Perfect Partners

relationship with Joel was already several quantum leaps ahead of what she had experienced with Philip.
    “You won’t be able to keep our relationship a secret at the office for long. Are you sure that was the last biscuit?”
    “Yes, I’m sure.”
    “Too bad. They sure were good. Do people eat like this every morning back in Nebraska?”
    “Indiana. And, no, they don’t. Usually we eat cereal like everyone else. Joel, what did you mean about us not being able to keep our relationship secret?”
    He shrugged and picked up his coffee mug. “Just what I said.”
    She glowered at him in warning. “I feel very strongly that it would be extremely inappropriate if the staff of Thornquist Gear found out you and I had a personal relationship outside the office.”
    “You mean if they found out we’re sleeping together? I don’t see that it would be any big deal. People would talk for a while and that would be the end of it.”
    “It would be embarrassing, tacky, and bad for office discipline.”
    Joel grinned. “You’re the one who spilled the beans while we were in Echo Cove, remember? You gave Escott the distinct impression you and I were
involved
. I think that was how he put it.”
    “I did that in the heat of the moment and you know it. I was upset about the fight, and I wanted to assure him nothing was going on between you and Diana. I spoke in haste. Thank goodness Keith is a gentleman. I’m sure he won’t say anything.”
    “Don’t bet on it. Escott’s trying to save Copeland Marine. If I were in his shoes, I’d use whatever tools I could find.”
    Letty leaned back against the sink. “I don’t see how he could possibly use that information.”
    “Don’t be an idiot. Escott is already trying to use it.”
    “How?” Letty demanded.
    “He gave you that file because he’s hoping you’ll intercede on his behalf. He sensed you were the more vulnerable one, and he figures if you’re sleeping with me, you might be able to influence me.”
    “Could I?” Letty held her breath.
    “Not when it comes to business.” Joel glanced at his watch and got to his feet. “You ready to leave for the office?”
    Damn him, Letty thought. He did not have to sound so coolly certain that she could not influence him with sex. He was no iceman. She knew that for a fact.
    Joel Blackstone was a deeply sensual man. And she was turning out to have unplumbed depths in that department herself. He should not be quite so certain of his own resistance.
    “I’m ready,” Letty said.
    “Let’s get going. By the way, if Dixon shows up today, tell him to get lost.”
    “I’ll try. But to be perfectly honest, I think it’s going to take some doing to discourage him. You may have noticed he’s a bit pompous. Very sure of himself. He’s accustomed to holding forth in the classroom, and he’s used to being deferred to as an outstanding management consultant. Heck, he’s used to being deferred to, period.”
    Joel took her coat out of the closet and held it for her. “If you can’t get rid of him, have Bigley call me. I’ll take care of it.”
    “You can’t just throw him out onto the street, Joel.” Letty stuck her arms into the thick down jacket and was instantly swallowed whole. “He’s a highly respected authority in his field. He’s written a number of very well received papers on modern business management theory, you know.”
    “Get rid of him, Letty.” It was an order.
    “Sometimes I think you forget who works for whom around here, Joel Blackstone.”
    “You can remind me of my rightful place later on tonight. In bed.”

    Letty’s office was blessedly free of intruders when she walked into it a short while later. Arthur brought her a cup of coffee and hovered in the doorway, blinking.
    “Mr. Manford from Marketing has the revised instructions on the new Pack Up and Go tent for you to approve. He’s wondering if you intend to run another field test before signing off on the manual.”
    “Yes, I think that would be best. Set up a time for us to meet in the third-floor conference room. Tell him to bring the tent.”
    “Got it. Can I get you anything else, Ms. Thornquist?”
    “No, thanks, Arthur.” Letty opened her desk drawer and pulled out the file Keith Escott had asked her to read. She thought of Philip Dixon. “If Professor Dixon calls, tell him I’m busy, will you?”
    “Sure thing, Ms. Thornquist.” Arthur closed the door.
    Letty opened Keith Escott’s five-year plan for