Billionaire Bachelors 7 ; The Billionaire's Final Stand(19)

It was one of the things he loved about her. She brought humor, love and loyalty to the office. Plus, she was a genius. He had no doubt he'd crumble without her. If she needed him to talk, he'd dang well talk, cause his office would fall down around him if she staged a walkout.

"There's just been a lot going on …  My father, Uncle Joseph … " he trailed off. He knew from her narrowed eyes that she wasn't buying it.

"We both know that's bull. Yes, you've been concerned about your family, but this has to do with something else," she insisted.

"Well, it's just that …  I'm dealing with a personal problem," he hedged. He really didn't want to admit to dating issues.

"Ah, now we're getting somewhere. What's her name? Did one of your Barbie dolls get a blister on her foot from her five inch heels?"

"Margie … " He blew out a frustrated breath.

Margie suddenly grinned, and he had to fight the damn blush that wanted to creep into his cheeks. She was far too smart to be working for him. She should be running for president. He saw the knowing look come into her eyes, and he felt his humiliation was complete.




 

 

"Oh my goodness. Did a girl actually tell you no for the first time. One did, didn't she? Ha, that's hilarious. Welcome to the real world, Austin Anderson," she mocked.

"That's not what happened," he practically shouted.

"Oh yes, it is. You're hooked on a girl and she doesn't want anything to do with you, and you just don't know how to deal with that. It's about time. She may just be a keeper if she's that smart."

"She wasn't saying no when I met her," Austin snapped. He immediately regretted his words when Margie's eyes narrowed again. He knew a well-deserved scolding was coming.

"Austin Jeffrey Anderson! That was unacceptable to say. It sounds like you've finally met a real woman, and you're doing her an injustice by demeaning her that way. Don't you dare let your pride run away with your mouth. I'm going to have to meet this woman."

"I …  I just meant that we hit it off in the beginning. Then she got scared, or something, and went running for the hills. I've been trying to talk to her for months, and now she just …  Well, hell, I don't know what she thinks or doesn't think. I know she wants me. The air practically sizzles when we're within a few feet of each other."

"Sounds like you'd better step up to the plate and figure it out, because I already like this woman," Margie said in a softer tone. He'd been forgiven for his outburst.

"I'll keep working on it."

"Good."

"Can we please get some work done, now?" he asked. He found it ironic he was asking his employee if they could work.

"Yes, I'll go ahead and stay. The reason I came in here in the first place is there's a problem at the shipping yard. Some items have come up missing, and then this morning a fight broke out," she said, immediately resuming her professional tone.

"Who's handling it?"

"Dean's in charge, but he called a few minutes ago, ready to explode. It seems Jack is causing trouble."

"Crap, I should've known," Austin grumbled.

"Exactly," Margie agreed.

"I'll head down there right away."

Margie left and Austin stood up. He was almost grateful for the problem. At least it got his mind off his failing personal life.

He drove to the warehouse, blaring his music to try and drown out his own thoughts. It didn't seem to be working, as nothing else was, either.

He was happy when he stepped inside and found his brother, Trenton, already speaking to their supervisor, Dean.

"Whoa, you look like crap, little brother," Trenton said as he walked up. 

"Thanks, and how are you?"

"Better than you, apparently."

"What information do you have for me, Dean?" Austin asked. He decided the best defense was to just ignore Trenton. Maybe his brother would take the hint and let the subject drop.

"We had almost ten-thousand dollars' worth of shipments come up missing. It wasn't all in one load, but through four different vendors. I have my staff checking orders over the past six months, because apparently the person was smart. They're taking a few items out of each order and I don't think many of our clients have noticed. They must've gotten greedy, though, because they took enough out this time that we had complaints come in," Dean said, his eyes blazing as he spoke.

Dean had worked for them for twenty years. Austin had no doubt he'd be on top of the situation until it was solved.

"What about the fight?"

"Jack got into it with a couple of other guys. Everyone has been on edge since we found out about the stolen goods, and someone made a comment that Jack didn't appreciate, I guess. He's being tight lipped right now. I sent the three men home for the day. That's why I called you. I don't want to throw out accusations … " he trailed off.