"Of course you do," I tried placating him. "However, Archie has signed off on this recommendation. It's been put into print, and the five-year budget incorporates the new projections. These changes have already happened and telling your staff that they'll change back is not practical."

"G.o.dd.a.m.n b.i.t.c.h," Robert muttered loud enough for the whole room to hear.

"Robert!" Raven exclaimed, her eyes blazing. She must have slipped inside while I was distracted with the growing anger in the room.

"I'm not happy with you either, cuz," Robert told her.

"I suggest you let Joslyn finish her presentation without argument or join me in your office where we can talk about *101 the budgeting issues. Which would you prefer?" Hands on hips, she left no room for argument.

"Fine, she can finish, but this isn't over. Mark my words, guys."

"These changes will save the company millions over the next five years. Uncle Archie wholeheartedly agrees," Raven spoke with the authority that comes with being CFO, not as his older cousin. "Please continue, Joslyn."

I tried to keep my expression neutral as I went on despite the happy dance I was doing inside. "Very few of you will find the limitations a hardship from what you're used to spending when making a sales call." I held up the new sales booklet. "You all need to sign the acceptance form in your new policy manual to denote that you've read and accepted the changes for the department."

That announcement finished my presentation except for questions. Surprisingly, many of the staff asked questions that had nothing to do with the expense cuts or bonus calculations. The end of the meeting brought about a few parting handshakes from my former "colleagues" and nods from others. Overall, it hadn't been too bad a meeting.

"I'm sorry about that." Raven approached me after she'd seen everyone out.

Preparing these presentations had taken up the better part of the last two days. I'd completed them from my home office, which meant I hadn't seen Raven since she'd dropped me off in the parking lot a few nights ago. No traces of the flour from that night showed on her charcoal grey suit or dark blue sh.e.l.l. Nor did I suspect that if she drew closer I'd catch a whiff of the delectable pastries that we'd made. But I didn't need those prompts to remember that we'd nearly kissed.

"I appreciate you standing up for me," I said.

"Of course."

"You say that like it's nothing." I turned to face her, feeling a swirl of heat flow through me. "It's not nothing.

102*

You took my side against your cousin in front of his staff.

I'm not sure it was the wisest thing for you to do, but no one has ever done anything like that for me. I thank you."

Her eyes blinked several times before she nodded to accept my thanks. "You did a nice job. I'm glad you agreed to make these presentations for my uncles."

"I've done it before. I find it's easier for the staff to accept changes when they come from me rather than the owners. Everyone gets to keep their hands clean in the process."

"From the feedback I've received, the changes are going over very well. Even the voluntary layoffs."

"By asking for volunteers you generally get underperformers or people who've been thinking about quitting. It's a great way to get rid of burned out employees and dead weight."

"Brilliant." She gave me a tentative smile. "Completely off topic, I'm headed out to a charitable gala this evening that might interest you. They'll be auctioning off some mint condition cla.s.sic cars."

"Over at Salish Lodge? Yeah, I'm headed up there myself. I doubt I'll be bidding on anything, but I always love seeing restored vehicles."

The smile she wore moved from tentative to forced.

"You'll be there? Great, perhaps we'll run into each other."

"I'll make sure to look for you."

"All right, well, I've got some changes to implement. See you later." Again, she seemed to race from the room. This was becoming a habit with her, and I didn't understand why. She'd brought up the gala; why would she be so perplexed to find out that I was going, too?

"Ms. Simonini?" Archie's EA interrupted my musings.

"Archie is ready for you." She walked me back to the CEO's office and ushered me inside.

*103 "Joslyn, wonderful. I understand the meetings are going well. How'd that last one go? Can't imagine those sales folks were too happy to see anything change."

"It went surprisingly well. Reluctance to any change is natural, but they'll get used to it, especially since the end result will bring this company back into the black."

"So you and Raven have a.s.sured me. You both better be right. I can't fire her; she's my niece, you know." His blue eyes sparkled.

"I do, and you definitely should not fire Raven. She's the most competent CFO I've ever met. You're lucky to have her both in your company and your family." Not that I was jealous or anything.

"Don't I know it," he beamed. "She and that brother of hers have always been overachievers, smartest of the whole lot of 'em. But I love 'em all equally, you know."

"Of course." I'd seen the truth in his statement every time he interacted with his niece, nephews, and kids. "I asked for this time to talk to you about some of your executive level staff. I'm not sure you're going to like what I have to say, but I told you when I took this contract that I wouldn't pull any punches just because this is a family business."

"Okay, lemme have it."

"You've got four chiefs and a.s.sistant chiefs that I think are inappropriately t.i.tled. Two in HR, one in ops, and one in sales."

"I've never thought those touchy-feely types in HR were of any use. Operations hasn't been-did you say sales?" His eyes snapped back to mine.

"Yes, I'm referring to your son Robert." At his look of denial, I rushed ahead, "I think he's one of the best salespeople I've ever met; however, excellent technicians don't always make excellent managers."

"What are you saying?" Archie leaned forward with a raised brow.

104*

"I think he might be in over his head with the CSO position. Robert would excel as a senior sales rep. He could focus on sales, which he loves, and mentor the newer sales reps in the department."

"You're saying I should fire my own son?"

"No, sir. I'm saying that his expertise isn't being properly utilized. He lacks the attention to detail that all chiefs need and his disregard for anything other than sales calls isn't conducive to the efficiency or accuracy of his department."

"Is that so?" Confusion moved to incredulity in his tone.

"Who would you recommend I replace him with?"

I hadn't expected that question, but the answer was obvious to me. "Well, you'd want to post the position to see what type of applicants you could garner, but I believe you've got the best candidate already in that department.

Zina Redding."

"His secretary?" he asked in disbelief.

I winced at his antiquated term. "His administrative a.s.sistant, yes."

Archie's brow smoothed out as he started laughing.

"Oh, you're just joshing with me. That's a good one, young lady."

All right, now what? I could push the issue and watch him get angry or let him brush off the suggestion as a joke.

Best to go with ambiguity. "I've made my recommendation, sir." Confusion reappeared, giving me hope that he'd mull over the idea later. "I'll be in tomorrow to finish up your new business plan."

"On a Sat.u.r.day? You are dedicated. Are you certain I can't entice you to stay on here? We could make another chief position for you. Operations, perhaps?"

"Thank you, Archie. I'm honored, but I like being a consultant."

"I had to try." He stood up and shook my hand over his desk.

*105 I hoped his glow about the job I'd done would help him through the huge check he'd have to write as my fee on this consultation. Despite being very aware of the contract's length and the consultation fees, I often received a follow up phone call to try to bargain down the fee. I'd hoped to avoid that with Archie Paul. Not only because it was embarra.s.sing to deal with, but also because he'd more than likely task Raven to do it. I wasn't sure I was in a position to deny her any request at this point.

Chapter 14.

O ne look around the ballroom and I wished I hadn't agreed to come to the charity gala. Glamorous people traipsed back and forth between silent auction items, delectable food, and equally elegant individuals. I'd done my best to fit in, but my comfort zone was among the financial statements and competency questionnaires I'd left behind at the office. Or maybe in an Italian restaurant's kitchen making delicacies I have no business making or being elbows deep in dishwater earning my keep.

The cla.s.sic cars had been worth the trip and knowing my purpose here helped as well. I just wished I looked like I belonged. Like the group of women over by the buffet table, all decked out in dresses that looked torn from runway models. Or those gentlemen in their fine, expensive suits. Or that woman in her stark white suit that must have been custom made the way it fit her so well. I should have worn a suit instead of forcing myself into the unavoidable discomfort of my dress and heels. Any of my business suits would have sufficed, but I'd wanted to dress up for the special occasion. That woman sure looked comfortable in matching slacks and jacket that accentuated everything they were supposed to. How odd would it be if I went up to her to ask who her tailor was? Is that how you broke the ice *107 with people at these kinds of events or would it be considered tactless?

Before I had a chance to complete my internal debate, the woman turned and I gasped. Raven. Her black hair even more midnight in color against the winter whiteness of her suit. Under the single b.u.t.ton jacket, she wore a black lace halter top, tastefully cut and clinging to her chest. Gorgeous.

And so was the woman who was greeting her with a quick kiss and close hug. Actually more than gorgeous. She could be a model, the cla.s.sy old fashion movie star kind, not the emaciated near freakish looking runway type. Every man's head turned and checked her out, but she was with Raven. Did I mention that I hate being sensible? Even if I could figure out what to do with these new found feelings, I didn't stand a chance against her.

Well, time to be a grown up. I started toward them, cringing every time the supermodel and Raven shared an innocent touch. When Raven smiled gratefully then kissed the woman's cheek, I nearly changed my course. I didn't want to interrupt their date, but mostly I didn't think I could stand being near Raven when she was on a date. Yet, I couldn't stay away either.

"Turns out you weren't too hard to spot, Raven," I greeted in a miraculously steady voice.

"Joslyn, you made it." She sounded overjoyed to see me.

Even her eyes seemed to dance with a mingle of elated emotions, but clearly I had no idea how to read her eyes.

A pleased smile crawled over her date's face as she looked first at Raven then at me. I held out my hand in greeting. "Hi, I'm Joslyn Simonini."

Raven's mouth parted but Ms. Gorgeous stepped in with her own introduction. "Elise Bridie, nice to meet you."

"And you as well."

"You look," Raven started and seemed to search through an entire thesaurus of descriptive adjectives before settling on, "very nice. That's a beautiful dress."

108*

"Thank you and I eyed your suit from across the room. I was contemplating coming over to shake you down for your tailor's name before I realized I actually knew you."

"How is it that you know Raven?" Elise tilted her head, causing dark brown hair to sweep over one shoulder.

"Joslyn is the consultant my uncles hired. She's done a terrific job." Pride slipped into Raven's tone.

"I've had lots of help," I added to displace the sudden tingle of embarra.s.sment. "How did you and Raven meet?"

"We went to grad school together." Elise slipped an arm around Raven's waist. "Raven was the only business major in one of my law cla.s.ses, which meant she didn't have an agenda for taking the cla.s.s. It also meant we'd get along perfectly."

"That's great." I hoped my reply didn't sound forced.

They looked amazing together. I should be happy for her; too bad I was a selfish b.i.t.c.h.

"There you are, Jos." A familiar deep voice ignited my smile. Arms went around my shoulders and smashed me against a solid wall of man.

"Hi, Dad." I turned into him for a proper hug. He placed a kiss on top of my head as I took in his familiar scent.

"You're looking very dapper." In a dark blue suit, the white streaks in his brown hair became more evident. He'd only started going grey since he retired. Prior to that, his brown hair defied science.

"Had to look presentable for tonight." He leaned back and smiled at everyone.

"Dad, this is Raven Malvolio and Elise Bridie. My father, Michael Simonini."

"h.e.l.lo." He shook their hands as they exchanged greetings. "Raven? Of the wild horses fame?" He grasped my shoulder and pulled me against him again.

When she paled, I stepped in to save her. "He's kidding, Raven. He stopped by the day after we went riding and *109 noticed my limp, but I told him it was my own fault, right, Dad?"

"You should see a ladder buck her off. Or a roof, or scaffolding, h.e.l.l, even a porch gives her troub-"

"Okay, Dad, they get it."

He grinned conspiratorially at them as the worry eased from Raven's face. "Your daughter mentioned that you're recently retired. How are you enjoying it?"

"Love it, should have done it ten years ago. Let my daughter keep me in the lifestyle to which I've grown accustomed." We chuckled at his joke. I knew he loved retirement, almost as much as he'd loved working the jobsites. "I know Jos has been working with you, Raven, so tell me what you do, Elise?"

"Elise works for the FBI. She's one of the law enforcement officers being honored tonight." A more potent dose of pride slipped into Raven's tone with her proclamation.

"How wonderful," I offered. Great, gorgeous and superbly n.o.ble.

"Congratulations," Dad said.

Pink shaded her cheeks as Raven slipped an arm around her. "No one is better at her job." Elise smiled modestly, tapping her head against Raven's for a second. Yeah, they looked good together. Too good, dammit.

"Hubba, hubba, outlaw dress, Jos," one of two other voices I'd know at this function teased.

"Marco, my boy!" Dad grabbed him up in a bear hug that would have cracked my ribs. Marco, a solid guy, didn't have to worry about broken body parts.

"Hi, Michael." Marco pulled away and turned to me.