Unbridled by Beth Williamson

the books. He would gladly shovel horse shit eight hours a day to avoid them. It also was the one thing he really had to force himself to do. Although schedules were the most complex task, balancing the guests coming in with the employees and their various specialties was almost an art form; accounting was still his nemesis.
    His back ached right along with his neck, but another day of paperwork awaited him, including a visit from Michael Bailey, Grant’s attorney. Connor really didn’t look forward to it, or to Alex’s reaction to the will. She was obviously brimming with passion, with fury at her father. Confronting what Grant had left behind would be exhausting for everyone.
    After grabbing coffee and a muffin, and ignoring Bernice’s glower, Connor headed for his office. He polished off the muffin on the way, barely tasting the sweet corn flavor. The coffee was strong and black, the way he liked it.
    He nodded to a few people but didn’t stop to talk. Normally he would have, but he was tied into knots. His new obsession with Alex was affecting his work, his sleep and his temper.
    With determination, he dove into work, and before he knew it, Michael poked his head into the office. Connor looked up from the schedules, surprised to see it was ten o’clock already.
    “I don’t think I’ve seen you work so hard before.” Michael grinned at him as he stepped into the office. The attorney was a few years older than Connor, with blond hair and blue eyes. A boy next door with an athletic physique and charm.
    “Shut up, Mike.” Connor sipped at the cold coffee, then made a face at the bitter dregs. He set it aside and sighed hard.
    Michael sat in the chair and raised his brows. “I’ve brought Grant’s will with me, as you asked. Now, tell me what the hell is going on.”
    “Alex Finley arrived four days ago. I almost fell out of my chair when she told me who she was. Jesus, Mike, I never expected her to show up.” Connor ran his hands through his hair and leaned back in the chair. “She’s got me chasing my own damn tail. I’m not sleeping and—well, it’s been a rough week.”
    “How’s Claire taking it? And Daniel?” Mike lost his teasing attitude, concern evident on his face.
    “Claire is trying to make inroads with Alex, but it isn’t going to be easy. Daniel has no idea what’s going on; he’s just thrilled to have a big sister, even if she ignores him.” Connor picked up the coffee cup, then set it down before he swallowed the nasty crap again. “Thanks for coming by when you got back into town.”
    “No worries. I was glad to come after I got your call. Nancy hadn’t scheduled anything for me this morning since I got in late last night.” Mike hid a yawn behind his hand. “Tell me what she’s like.”
    Connor thought about Alex, about all the moments he’d spent with her, and about the storm cloud that seemed to follow her. “She’s got his chin and his eyes. Other than that, I figure she looks like her mother. Kind of short, curvy.” And oh, those curves kept him up at night, literally.
    “Now, that’s an interesting answer. You just described what she looks like and not a thing about what she’s like.” Mike’s gaze was probing, like only a lawyer could do.
    Connor frowned at his friend. “She’s outspoken, bossy and demanding.”
    Mike chuckled. “Oh, so that’s how it is.”
    “How what is?”
    “You have had a total of three ladies in your life in eight years. Relationships with them all started the same, with you thinking they were outspoken, bossy or demanding.” Mike pointed at him. “You are in trouble if she’s got all three qualities.”
    Connor’s cheeks heated. “That’s a load of bullshit and you know it. I am not in trouble because of Alex Finley.”
    He glanced up to see her in the doorway. His stomach flipped, then twisted so tight he tasted the muffin.
    She glanced at Mike; then her gaze swung back at him. “Should I ask why you were talking about me