The Billionaire's Bidding by Barbara Dunlop Page B

brother’s.”
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    Wednesday evening, Katie grasped at the unwieldy ring on Emma’s left hand. “No way,” she exclaimed.
    â€œWay,” said Emma, still struggling to get used to the weight of the thing and still worrying about the insurance implications if she lost it.
    Katie looked up, her eyes shining under the lights of Emma’s penthouse. “A real earl?”
    â€œAbout four generations ago.”
    â€œAlex gave you his family heirloom?”
    â€œDon’t go getting all excited.” Emma liberated her hand and sat back down on the couch. “He’s only lending it to me. And it has a dubious history.”
    Katie took the seat opposite, kicking off her sandals and curling her feet beneath her. “Oh, do tell.”
    â€œThe brides all married for money.”
    Katie stared at her, waiting. “That’s it?”
    â€œThat’s it.”
    â€œI thought you were talking about sex and scandal and murder.”
    â€œSorry. No murders.” Emma thought back to her afternoon. “Well, except for Mrs. Nash. Alex’s housekeeper. I have a feeling she’s capable of it.”
    â€œAnd did you upset her?”
    â€œNot so much me. But Philippe better watch his back.”
    Katie grinned. “I have a feeling Philippe can take care of himself.”
    Emma had to admit, she had that feeling, too. She stroked her thumb over the big diamond and was assailed by a vivid body memory of Alex. She determinedly shook it off. “So what did I miss at the office?”
    Katie tossed her wavy blond hair back over one shoulder. “I got David to come and work for us.”
    Emma didn’t understand. “Your David?”
    â€œYes, my David.”
    â€œBut he has a job. With Leon Gage.”
    â€œI convinced him to quit.”
    An uneasy feeling trickled through Emma. “Why would you do that?” David was a great guy. And Katie obviously loved him. But working together? Day in and day out? Could that be good for any couple?
    â€œBecause we need him,” said Katie, the tone of her voice subtly shifting to petulant.
    Emma regrouped.
    She wished Katie had discussed it with her. Not that Emma would have overruled her sister, but she might have been able to curb Katie’s impulsive nature.
    â€œDid you at least get help from Human Resources?” McKinley had a top notch HR department.
    â€œWhat? I can marry him, but I can’t hire him?”
    â€œKatie—”
    â€œReally, Emma.”
    Emma clenched her jaw. HR checked references and aligned suitable people with suitable jobs. What would they do if David didn’t work out?
    Now she struggled to keep the censure out of her voice. “What’s he going to do?”
    Katie pushed out her bottom lip.
    â€œKatie?”
    â€œVice President of Special Projects Overseas.”
    Emma pressed her thumb against the jagged facets of the ring. This time when the memory of Alex popped up, it was strangely comforting. “I see.”
    â€œHe’s got contacts in Europe and all over the Caribbean.”
    Emma nodded. She wasn’t aware they had problems in Europe or the Caribbean.
    â€œHe’s going after convention business and tour clubs.”
    Emma couldn’t hold her tongue completely. “Are you sure that’s not too much togetherness?” She wanted Katie to be happy, truly she did. But there was something about this situation that made her uneasy. For Katie’s sake. For the company’s.
    â€œYou and Alex are going to work together,” said Katie.
    â€œBut Alex and I aren’t—”
    â€œGetting married.”
    Emma jerked her thumb away from the ring. “Falling in love.”
    â€œSo? Love makes it easier for me and David to work together.”
    Emma struggled to find fault with that logic. Technically, she supposed it should be true. Katie and David actually liked and respected each other. Where Alex and Emma