Free In His Cuffs by Sierra Cartwright Page A

asked.
    “Still,” Gloria corrected.
    She hadn’t been on Friday when Barb had brought in flavoured cappuccinos with whipped cream on top.
    “Where’s the tyrant?”
    “David?”
    “Who else would I be talking about?” Gloria sipped through the straw and wrinkled her nose before schooling her features.
    Maggie was betting the green tea phase wouldn’t last past Wednesday. “He’s not here yet.”
    “I need his signature on a contract.”
    With a sigh, Maggie nodded. For so long, it had been just the two of them. Since she’d joined forces with her mother about five years ago, they’d made quick decisions then moved forward. Gloria had signed all the contracts. Between the two of them, they’d handled all the negotiations. Now David double-checked everything, verified the math, set deadlines and reviewed every file. It was time consuming.
    But, if Maggie were honest she’d admit that his attention made everything at World Wide Now run smoother than it ever had in the past. Last quarter, they’d posted their first double-digit profit. They had projections of how much profit they’d make per job.
    On a daily basis, the staff complained about his interference, but the truth was, the business would have needed to downsize or relocate to a less expensive zip code if he hadn’t come along when he had. Her mother might chafe at answering to a man, and a young one at that, but there was no doubt she was now producing her best work.
    David Tomlinson believed in exploiting each person’s talents. Sometimes that meant assigning them to a new position. In Gloria’s case, it meant getting her entirely out of the bookkeeping. She no longer saw bills. Even better, someone else was tasked with handling collections. Getting the financial burden off her shoulders had given her a lot of freedom.
    He’d been right to restructure the staff’s responsibilities, but she wished her mother’s confidence hadn’t been undermined by his high-handed ways. Then again, that was probably the only way he knew. The man was assured, directive. Domineering.
    “I’d like this contract to go out today,” Gloria said.
    “Call him?” Maggie suggested, grateful her mother had interrupted her musings.
    “Maybe Barb can.”
    “Mother, he’s not an ogre.”
    “That’s the first time I’ve heard you defend the man.”
    Was it? Had she really been so swept up in her disdain for the employment contract that she never said anything good about him? “Maybe I need more coffee.”
    “You do look tired.” Gloria narrowed her eyes. “What did you do this weekend, anyway?”
    “Went to the Den.”
    “That explains it. I may have to go with you sometime. Sounds like a kick.”
    “Why not? Maybe you can find someone to keep you in line, finally.”
    “On second thought…” With that Gloria stood, creating a cacophony with her clanging metal jewellery.
    Just then, David appeared in her doorway.
    Maggie’s breath vanished in a shocking rush.
    He propped his shoulder against the jamb, and he filled the entrance. Damn. She’d spent all of yesterday trying to convince herself he wasn’t one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen.
    When she’d shut her eyes in bed last night, memories had tormented her. She’d tossed and turned before finally getting up and watching three hours of television.
    And now… His dove-grey suit hugged his broad shoulders. His tailored pants snuggled his strong thighs. He had on a white shirt and a red tie with the knot tight. She would greet him, if she could make her tongue work.
    “Ladies,” he said.
    “Good afternoon,” Gloria said pointedly.
    Since it wasn’t even ten o’clock, Maggie winced. For the first time, she wished her mother would at least pretend to be cordial. If they could all work as a team, perhaps the business could reach his lofty goals. Everyone, including her mother, would benefit from that.
    “I need you to sign a contract,” Gloria continued.
    “Put it on my desk. I’ll