“Do we get to keep our jobs?” Liv asked.
Which was exactly what Savannah had wondered. Bless Liv for asking so she didn’t have to.
“Don’t worry,” Bill said, still beaming. “He assured me he’s not planning to fire either of you.”
Savannah wasn’t so sure of that. Was her job as office manager truly safe or would the new owner bring his own staff with him? She and Liv exchanged an uh-oh glance. Liv was probably even more worried than Savannah, since she was part-time. Who knew if the new owner might decide he only needed one employee in the office?
After Bill left them, Liv had said glumly,“I know what I’ll be doing this weekend. Checking out the help wanted ads.”
Savannah had protested but secretly wondered if that wasn’t what she should be doing as well.
But tonight was about the Christmas ball and enabling the Children’s Home, which was bursting at the seams, to add on more living quarters.
“Savannah, you look beautiful,” Bill said when he reached her side.
“Thank you, Bill. Is Poppy here?” she asked referring to his wife.
“Yes, she’s talking with some friends. She said to tell you to come talk to her when you get a chance.” He looked around and asked, “Where’s your date?”
“No date. I’m fancy free.”
He looked pleased at that, though she couldn’t imagine why. “Great. Let me introduce you to the new owner.” He took her arm and led her toward the man she’d noticed a little earlier. “Harlan,” he called out as they approached. “Here’s someone I want you to meet.”
Harlan? Surely not—
Harlan Sullivan turned around.
Harlan Sullivan.Harlanhad bought Whiskey River Construction?Harlanwould be her new boss?
Oh, hell, no.
Damn, he grew up gorgeous. He looks good. Really, really good.
Idiot. He might look good but he’s probably still the same jerk who—
“Thanks, Bill, but there’s no need for an introduction,” the voice she’d never forgotten said. Deep, smooth and sexy. Like the man. “Savannah and I have known each other since high school.”
“Well, isn’t that handy?” Bill said jovially, unaware of any tension.
But the tension was probably all on her side. After all, Harlan had had no problem dropping her flat years before. Shit. Why couldn’t she speak? She’d imagined this moment a million times over the years. Particularly when she was younger. However, those daydreams had always ended with her crushing Harlan’s heart under her stiletto heels and laughing when he begged her to forgive him.
He did not look in the least crushable.
“We haven’t seen each other in a long time,” Harlan continued. “How have you been, Savannah?”
Savannah read the amusement in his gaze and wanted to punch him. Right in that smiling mouth that used to give the most delicious kisses.
Don’t think about that, you dummy.“You’re the new owner?” she finally managed to spit out.
“That’s right. Phoenix Homes is my company.”
Savannah stood mute. Where was her much-vaunted knack for making snappy comebacks? Where did her ability to think on her feet go? Damn the man—Harlan Sullivan had scrambled her brain.
“Savannah is the best office manager I’ve ever had,” Bill informed him. “You’ll see when you come to the office Monday.”
“I’m sure she is,” Harlan said, still with that amused smile.
“I’ll leave you twosinglepeople to get reacquainted,” Bill said, winking at Savannah, and left them.
