The Missing Heir(46)

                He could imagine that would be frustrating.

                “I decided the best defense was to ignore it,” she continued. “And to do a good job, hard work and success would prevail and all that.”

                “Did it work?”

                “Not really. And then the plane crashed. And now everyone thinks there’s a ditz at the helm.”

                “They’re wrong.”

                “They don’t know that.”

                “Fair enough. But you know what I think?”

                Her expression seemed to relax a little. “What do you think, Cole Parker?”

                “I think they’d better learn. They’d better learn to respect your intelligence and your tenacity.”

                Anyone could see she was the perfect guardian for Zachary. The judge was going to see that, too. And soon she was going to be in charge of all of their lives.

                “You’re good for my ego, Cole.”

                “I’m trying.”

                “But, wow, did I ever get off topic.” She took another sip. “That was a very roundabout way of explaining that I didn’t have time for boyfriends. It’s not that I never had offers.”

                “Of course you had offers.” He couldn’t figure out what made her so insecure. “You’re amazing. And you’re gorgeous. And I never meant for a second to hint that men didn’t seek you out. I meant... Okay, I was fishing around for the competition.”

                She drew back. “Competition for what?”

                “That didn’t come out right. I’m attracted to you, Amber. I know I’m not staying in Atlanta. But I think of this as a date. And I guess it’s a reflex for guys to wonder about who else might be out there in the wings.”

                “There are no wings. I mean, I have no wings. At least none with guys waiting in them.” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I’m making this worse and worse, aren’t I?”

                Cole struggled not to smile. “You’re making it better and better.”

                “Tell me some more about you instead.”

                “Sure. What do you want to know?”

                She settled back into the chair. “Women.”

                The first volley of fireworks burst in the night sky, and Amber laughed.

                “Timing,” she said.

                “I wish my love life was that exciting.”

                “Give.”

                “Marcy Richards,” he said.

                “She is?”

                His memory was warm. “My high school sweetheart. Tall, lanky, long red hair, a few freckles. She was captain of the girls’ basketball team.”

                “What happened?”

                “Tragic story, really. Senior year, she met a guy from Skagway. He was in town for a tournament. He kissed her. I punched him. She cried. But then four months later they both went off to U of Alaska. They’re married now with two kids.”