Page 138 of Snowed In With the Mountain Man
“Mr. Masterson, Dahlia O’Sullivan here.”
Kit wasn’t even trying to hide his amusement. “You’re a terrible liar, JJ.”
He shushed his friend, wanting to capture every second of this as Dahlia clicked a few keys and called up an entirely new screen in the accounting software.
“I can’t find the dang payment,” JJ whispered as her sharp gaze flicked left to right over the screen, taking in all the numbers as if she was reading the alphabet.
“I know it’s been made,” JJ continued. “I think he’s trying to dupe us.”
Dahlia gave him a little wink, pulled her shoulders back, and spoke into the receiver. “So what seems to be the problem?”
Her voice was so in control and professional that JJ blinked at her in disbelief. He’d started to get so used to this new Dahlia who was quickly finding a home for herself on this ranch that sometimes he forgot the suit-wearing bossbabe she’d been in New York.
She made a few murmurs of acknowledgment as the supplier kept talking on the other line. All the while, she was flicking through screens and reading the data.
Finally, when there was a pause on the other end, she spoke smoothly. “I don’t think so, Mr. Masterson. You can’t double-charge us and then slap on extra interest without giving us the chance to prove that payment has been made.” Dahlia let out a withering snicker that had Kit staring at her wide-eyed, maybe a little scared. “Nice try, buddy.”
JJ beamed with pride as her eyebrows lifted. Whatever Mr. Masterson just said was making Dahlia’s nostrils flare.
She let out a short, disbelieving laugh before cutting the bullheaded man down to size. “I take it from your comment that you don’t value your business in the town of Aspire.”
JJ’s fists curled, and Kit looked ready for a smackdown when the voice at the other end cut in, clearly shouting at Dahlia.
“My turn again,” JJ growled, reaching for the phone.
“I’ll tell him where he can get off,” Kit sneered.
But Dahlia ignored them both, clearing her throat and looking unperturbed. “Bark at me as much as you like, sir, but I can assure you that if you don’t treat us fairly, every ranch in the surrounding area of this town will drop you faster than you can say boo.”
Even JJ could hear the man sputtering on the other end of the line.
“Just because you’re the new supplier doesn’t make you the only one. This is the O’Sullivan Ranch, and we are highly respected in our community. Now if you want to keep your business alive, I suggest you start being a little nicer to me.”
JJ snickered in awe, sharing a glance with Kit, who held up a hand to high-five him.
“This place is in good hands, my friend.” Kit gave JJ a friendly pat on the back as they shared another grin.
Who would have thought that not only was Dahlia exactly what he needed…
But maybe she was what this ranch needed as well.
“Yes, I can agree to that.” Dahlia nodded. “I will find you that invoice, no problem, and I appreciate the 10 percent discount you’ll give us next time we use your services.”
There was more sputtering as Dahlia feigned surprise.
“You didn’t? Oh, well, maybe that’s something you’d like to consider if you’re set on keeping your good name here Aspire. I’m sure it would go a long way toward proving your excellent customer service.” She grinned and shook her head. “If that’s how you want to play it. But as I said before, you are not the only supplier available to us, and I have no problem taking our business elsewhere.”
She paused, obviously waiting for a response as she glanced at JJ and gave him a cute little wink. His blood stirred again—a mix of desire and admiration coursing through him.
A broad smile stretched her mouth wide. “Good thinking, Mr. Masterson. We look forward to doing future business with you.”
When she hung up the phone, JJ pulled her out of the chair and into his arms. “You are the coolest person I’ve ever met. You know that?”
She laughed, and the merry sound filled the office and shot straight into his heart.
50
Cal’s Coffee Shop was a blessed relief after a long morning helping Rose move.
