She closed her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Like I believe that.”
“You’re going to be reporting back to the boss, whom most of them have never met. Are you kidding? They’ll want you to say wonderful things about them to me.”
She brightened at the thought. “Oh, I really like that.”
“I thought you might.”
She glanced around the plush interior of his BMW. “Thanks for letting me borrow your car.”
“I thought driving it would terrify you enough that you wouldn’t have to time to worry about the meeting.”
She laughed. “It worked…right up until-you told me your logic.”
“Take deep breaths. You look great, you know your subject and if any of them bug you, you have the power to get them fired.”
“Really?”
“Sure.”
“I’d never do that.”
“I know, but remember you are in command. Anyone gets out of line, zap ’em with a ray gun. Or tell me about it, which is probably better.”
“I would guess. What with ray-gun technology not being perfected yet.”
“That’s what you think. You should see some of the high-tech firms we own stock in. They have some amazing developments in the works.”
Cathy laughed. “I don’t have time to debate futuristic weapons with you, Mr. Ward. I have a business meeting to attend. Thanks for the moral support.”
“Call me as soon as you get back to the car. I want to know everything.”
“Promise. Bye.” She hung up the phone and smiled. She’d known Stone was going to make her feel better. That’s why she’d called. Well, that and to hear his voice. She wished he were with her. This meeting would be a lot easier if they were in it together. But Stone Ward of Ward International did not attend meetings. At least not anymore.
She picked up her briefcase, a surprise that had been waiting on her desk that morning, and her slim handbag. After locking the car and setting the alarm, she made her way to the elevator that carried her to the twenty-fifth floor and the reception area for Stone’s firm.
As the small car moved vertical, she checked her suit. It was a linen blend that looked expensive but didn’t wrinkle. Her silk blouse was the same color, as were her shoes. She’d been poring over fashion magazines for the past month and had been shopping several times. A monochromatic look gave her authority, she had decided. Anything else tended to look too, well, sexy.
Cathy smiled. Who would have thought that would ever be a problem? But it was. With her newly toned body, she actually attracted attention on occasion. She didn’t want that for the meeting. She wanted to look as if she’d been in business for years.
The doors slid open, and she stepped out into a large, elegantly decorated reception area. She hadn’t realized Stone’s firm took up the whole floor. Her stomach headed for her toes. Even so, she raised her chin slightly and ordered her lips into a faint but confident smile.
Before she could approach the waiting receptionist, two men in their thirties stopped her. “Ms. Eldridge?” the taller of the two asked. They were both well-dressed and blond with blue eyes.
“Yes?”
“I’m Eric McMahn. This is Bill Ernest. We’ll be running the quarterly review this time. Nice to meet you.”
As they shook hands, Cathy realized she was never going to be able to keep names straight. With luck there wouldn’t be a quiz later.
“You found the building all right?” Bill asked.
“It wasn’t that difficult, what with the street address being on the front in big letters.”
She meant the comment as a slight joke to ease the tension coiling inside of her. But instead of smiling, Bill looked vaguely panicked. “Of course. I didn’t mean to imply you wouldn’t be able to find it.”
“I know. I was teasing.”
“Oh. Of course.”
