The Tycoon and the Texan Read Online Free

ordered canapés topped with Kibbles ’n Bits?”
    â€œI’ll bite.”
    â€œFor the ‘dogs’ who are coming.” Josie made quotation marks in the air. “Nick’s right about that. Plus, Maddi’s on her way back to the office and said she’s taken care of everything. Hairstylist, a beauty consultant. The works.”
    â€œOh, damn! That’s great.”
    â€œI’ve never heard you say a real cussword.” Josie frowned.
    â€œI don’t have to. Nick says enough for us all.” McCall had heard enough. She turned back to her desk and clicked on her computer mouse. The black screen flashed into hues of moss green and sky blue. McCall had made a decision. A very difficult one.
    â€œWhat are you doing?”
    â€œWriting my letter of resignation.”
    Josie tossed her candy wrapper in the trashcan. “Then who’s going to pay the remainder of your mother’s medical bills, huh?” She closed the lid on the laptop. “Do you have a rich grandmother I haven’t heard about or something?”
    â€œCertainly not a something . I pay my own way. A something sounds like a sugar daddy”
    â€œCould be worse things.” Josie shrugged.
    Tempted to resort to one of Nick’s tantrums, McCall hesitated, then peered up through gritty eyes. “Take my place, please. Mrs. Dartmouth won’t care, as long as we have someone up there.”
    â€œCan’t. I’m the auctioneer.” Josie folded her arms.
    The front door burst open and Nicodemus bolted in. “Hello, ladies. Any luck?”
    â€œI thought they took you to the pound,” Josie said dryly.
    â€œYou only wish. I’ve been sitting in the parking garage talking, rather listening, to Mother on the phone. I need an update.”
    â€œWell, there’s now a fly in the ointment,” Josie said.
    â€œSon of a bitch, and Mother’s on a rampage.”
    â€œThe fly is your mother,” McCall retorted tartly.
    Nick rubbed a thumb along his chiseled jawline, obviously contemplating her boldness. The twinkle in his eye incited McCall’s sizzling temper.
    â€œUh, your mother called and is demanding that McCall take Colleen’s place, but—”
    â€œI’ll tell him, Josie. But, I can ’t .”
    â€œWhy not?” He sternly asked.
    â€œI don’t have a dress for one and—”
    â€œMcCall, Mother wants you there, and by damn, you’ll do it or . . . or I’ll fire you.” Nick folded thick arms over his chest.
    â€œYou can’t. I work for your mother.” McCall grabbed for her purse.
    Nick’s strong fingers caught her by the wrist. “Hell if I can’t. I originally hired you, remember?” He released her hand.
    â€œBoth of you stop squabbling,” Josie barked. “We’ve had enough of that for one day.”
    Frowning, Nick whirled to her. Turning back to McCall, he said, “I don’t intend to fire you, but I know who might.” His voice softened. “Hey, Mac, just do it.” His eyes changed from hard to gentle, understanding. “If for no other reason than to save your job.”
    Reaching across her desk, he picked up her stapler.
    â€œDon’t move that again.” McCall’s hand shot out in protection.
    Long, warm, calloused fingers covered hers, searing her skin in the same fashion as his shocked expression. “Okay.”
    Unconsciously, she moistened her dry lips with her tongue before she realized that his thumb had curled beneath hers and lifted trembling fingers. “You’ve got strong hands.” He released them. “See ya.”
    And, he was gone, leaving behind the clear, crisp smell of expensive cologne and one pounding heart.
    McCall watched as the door closed. For a moment, she’d thought he was about to kiss her. Her hand, that is. She swung around facing Josie. “What kind of a burr does he have under his saddle