Читать книгу Flirting With The Boss - Tina Beckett - Страница 13

AT EIGHT-THIRTY the next morning, Lori was up and dressed, and grabbed a travel mug of coffee from Maggie, then she was out the door to the construction site. Not that she didn’t think Jace could do his job, but she wanted to meet the crew and assure them that there wouldn’t be any more delays with the project.

When she pulled through the gate and saw the buzz of activity, she was suddenly concerned about disturbing everyone.

She had every right to be here, she thought as she climbed out of her car and watched the men working on the trim work of the two-story structure. Jace hadn’t wasted any time.

She walked carefully on the soggy ground. Okay, she needed more protection than her loafers. A good pair of sturdy boots was on her list. She headed up the plywood-covered path when a young man dressed in jeans, a denim work shirt and lace-up steel-toed boots came toward her.

He gave her a big smile and tipped back his hard hat. “Can I help you, ma’am?”

“I’m looking for Jace Yeager.”

The man’s smile grew bigger. “Aren’t they all? I’m Mike Parker, maybe I can help you.”

All? Lori couldn’t help but wonder what that meant. She started to speak when she heard a familiar voice call out. They both turned to see Jace. He was dressed pretty much like the others, but he had on a leather vest over a black Henley shirt even though the temperature was in the low fifties.

Lori froze as he gave her a once-over. He didn’t look happy to see her as he made his way toward them.

Jace ignored her as he looked at Mike. “Don’t you have anything to do?”

“I was headed to my truck for some tools.” He nodded to her. “And I ran across this nice lady. Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

“Lori Hutchinson.”

Mike let out a low whistle. “So you’re the big boss? I can’t tell you how good it is to meet you, Ms. Hutchinson.”

She tried not to cringe at the description. “It’s Lori. I’m not anyone’s boss. Jace is in charge of this project.”

That was when Jace spoke up. “Mike, they’ve finished spraying the insulation up in the lofts, so I need you to get started hanging drywall.”

“Right, I’ll get on it.” He tipped his hat to Lori. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

“Nice to meet you, too, Mike.”

She watched him hurry off, then turned back to Jace. “Good morning. Seems you’ve been busy. What time did you start?”

“I had a partial crew in at five.”

“What about Cassie?”

He seemed surprised at her question. “I wasn’t here, but my foreman was. My daughter comes first, Lori. She always will.”

“I didn’t mean … I apologize.”

That didn’t ease the scowl on his face. “Were we supposed to meet this morning?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“Did you come to work?” He looked over her attire. “You’re not exactly dressed for a construction site.”

She glanced down at her dark trousers and soft blue sweater under her coat. “I have an appointment at the bank later this morning. I wanted to stop here first to see if everything got off okay. Do you need anything?”

“No, it’s fine. I know it looks a little chaotic, but things are running pretty smoothly for the first day back to work. It’s most of the same crew so they know what I expect from them.”

Lori had no doubt that Jace Yeager was good at his job. “So everything is on schedule?”

“If the weather holds.” The wind picked up and brushed her hair back. “Come inside where it’s a little warmer,” he said. “I’ll introduce you to the foreman.”

“I don’t want to disturb him.”

“As you can see, it’s a little late for that.” He nodded toward the men who were watching.

She could feel a blush rising over her face as she followed Jace inside the building to a worktable that had blueprints spread out on top. A middle-aged man was talking with another workman.

“Hey, Toby,” Jace called as he reached into a bin and pulled out a hard hat. He came to her and placed it on her head. “You need to wear this if you come here. Safety rules.”

Their eyes met. “Thank you.”

Toby walked up to them. “What, Jace?”

“This is Lori Hutchinson. Lori, this is my foreman, Toby Edwards.”

The man smiled at her and tiny lines crinkled around his eyes. “So you’re the one who saved this guy’s as … sets.”

Lori felt Jace tense. “I’d say I was just lucky to inherit some money,” she told Toby. “Speaking of money …” She turned to Jace. “Were the funds transferred into the Mountain Heritage account?”

He nodded. “Yes. We’re expecting materials to be delivered later today.”

“Good.” She glanced around, feeling a little excited about being a part of this. “It’s nice to see all the work going on.” It was a little noisy with the saws and nail guns.

Jace watched Lori. He wasn’t expecting her here. Not that she didn’t have a right, but she was a big distraction. He caught the guys watching her, too. Okay, they were curious about their attractive new boss. He hoped that was all it was. There could be a problem if she stopped by every day. And not only for his men, either. He eyed her pretty face and those big brown eyes that a man could get lost in.

No way. One woman had already cost him his career and future, and maybe his daughter. He wasn’t going to get involved with another, especially in his workplace. Or any other place. He thought about the cozy dinner last night in the Hutchinson kitchen.

It was a little too cozy.

Enough reminiscing, he thought, and stuck his fingers in his mouth, letting go with a piercing whistle. “Let’s get this over with so we can all get on with our day.” All work stopped and the men came to the center of the main room.

“Everyone, this is Lorelei Hutchinson. Since Lyle Hutchinson’s death, Lori will be taking over in her father’s place. It’s thanks to her we’re all back to work on this project.” The men let go with cheers and whistles. Jace forced a smile, knowing this was a means to get this project completed. But damn, being beholden to a woman stuck in his craw. “Okay, now back to work.”

“Thank you,” Lori said. “So many people in town have been looking at me like I have two heads.”

“Has someone said anything to you?” he asked.

“No, but they’re wondering what I’m going to do.” She shrugged. “Maybe I should just make a big announcement in the town square. ‘Hey, everyone, I’m not here to cause trouble.’”

A strange protective feeling came over him. “Now that the project has started up again, maybe they’ll stop worrying.”

“I hope so. I’m bringing my sister and nephew here to live. I want to be part of this community.”

“What you did for Mac Burleson yesterday was a pretty good start.”

“Oh, Mac. Is he here?”

Jace nodded. “Yeah, he was here waiting when Toby opened the gates.”

She glanced around the area. “How is he doing?”

“Good so far.”

She looked up at Jace. “There he is. Would you mind if I talked to him for a moment?”

“No, not a problem.”

She walked across the large entry to the wall. Jace watched her acknowledge a lot of the workers before she got to Mac. She smiled and the man returned it. In fact he was smiling the whole time Lori was talking. Then he shook her hand and Lori walked back. “I just hired Mac to paint a couple of bedrooms at the house.”

“Hey, are you stealing my help?”

“No. He’s agreed to come over this weekend with his brother and paint the upstairs. I don’t think my nephew wants to sleep in a pink room.”

Jace nodded, knowing she would be erasing the last of her own memories of her childhood. “There are other bedrooms for him to sleep in.”

“I know, but it should have been changed years ago.”

“Maybe there was a reason why it hadn’t been.”

She looked at him. He saw pain, but also hope. “Lyle Hutchinson knew where I was since I left here twenty-two years ago. My father could have invited me back anytime. He chose not to.”

Lori turned to walk out and he hurried to catch up with her. “Look, Lori. I don’t know the situation.”

She stopped abruptly. “That’s right, you don’t.” She closed her eyes. “Look, it was a long time ago. My father is gone, and I’ll never know why he never came to see me. And now, why in heaven’s name does he want me to run his company?”

“I can’t answer that, either.”

“I’ve dealt with it. So now I move on and start my new life with Gina and Zack. I want them to have a fresh start here, in a new place, a new house and especially a new bedroom for my seven-year-old nephew.”

Jace frowned. “I take it Zack is without his father.”

Lori straightened. “His parents are divorced.” She glanced around. “I should be going.”

“I need to get back, too.”

They started walking toward the door. “If there’s anything you need,” she offered, “just give me a call. You have my cell phone number. I’ll be at the bank most of today.”

He walked her out. “I can handle things here.” Then he felt bad. “Maybe in a few days if you’re available we could go over some samples of tiles and flooring.”

She looked surprised at his request. “I’d like that. I want to be a part of this project.”

Her steps slowed as she made her way over the uneven boards. He took Lori’s arm, helping her along the path.

“What about the bank?”

“I doubt Mr. Neal will enjoy having me around.” She stopped suddenly and nearly lost her balance. “Oh,” she gasped.

“I got you.” He caught her in his arms. Suddenly her trim body was plastered up against him. Even with her coat he wasn’t immune to her soft curves. And he liked it. Too much. He finally got her back on her feet. “You need practical boots if you come to a construction site. Go to Travers’s Outfitters and get some that are waterproof. You don’t want to be caught in bad weather without protection.”

She stopped next to her compact car. “I need a lot of things since I’ll be living here awhile.”

“Like a car that will get through the snow. This thing will put you in a ditch on the first bad day. Get something with bulk to it. You’ll be driving your family around.”

She nodded. “I guess I need to head down to Durango and visit a dealership next week when my sister flies in.”

Before he could stop himself, he offered, “If you need any help, let me know.”

She gave him a surprised look, mirroring his own feelings.

Two hours later, Lori glanced across the conference table at the Destiny Community Bank’s loan officers, Gary Neal, Harold Brownlee and Larry McClain. The gentlemen’s club. “I disagree. In this day and age, we need to work with people and help adjust their loans.”

“In my experience,” Neal said, “if we start giving handouts, people will take advantage. And no one will pay us.”

She tried to remain calm, but she was so far out of her element it wasn’t funny.

“I never said this is a handout, more like a hand up. All I suggested is we lower the interest rates on these loans.” She pointed to the eight mortgages. “Two points. Waive the late fees and penalties. Just give these families a fighting chance to keep their homes. We’ll get the money we loaned back.” She paused to see their stunned looks and wondered if she were crazy, too.

She hurried on to say, “Mac Burleson has a job now, but he can’t catch up on his mortgage if we don’t help him.”

“We’ve always done things this way,” Larry McClain said. “Your father would never—”

Lori stiffened. “Well, I’m not my father, but he did put me in charge. In fact, I’m going to become more involved in day-to-day working here at the bank. I can see that there aren’t any women in management positions. That needs to change, too.”

The threesome gave each other panicked looks. “That’s not true. Mary O’Brien manages the tellers.”

Were these men from the Dark Ages? “I mean women in decision-making positions. It’s a changing world out there and we need to keep up. I’ve seen the profit sheet for this bank. Over the years, it’s done very well.”

Neal spoke up again. “You can’t come in here and just change everything. You’re a schoolteacher.”

Lori held her temper. “I became an expert when my father put me in charge of his company. Just so you know, not only am I a good teacher, but I also minored in business. So, gentlemen, whether you like it or not, I’m here.”

She was feeling a little shaky. What if she was making a mistake? She glanced at her watch. “I think we’ve said about everything that needs to be said for now. Good morning.” She took her purse and walked out.

She needed someone here on her side. She walked to Erin’s desk.

The girl smiled when she approached. “Hello, Ms. Hutchinson. How was your meeting?”

“Not as productive as I would have liked.” She sat down in the chair next to the desk. “Erin, could you help me?”

The girl nodded. “If I can.”

“I’m looking for someone, a woman who is qualified for a managerial position. Could you give me some candidates?”

The pretty brunette looked surprised, but then answered. “That would be Mary O’Brien and Lisa Kramer. They’ve both worked for the bank for over five years. I know Lisa has a college degree. I’m not sure Mary does, but she practically runs this bank.”

“That’s good to know, because I need someone to help me.” She was going to need a lot of help. Since her father had never promoted a woman that was one of the things she needed to change. Immediately.

“Could you call a meeting with all the employees?” She looked at her watch. “And call the Silver Spoon and have them send over sandwiches and drinks.”

Erin smiled. “This is going to be fun.”

“We’re going to need our strength to get this bank into the twenty-first century.”

Two mornings later, Lori had been awakened by a call from a sick Claire Keenan, asking her for a favor. Would Lori like to take her place as a volunteer in the second grade classroom this afternoon?

There might have been several other things to do, but Lori found she wanted to check out the school. After her trip to the paint store and picking her colors for the bedroom, she had her purchase sent to the house.

She grabbed a quick lunch at the Silver Spoon, and after a friendly chat with Helen, she arrived at Destiny Elementary with time to spare. She went through the office then was taken down the hall to the second grade classroom.

Outside, she was greeted by the teacher. “It’s good to meet you, I’m Julie Miller.”

“Lori Hutchinson. I’m substituting for Claire Keenan. She’s sick.”

The young strawberry blonde smiled eagerly. “I’m glad you could make it. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Well, I guess Lyle’s long-lost daughter would be news in a small town.”

Julie smiled. “No, I heard it all from Cassie Yeager. Seems you live in a castle and have a princess bedroom like hers.”

That brought a smile to Lori’s lips, too. “If only.”

“I also heard you teach second grade.”

“I did. I was laid off this year.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but you’re welcome to come and help out in my class anytime. But it sounds like you’ve been pretty busy with other projects around town.”

Lori blinked. “You must have a good source.”

“My sister, Erin, works at the bank. You’ve really impressed her.”

“Oh, Erin. She’s been a big help showing me around. There do need to be some changes.”

Julie smiled brightly. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you came to Destiny and I hope you stay.”

“I’ll be here for this year anyway. In fact, my sister and her son will be coming in next week. Zack will be in second grade.”

“That’s wonderful. Then you’ll want to see how I run my class.”

Julie Miller opened the door to a room that was buzzing with about twenty-five seven-year-olds. The room was divided in sections, half with desks, the other half with tables and a circle of chairs for reading time.

Suddenly two little blonde girls came up to her—Ellie Larkin and Cassie Yeager.

“Miss Lori, what are you doing here?” Cassie asked.

“Hi, girls. Ellie, your grandmother isn’t feeling well today.”

Both girls looked worried. “Really?” Ellie said.

“It’s nothing serious, don’t worry. But she asked if I’d come in her place.”

They got excited again. “We’re going to try out for our Christmas program today.”

“That’s wonderful,” Lori said. This was what she missed about teaching, the children’s enthusiasm.

“It’s called Destiny’s First Christmas,” Cassie said as she clasped her hands together. “And everyone gets to be in it.”

“But we want to be the angels,” Ellie added.

Just then Mrs. Miller got their attention. “Okay, class, you need to return to your desks. We have a special guest today and we need to show her how well-behaved we are so she’ll want to come back.” A bright smile. “Maybe Miss Hutchinson will help us with our Christmas play.”