The Missing Heir(36)

                “Once the big question is settled, we will be looking for an early cash influx,” said Roth, coming to his feet.

                Cole rose with him. “That’s good to hear, I’ll—”

                Suddenly, the meeting room door flung open, and Amber burst in. She glared at Cole, cheeks flushed, nostrils flared. “You went behind my back?”

                “Amber.” Roth’s voice was stern and patronizing.

                “You suggested I follow-up,” Cole said to Amber, purposefully mischaracterizing their conversation.

                “This is a private meeting, Amber.” Roth’s tone grated on Cole’s nerves.

                Amber ignored Roth and spoke to Cole. “I suggested you follow up with Joyce Roland.”

                “Amber,” Roth all but shouted. “Can you please excuse us?”

                Cole had to steel himself from demanding that Roth shut up.

                The receptionist appeared in the doorway. “Mr. Calvin? They’re waiting. The Millsberg meeting?”

                Roth looked to Cole. “I do apologize.”

                “No problem. Thank you for seeing me. I’ll be in touch.”

                Roth looked to Amber, obviously waiting for her to leave.

                She folded her arms across her chest, standing her ground. Cole wanted to applaud.

                Roth gave in and left the room, followed by the receptionist.

                “How dare you,” Amber whispered.

                Cole wished he could tell her he was on her side. “It was an initial courtesy call. Nothing sinister. I told you up front that I was interested in the Pacific routes.”

                “And what were you doing last night? Pumping me for information? Are you actually using Zachary’s trust to gain an inside advantage?”

                “You called me last night,” he reminded her.

                “And you were only too happy to show up.”

                “To help with Zachary.”

                “That’s how you played it, all right.” There was something in her eyes, a veiled hurt that made him think of their kiss.

                He took a step forward. “Amber, I’m sorry.”

                “For lying to me?”

                “I didn’t lie to you. Last night was all about Zachary.” He paused. “I mean, it was mostly all about Zachary.”

                She gave her hair a little toss. “You don’t need to explain.”

                But he did need to explain. He wanted to explain. “I like you, Amber.”

                “Well, I don’t like you.”

                He moved closer anyway. “Yes, you do.”

                “Go away.”

                He shook his head. “I understand that it’s complicated.”