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luck finding
any other architect who can pull off the house you want in under five months.
I’ll show myself out, thanks.” She turned on her heel and walked toward the
door.
    Jake dropped his head, made a fist and punched his desk.
Damn! She was right. He did not have time to look for and find another
architect. And he’d done some research on J. Wythe. She was really good. Really,
really good. But nothing ever mentioned that she was a she . As her
hand reached the knob, he yelled out, “Wait.”
    She stopped at the door. He saw her take another deep breath
before she turned to face him, hands folded in front of her. Very prim and
proper. “Yes?”
    “You’re right.” He forced it out. He did not apologize often
or well. “I was surprised, and I don’t like surprises. I’m still uncomfortable
with a woman designing my house. However, I have done my research, and I’m
pleased with the work I’ve seen from you. Therefore, would you please stay?”
    He knew he still sounded angry, but he was trying, damn it.
After a long pause, she cocked her head to one side, placed her hand on her hip
and answered, “Fine. I’ll take the job. And you will be thrilled with the
result.”

Chapter 4
    Jess might possibly hate this man. He had to be the
most arrogant, stubborn ass she had ever met. And since she worked with plenty
of men that could fit that description, that was saying something. However,
since she was already getting design ideas in her head, she actually wanted to
take this job. Even if it meant playing nice with him. Which could potentially
border on the impossible.
    Another deep breath before she attempted to speak again.
    “So, since this has taken much longer to work out than I had
planned, I would like to go see more of the property this afternoon. You and I
can go over your requirements and details tomorrow, and then I’ll start on the
design. I’ll bring you a few different styles and we can go from there. Will
that work for you?”
    “Yes, that will be fine."
    He was still growling at her, but she pretended not to
notice. “Good, then can I just wander around for a couple hours before I go to
the hotel? Are there any areas I shouldn’t go? And would it be possible for
someone to take me out to the actual home site you’re looking at? Or are you
planning to level this house and build here?”
    “Whoa, wait a minute. What hotel?”
    “My hotel in Evanston, of course. I booked a room yesterday
before I came here. Why, is there a hotel closer than that? Oh, and I need a
rental car place as well. I’m sure they have one at the airport, but if there’s
one closer I would appreciate it.”
    “Absolutely not.” He was shouting again. “You’re staying
here.”
    He had just issued her an order, not an invitation. “Mr.
Morgenstern, I would not feel appropriate staying in your home. The commute is
not a problem, I’ll stay in Evanston.”
    “No, Ms. Wythe, if you want this job you will stay here. I’m
afraid I must insist on it. This is going to be very difficult timing wise, I
am aware, and I will not have you commuting from Evanston for five months.”
    “Five months? Are you serious? I’m not going to be here for
five months! I’m here for a week or two and then I’ll come back periodically to
check on things. I'm an architect, not a site supervisor.”
    Instead of answering, he reached over, picked up his phone
and dialed. “Mr. Brundel, please.”
    Jess was furious. At this point she was just shy of ripping
her hair out or stomping her feet.
    “Mr. Brundel, I have Jess Wythe here with me. I have a
request, and she said I needed to run it by you first. Because of the tight
schedule we will have on my house, along with my crazy schedule around the
ranch here, I would like Ms. Wythe to stay in this area and supervise the
build. From start to finish. I realize this will take away your top talent for
many months, but it is extremely important to me. I would be happy to pay any
additional