filter through his mind.
    â€œI just want my question answered, Jocelyn. Why didn’t you tell me about your meeting with Cody?” he asked, deciding to get down to business.
    Jocelyn sighed as she stared at him. “The reason I didn’t tell you was not because of some sinister plot on my part to keep you out of the loop about anything. I had honestly assumed you would accept my offer of a buy-out like Leah’s doing. Why wouldn’t I assume that? You and your brothers own a major corporation, the largest minority-owned one in North Carolina. You employ over a thousand people so I’m sure you’re busy most of the time. To be quite frank with you, I’m surprised you’re even here now. Not too many people would just up and drop everything and leave the running of a corporation even on a temporary basis to spend six to eight weeks supervising a construction company.”
    Bas nodded and shoved his own hands into the pockets of his jeans. “They would if the man who’d made the request was Jim Mason. Fourteen years ago I had left home with a chip on my shoulder and mad at the entire world. Your father helped me to turn my life around that summer and see things as they really were. If it hadn’t been for him, no telling where I’d be today. I owe him a lot.”
    He decided it wasn’t any of her business to know his other reason for coming—his health.
    â€œWell, because I assumed what I did, I didn’tthink twice about not including you in the meeting since I had every intention of telling Cody that the company wasn’t for sale. He made me a good offer but I wasn’t interested.”
    A question came into her head. “How did you know about my meeting with Cameron Cody?” She hadn’t mentioned it to anyone, not even to Reese.
    â€œCameron told me, and yes, I know him. He was interested in one of my cousins a few years back. I was surprised when I ran into him in town. Because he’s always on top of things, he was well aware I was one of the owners, but figured you were speaking in my and your sister’s behalf when you turned down his offer.”
    Deliberately, Bas moved in front of her. “Okay, I’ll accept the way you were thinking, but in the future don’t assume anything, especially when it comes to me. I want to know about anything that involves this construction company, no matter how minor the detail. It’s a matter of respecting me as one of the owners. Understood?”
    Jocelyn frowned. She didn’t like anyone talking to her as though she was a child, although he was right. She should have included him in her meeting with Cody. “Yes, I understand. Now it’s time for you to understand something, as well.”
    â€œAnd just what might that be?”
    â€œI’m not used to taking orders from any manexcept my father. In the future if you have a request, it will pay you to make it nicely.”
    He lifted a brow. “Or else?”
    â€œOr else it won’t happen. I tried to explain to you that with this outfit everyone can’t be a leader. Reese is the foreman and I respect his position, but when all is said and done, I’m still the boss.”
    â€œUm, sounds like you have an ego issue.”
    Annoyance rattled her at his words. “Sometimes in a man-dominated world women have to have one. But I don’t think I have an ego issue. I just refuse to let anyone push me around.” She stepped past him to walk over to the window. To Jocelyn’s way of thinking Bas was standing too close. She could feel his heat. She could breathe in his