* * *
On the staircase in front of Coast Eagle headquarters, Cole appeared and fell into step beside Amber. It was six o’clock. She was exhausted, and he was the last person she wanted to see.
Ironically, he was also the person she most wanted to see. The conflicting reactions were due to the kiss they’d shared in the meeting room.
“I read the press release,” he opened, turning right along with her as she headed down the crowded sidewalk toward the transit station.
“I think that was a good move,” he continued. “There’s an element of risk, but there’s nothing about this situation that’s not risky.”
She stopped to turn on him, forcing the flow of people to part around them. The man had gone behind her back, kissed her senseless, and now he wanted to analyze her business decisions? “Is that really what you want to say to me?”
Her words seemed to catch him off guard and he hesitated. Horns honked and engines revved on the street as cars breezed past.
“Yes,” he answered.
“Well.” She coughed out a chopped laugh. “It’s so very nice of you to approve of my decision.”
“Are you still upset?”
“I’m also tired, and I’m busy, and I’m going to miss my train.”
“Then you should get moving.”
He was right. She turned abruptly to march toward the station.
He kept pace. “I have a hard time believing the Hendersons don’t have cars and drivers.”
“Are you going to pretend it didn’t happen?”
“That you joined the board of directors?”
She rolled her eyes.
“That I kissed you?” he asked.
“That you betrayed me.”
“I didn’t betray you. I told you I was after the Pacific routes.”
“Don’t pretend you’re stupid, Cole. And don’t pretend I’m stupid, either.”
“You’re not stupid.”
“I know.”
“Except when it comes to transportation. Can I offer you a ride home?”
“You cannot.”
“Why?”
Because he had her rattled. The memory of his kiss had taunted her all afternoon long, messing with her concentration. She wanted to know the kiss had rattled him, too.
“It’ll get you home faster,” Cole offered reasonably. “You’ll be able to spend more time with Zachary.”
“Go away.” She fixed her sights on the train platform.
“Not what I was planning.”
“What were you planning?” The question was automatic, and she instantly regretted asking it.