Free Cowboy Daddy by Susan Mallery Page B

the only place left in her life. Ellen was Laurel’s mother. I know that.”
    “You’re ignoring the fact that you’re everything Laurel wants to be. Attractive, successful and independent.” He’d spoken without thinking and now wanted to call the words back.
    Instead of taking advantage of his slipup, Anne blushed. “Maybe we can work something out.”
    He was angry at himself for complimenting her. He let the energy of his displeasure fuel him. “There’s no time. Laurel’s school starts in a week. I have horses being delivered and a ranch to run. I can’t wait around for a thirteen-year-old girl to get her head on straight.”
    “All right,” she said, leaning toward him. Her pale blue eyes flashed with defiance. “What do you plan to do about our little problem then?”
    “Take you with us.”
     
     
     

Chapter 5
     
     
    ”Y ou’re going to what?’ Heather asked, staring at Anne as if she’d lost her mind.
    Anne smiled at her. “Take a two-month leave of absence.”
    “From work? You? I can’t even remember the last time you took a vacation.”
    “I went to Cancun last year.”
    Heather shook her head. “That was over a long weekend. Taking off two extra days doesn’t count as a vacation. What about the RCR contract?”
    Anne glanced down at her notes, then looked back at her assistant sitting in the leather chair in front of her desk. “I’ve got most of the information mapped out. I’m going to have you meet with them in my place.”
    “Me?” Heather looked horrified. “Alone?”
    “You’ll be fine.”
    “But I’ve never done anything like that alone. I can’t—”
    Anne held up her hand to silence her. “I’ve spoken with Mr. Wilson and he’s in complete agreement. We both think you’re ready. Besides, if I get offered the promotion to vice president, don’t you want a shot at my job?”
    Heather wrinkled her nose. “I guess.”
    Anne grinned. “I’m overwhelmed by your enthusiasm.”
    “I’d like the big raise and the office,” Heather said, looking around. “But I don’t want to work the hours you do, Anne. I have a little boy who wants to see his mother now and then.”
    “I understand. You wouldn’t have to put in all the hours I do. You have different priorities. I’ve always wanted to get to the top.” Anne leaned back in her chair. Her need to get ahead wasn’t just about earning more money or the prestige of being a vice president at the firm. She worked hard because work was the only place she ever really fit in. Now all that was at risk. Of course she was pleased about spending two months getting to know Laurel, but she had a sense of ambivalence about the whole situation. What price was she going to pay career-wise? Was she a horrible person for even thinking that? She told herself that of course Laurel had to come first, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t worried.
    “Two months is a long time to be gone,” Heather said, as if she could read her mind.
    “I know.” Anne sighed. “But the choice is between my career and my child. How can I choose my career? Laurel needs me, and I welcome the opportunity to get to know her. Selfishly, I can’t help wishing all of this could have taken place in Houston.”
    Heather winked. “At least you’ll be spending two months with her hunky father.”
    “He doesn’t like me very much.”
    “Why?” Heather sounded shocked. “Everyone likes you.”
    “Except Jake Masters and Tim the Turkey,” Anne said, jerking her head toward the next office.
    “Tim’s scared he’s going to lose the promotion to a woman.” Heather stood up and smiled. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing, Anne. You’re getting a second chance with your daughter, and that’s worth any price. I know your career is the most important part of your life, but maybe these two months will show you there’s more to living than convincing companies to relocate in Houston.”
    “Bite your tongue.” Anne