Page 69 of Tempest

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Monday

Ryan drove them in the direction of Bellows Energy. “It’s going to be interesting today. I’ve never been in a position to fire people, and I’m not looking forward to it,” Ivy said, as she slicked on some gloss.

Ryan turned onto the highway and slid into traffic. “Are you and Colin going to do it together, or is it up to you?”

“We’ll do it together. Colin told me to take the lead and he’ll step in if necessary.” As they sped down the highway, Ivy stared out the window. “Nobody foresaw us having a relationship. I expected to hate him. After all, if it wasn’t for him, my daddy might’ve stayed with my mama. At least, that’s what my little girl mind thought at the time. But I saw him bundled up in a blanket and I fell in love with his sweet face. He was like the best doll in the world, only he was mine. That’s how I always thought of him. I went into big sister mode almost instantly. When he turned three, Mama let me invite him over whenever I wanted. Considering the situation, I give Frannie and Bea a lot of credit in letting me have my way. Those two let us have a relationship, and I think it’s made a big difference for both of us. We each had someone in the world who understood how the other felt, and I’ve taken a lot of comfort in that.”

“I was impressed with the way he stood up for you with Stuart the other day.”

“My brother doesn’t like it when someone disrespects me. He also hates having his time squandered. I attribute it to the countless wasted hours we both spent waiting around for our daddy to show up to take us out for the day. Neither one of us is any good at waiting.”

“Makes sense.”

Sliding her hand across the center console, she grabbed his hand. “You don’t mind taking your time or waiting. You proved that last night a couple of times.”

He glanced over and winked. “You noticed that, did you?”

“You performed above and beyond the call of duty, and I thank you.” She laughed. “Maybe we can do it again tonight.”

“I was counting on it,” he replied.

“Speaking of duty, I’m sorry to pull you away from work for so long. I know you’d rather be out on a rescue op with your rifle in your hand than traipsing across Texas from one side to the other.”

“I’m exactly where I need to be. We have a lot to accomplish, not the least of which is figuring out who is after you. The art of war is simple: find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can and keep moving. That’s what we’re doing today.”

“Are we at war?”

“Someone shot at you, someone is sabotaging the wells, and someone else is ripping off the company. I’d say we’re at war,” he replied.

“I didn’t think of it that way, but it makes sense. Sort of.”

“There are enough things happening simultaneously that make it appear to be a death by paper cuts,” Ryan responded. He took the next exit and drove into an industrial area. “Almost there.”

“I’m a little nervous about what’s going to happen today.” Opening her purse, she checked her gun. “I have to start thinking like a boss lady. Maybe I should get some boss lady shoes and see if that helps.” He let his eyes run down her legs, and she felt the heat of his gaze. All the man had to do was look at her and she was a puddle of hot hormones and lust. Clearing her throat, she waited.

“Since you’re a boss lady, maybe you want to take charge when we get back home tonight. Give me some orders and see how I perform.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and let his lips run across the top. “Maybe you want to ride me and see if I’m what you’re looking for.”

The cab of the truck felt like someone turned up the heat. Even the air conditioning wasn’t cooling her down. “Well…I think your idea has merit, and I will take it under consideration.”

“Just tell me how damp your panties are and I promise to leave you alone for the rest of the day.”

“Liar.”

“You can tell me or I can run my hand up your leg and find out for myself. If I have my hand near your bits of lace, then I probably won’t stop with one touch. So just tell me and save us both the embarrassment of people discovering their new boss in flagrante delicto on her first day.”

“Ryan…” She felt his hand move to the bottom of her skirt, and she pushed it away. “Fine. My panties are damp and they usually are when you’re around. Are you happy now?” She crossed her arms and looked out the window.

“Honey, I just want to make sure that you’re in as deep as I am.”

She spun her head around and stared. “You’re in deep?”

He took her hand and laced their fingers together. “I’m drowning. Considering I’m a SEAL, you know how serious that is. And I’m not just talking about what happens when we have our clothes off. Hell, if it were only that, then it would be fine. I’m talking about everything else.” He pulled into Bellows Energy and parked in a spot toward the back. “Just putting it out there.”

Leaning over, she cupped the back of his head and pulled him in for a searing kiss. When she lifted her mouth away, she saw that he was smiling. “Let’s go in and see what we’re dealing with. We’ll figure out us later on.”

“No rush. We have all the time in the world.” He jumped out and came around to open her door. When he held out his arms, she slid into them. “Come on, Madam President. Let’s get you in there so I can see the boss lady in action.”

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