A Diamond For Christmas. Susan Meier

eleven o’clock they’d interviewed everyone and were back in John’s office. At the end of that time he’d also concluded that he’d never questioned Shannon’s continuing presence because he liked her and he liked spending time with her. But even friends checked up on each other’s facts and figures in a business deal. He’d been so preoccupied with the personal side of their relationship that he’d fallen down on the job. He might not insist she back off from his department visits just yet, but before this week was out, he’d get some private time with everyone. He’d also spend the evening on the internet, checking things out even more. Then, in the morning, before he came to the store, he’d talk with some of her vendors.

      “So are you ready to break for lunch?”

      Jarred out of his reverie, Rory said, “Yeah. Sure.”

      John rose from his seat. Papers of various and sundry kinds and sizes littered his desk. “Why don’t I come with you? We can continue our discussions over a hot roast beef sandwich?”

      Rory was about to decline with an apology, but Shannon beat him to it. “That would be great, but Rory has his daughter with him. She’s been stuck in my office all morning. I don’t think we should bore her with business.”

      John easily backed off. “I’ll see you after lunch then.”

      Shannon said, “Great.”

      But Rory kept himself a step or two behind her as they walked out of the advertising offices, concerned that she’d answered for him. Normally, he wouldn’t care, except the night before she’d been so quiet. And today she was all but bursting with confidence.

      Of course, she was trying to sell him her company. And from what he’d seen of her dealings with staff, she was a take-charge person.

      His libido instantly wondered how that would play out in bed and in his head he cursed himself. It was that kind of thinking that had gotten them to this place. He’d already promised himself that he wouldn’t make another move, wouldn’t say another inappropriate word until they had this deal done. And he wouldn’t.

      When they entered Shannon’s office, Finley was deep in play. Striding over to the desk, he said, “Hey, aren’t you ready for French fries?”

      She didn’t take her eyes off her computer screen. “Just one more minute.”

      He glanced over at Shannon and the look of love on her face for his little girl nearly did him in. How could he not fall for the woman who loved his daughter? Especially when her own mom hadn’t?

      He sucked in a breath, told himself to think about this later and said, “Come on, Finley. I have lots of work to do this afternoon. We need to go now.”

      She sighed heavily, but got off the chair and scampered over to Shannon, who took her hand and led her out of the office.

      A strange sensation invaded his chest. Four days ago, he thought he’d never see his normal daughter again. But a little bit of time with Shannon had changed everything.

      And he wondered if that wasn’t a big part of why he liked her so much, why he was so ready suddenly to jump into another relationship.

      Was he really seeing Shannon romantically or was he only falling for her because he wanted help with his daughter?

      They walked through the cafeteria line, choosing their lunches, and when Finley picked whipped-cream-covered cherry gelatin and pie as her main course, Rory simply took those dishes off her plate and told her to choose again.

      But Shannon smiled and said, “I’ll bet your dad would let you keep the gelatin as your dessert if you picked a better main course.”

      Frowning, Finley studied the available food. Finally, she took a salad and an order of fries. But Rory stared at Shannon. He remembered that they’d formed an alliance. He’d been the one to suggest it. But his question about his motives in wanting a relationship with Shannon came back full force. He suddenly felt as if he were using her. And, even worse, that he might be thinking of Shannon romantically just because he wanted a mother for his child.

      Nerves skittered down his spine. What if he was? Oh, lord. What if he was?

      Then he was scum.

      They found a table in the back and once Rory opened Finley’s little packet of ranch dressing and poured it on her salad, she started to eat. Her mouth full of lettuce, she said, “I really like the game, Shannon.”

      Shannon and Rory both said, “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

      Shannon quickly looked down at her own salad, but those odd feelings floated through Rory again. It was wonderful to have a partner. Wonderful to have backup. With Shannon around, it wasn’t just him against Finley. He had an ally.

      Finley chewed and swallowed then said, “I also forgot to say thanks.”

      The guilty sensations bombarding him intensified. That morning he should have prompted Finley to thank Shannon and he’d forgotten. He was proud as hell that Finley had remembered, but it served as yet another reminder that he wasn’t as good with Finley as he needed to be. And he was getting comfortable with Shannon picking up the slack.

      Shannon said, “You’re welcome. It was my pleasure. I appreciate you being so patient while I show your dad my store.”

      Kicking her feet under the table, Finley grinned.

      Rory’s heart about burst in his chest. Not from love or even pride. From some hideous emotion he couldn’t name. He didn’t have to ponder or think this through. Finley liked Shannon. She liked having a woman around. Having a woman around settled her. Was it any wonder he was interested in Shannon? Any wonder he wasn’t demanding to see her store on his own? He wanted to stay in her company and in her good graces. He didn’t want any friction between them so she’d continue to help him with Finley.

      He was double scum.

      Once they returned Finley to Shannon’s office and Wendy’s care, they started up the hall to the advertising department again, but Rory stopped her by placing his hand on her forearm.

      “Wait.”

      She turned, smiled. “What?”

      “I want some time alone with the people in advertising.”

      She didn’t hesitate, her smile didn’t slip. “Sure. No problem. I understand that you’d want to see what they’d say when the boss isn’t around.”

      “And I think I’d like to be by myself tomorrow when I spend the day with accounting.”

      Again, her smile didn’t slip. No hesitation when she said, “Sure.” Her smile actually grew. “I’ll be happy to spend this afternoon and tomorrow with Finley.”

      His heart lurched. She really did love Finley.

      “And I also thought it would be a good idea for the two of you to come to my house for a little more decorating tonight.”

      She might not have hesitated, but he did. He wasn’t at all sure that was a good idea. Except, he was confused about his feelings for Shannon and maybe a little private time would clear everything up for him?

      “Are you sure we’re not an imposition?”

      She laughed her wonderful musical laugh and his heart about kicked its way out of his chest. How could he ever worry that he only wanted to spend time with Shannon because she was a good mom to Finley? He liked her. God, if he liked her any more he wouldn’t be able to hold off telling her until after he made a decision about the store.

      “I love having you around.”

      He caught her gaze and found himself trapped in her pretty blue eyes. “Thanks.”

      “You’re welcome. And don’t bring food. I’ll cook.”

      He chuckled, glad she’d said something that could bring him back to reality. “Thought you couldn’t cook?”

      “I