Page 3 of Wild Fires

She was a pretty little thing and if she didn't terrify me with some of the antics she pulled and dares she accepted, I may even have asked her out. It was for the best. I'd seen her pull one too many stunts to know it was best for my sanity to stay far away from this woman.

But I also didn't hate her or even dislike her. Most of the time Clarence even vouched for her and said she was a great asset to the team.

Then there were other moments when I would swear I could see his hair turning gray just at the mention of her name.

Poor bastard. I had no doubt that today was one of those days.

Shaking my head, I made myself comfortable in Clarence's office. Then I pulled out my phone and checked emails and my calendar for the day. It looked like it was going to be a rare quiet day. I couldn't believe this meeting was the only thing I had on my calendar.

Frowning, I dialed Jennifer's number. She'd been my assistant since day one and I wasn't sure what I would do without her.

“Good morning, Ryan. How'd the meeting with Clarence go?”

“Hasn't started. He's finishing up rounds now. But after this my calendar is blank. Can you check to see what happened? I know there was a video call with Westin Force and a meeting with someone else, I just can't remember who scheduled for this afternoon.”

“Canceled. Both. Your day is clear.”

I froze. “What did you just say?”

She snorted into the phone. “You don't have anything pressing today, Ry. So finish up with Clarence and take the day off.”

“And do what? Do you even know who I am anymore?”

She laughed. “Don't be dramatic. Maybe try relaxing for a change.”

“I guess I am due for a haircut.”

“Next Friday, it's on your calendar.”

“Maybe Dad needs help with something.”

“He and your mom are at the springs all week and asked not to be disturbed, according to Janice, who I just spoke with ten minutes ago. So I doubt anything's changed. Why don't you follow his example and do something for yourself for a change.”

I groaned. “Forward me over those contracts for the repairs on the bridge and I'll go over them this afternoon from home.”

“No.”

“No? Did you just tell me no?”

“I did. No contracts. No meetings. My boss is taking some time off whether he likes it or not.”

“Jennifer, are you trying to get me to fire you.”

Her laugh was easy and so familiar to me now. Just the sound of it made the tension in my body ease and a smile tip my lips.

“As if you could live without me. Tell Clarence hi and then I don't want to talk to you or see you for the rest of the day.”

“What if there's an emergency?”

“Then I'll call you, but you don't call me.”

“Hey, I thought I was the boss.”

“Only because I let you believe that.”

Before I could argue, even though she was probably right, Clarence rushed in.

“I'm really sorry for keeping you waiting, Ryan.”

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