Melting Point Read online

  “Good thing,” Morgan agreed. Damn it, Grandpa was right. They needed Liam. Well, not Liam exactly, but someone to take over.

  Liam cocked his head to the side. “Are you feeling okay? You look worried.”

  “I’m fine.” Her answer was gruff as she snapped the shield back into place and turned to the desk.

  “I can help,” Liam said.

  “I’m fine.”

  Liam must have understood her need to be alone, since the next time she turned around, he was gone.

  * * *

  The next morning Morgan arrived at the office early enough to greet the shop staff as they clocked in. Van walked around the desk, inspecting Morgan’s work.

  “I should’ve known you’d work all night,” he said. “What time did you leave?”

  “Not too late,” she said.

  “Not too late?” he questioned, his hazel eyes challenging.

  She deflected with a shrug.

  “I drove past at ten. You were still here.”

  “That’s rather early for you to head home,” Morgan said. “Bad date?”

  “You’re changing the subject.”

  “I wasn’t. Just curious. So, how was it?”

  “Horrible.”

  Morgan smiled at his bland expression. He didn’t seem fazed by his horrible date. In fact, it was almost as if he had known it was going to be bad.

  Morgan reached over and tugged his ponytail. “Maybe the next girl will be Cinderella.”

  “God, I hope not.”

  “I thought I might find you here,” Papa Bear said. “Is the desk ready?”

  “Would you expect otherwise?” Van flicked a sarcastic glance at Morgan.

  “Guess not,” he answered. “Let’s move it to the office. Liam is here.”

  “Already?” Morgan asked. “I wasn’t expecting him until the office opened in an hour.”

  “He brought doughnuts.”

  Morgan silently groaned. She couldn’t compete for shop loyalty if Liam was going to treat the staff to doughnuts. She hated to liken anyone to a canine, but truly, the staff had a one-track mind when it came to treats. Liam could now consider himself part of the team.

  “I guess I’ll head to the office, then,” she said. “Unless you need help on the floor?”

  Both men shook their heads.

  With a sigh she headed into the office, vowing to be nice to Liam.

  She found him sitting at her desk. “Van and Papa Bear will bring your desk in a few minutes,” Morgan said in lieu of a greeting.

  Liam briefly looked up from a stack of files. “Thank you.”

  Morgan stood in the doorway. It wasn’t as if she could sit at her desk with him using it. She took a breath, making another vow to be less territorial. There was nothing on or in the desk that could cause a problem for her.

  “What are your plans for the day?” he asked.

  She blinked in surprise. Generally, no one asked her that. And especially not in the I’m-the-boss tone he had just used.

  “Training you.”

  He sat back. “I’m a quick learner. I doubt it’ll take you all day.”

  Morgan crossed her arms but was jostled to the side by Piper barging through with Greer in tow.

  “Hi, Liam,” Piper chirped way too happily for an early-morning greeting.

  Liam smiled at the pair. “Hello. What brings you here so early?”

  Piper tugged Greer up to the desk. “I want you to meet Greer.”

  Morgan suppressed a groan. Piper was as subtle as a dancing ox. Both sisters grinned at Liam; a giggle escaped the pair.

  Liam stood and extended his hand to Greer. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Morgan narrowed her eyes at Liam’s winsome smile. Did he have to be so obvious?

  Greer was the prettiest of the sisters. They might all have the same features, but Greer somehow wore them better. She was beautiful and graceful, and her body was toned from countless hours of swimming. A complete guy magnet, and it seemed as if Liam was the next refrigerator.

  Morgan rolled her eyes and made a quick exit. She didn’t have time for whatever Piper and Greer were up to. Walking over to Charlene’s desk, she sat down and flipped on the computer. Charlene never came in early, which gave Morgan nearly an hour to work in peace.

  As soon as the computer booted up, Morgan logged in to her email. She deleted the junk mail right away and then scanned the rest. Most could wait until she was back at her desk.

  But one email couldn’t wait.

  To anyone looking at the message sent by I & P International, it would look like a standard purchase order. But to her, it meant she was being called back early.

  Damn it!

  Morgan closed her eyes, willing the stinging tears to go away.

  “Morgan?” Piper asked softly. “Are you okay?”

  Morgan dashed the stray tear away and took a breath. “Yeah. Fine. Where’s Greer?”

  Piper pointed to the office. “They’ve struck up a conversation.”

  Morgan nodded.

  “He’s very handsome.”

  Morgan nodded again. She couldn’t argue with a fact.

  “I probably shouldn’t have brought Greer.”

  “Why?”

  “You know what happens when Greer is around. Everyone else becomes invisible.”

  Morgan reached over to take Piper’s hand. “Only the people who matter can see beyond skin. And anyway, you don’t have your sights on Liam, do you?”

  Piper shook her head. “Although, I wouldn’t rule him out.”

  “I would.”

  Piper eyed Morgan curiously. “Why?”

  Morgan knew where Piper’s heart resided, and it wasn’t with Liam. It had always belonged to Van. It was one of the reasons Morgan never agreed to go out with Van. He was cute with his long hair and motorcycle, but not enough to warrant hurting her sister. No man was worth that. And Van was clueless. Or maybe he just didn’t see that Piper had grown from an awkward teen into a pretty woman whose artwork was becoming more and more impressive.

  Pretty soon, Morgan was going to have to let Piper go her own way. Piper could sell her art for more than what the company paid her.

  But not yet.

  “I take it back,” Morgan said. “Perhaps you should see if Liam is interested.”

  Piper glanced at the office as Greer’s laughter floated out. “I think I’m too late.”

  “You’re never too late. You’re the one who told me that if it’s meant to be, it will happen in its own time.”

  “I might have been wrong.”

  Morgan hoped not. “Go back in there and be yourself. You’ll be fine.”

  Piper stood, undecided.

  Morgan smacked her behind. “Go.”

  “Okay, okay!” Piper grinned and headed to the office.

  Morgan sat back and waited. She knew Van would arrive with the desk at any moment. She really didn’t have time to play matchmaker, but something had to happen. Piper was wasting her life pining for Van. And it wasn’t that Piper needed a man to fulfill her life, but it seemed as if she couldn’t move on either.

  The shop door swung open, slamming against the wall. Papa Bear heaved the desk through as Van shoved from the other side.

  “This thing might be slimmer, but it weighs the same,” Van complained.

  “Just get it inside before my back goes out,” Papa Bear grunted.

  Morgan hurried over to help but was plowed out of the way as the desk was pushed through the shop door and into the office.

  As she passed her office door to return to Charlene’s workspace, she caught Liam yanking the girls back as the desk infiltrated the space.

  Morgan sat back down, bringing her hands to the keyboard. She had to find cheap airfare, which was never an easy task with last-minute travel.

  Couldn’t they find someone closer? Someone in Nevada instead of Utah? And why her? It wasn’t like her family owned the only metal shop. Las Vegas had to have dozens, es
pecially with casinos being built around the clock.

  So, why her? Why her dad? How had he become involved?

  She had asked them once. It was after they’d first contacted her. The threatening answer wasn’t helpful, but it confirmed what she already assumed. She could either continue or die.

  Family included.

  * * *

  Liam stayed in the office with the two honey-haired women for as long as he could stand. They were sweet and pretty, but they weren’t the honey-haired woman he was after. He didn’t have time for pleasantries; he had to find information and fast. It was the reason he’d come in early. Last night, he had heard there was another mark. Something was going to happen soon, and his only link was sitting outside, working on the receptionist’s computer while he was chatting like an imbecile.

  They had him boxed in.

  When Papa Bear and Van barreled in with the desk, Liam had the perfect excuse to pull the girls out of the way, giving him a clear exit.

  Papa Bear and Van shoved the desk to its spot opposite of Morgan’s. Van’s eyes were quick to spot the Brennan girls before darting suspiciously over to Liam.

  “It fits better,” Papa Bear said, seeming pleased.

  “It’s a lovely design,” Piper said. “The lines are slim, not clunky like they used to be.”

  “Van did that,” Papa Bear said.

  “Morgan did,” Van corrected.

  Papa Bear sighed. “Then you both did.”

  “Either way, it fits,” Liam said. “Now it looks like it’s my turn to work.” He had hoped that would spur the small party to leave, but they didn’t budge.

  “Liam, will you come to dinner tonight?” Greer asked.

  “I don’t think—”

  “Oh, yes,” Piper interrupted. “Please come to dinner. I’ll make something special.”

  “I shouldn’t—”

  “It will be fun,” Greer said. “Be at Morgan’s house at seven. She’ll give you the directions.”

  Morgan’s house?

  Liam nodded. “I’ll be there. Thank you.”

  The girls smiled warmly and said their good-byes. Van followed them out.

  “Do you need anything else?” Papa Bear asked.

  “Nope. I have everything I need.” He even had an invitation to Morgan’s house.

  Perfect.

  Chapter 4

  Morgan glanced at the clock. She had only a few minutes before Charlene arrived and she still hadn’t found airfare. Everything was sold for the times she needed, including first class. If she didn’t find something soon, she’d have to drive there, which meant she had to leave tonight.

  She could possibly fly standby, but that could cause her more problems if she wasn’t able to board.

  With elbows propped onto the desk, Morgan buried her face into her hands and took a deep breath. Liam was going to have to take over for the days she was gone. Hopefully, he’d be so busy he wouldn’t notice anything funny.

  Or . . .

  Morgan picked up the phone and dialed Remy, an acquaintance of sorts in Vegas. She had worked with him on a few projects before.

  “Remy.” It was his standard greeting.

  “It’s Morgan.”

  “I know.”

  “Do you still have access to the private jet?” Morgan remembered Remy had worked for a casino CEO who owned a jet. She hoped to call in a favor.

  “No. What’s going on?”

  “I have to get to Vegas, and all the flights are booked.”

  “They’ve called you back, haven’t they?”

  “Yes, and I need to be there tomorrow.”

  “Give me a few minutes.” Remy disconnected.

  Morgan sat back, waiting for his call. When Remy said to wait a few minutes, she’d do as he said.

  “Where are you going?”

  Morgan stiffened at Liam’s voice behind her. “Looks like I have a job in Vegas. I have to head out soon.” There was no point in lying. Everyone knew where she went. They just didn’t know anything else.

  She felt Liam’s presence still behind her but didn’t bother turning around.

  “When are we going?”

  “We?” This time Morgan did turn around. Liam was standing close, reading the computer monitor.

  “Yes. We.”

  “I’m going alone. I always do.”

  “How will I get to know the business if I don’t go with you?” he questioned.

  “You’ll be more help here.”

  The corners of Liam’s mouth kicked up. “Good of you to think so. But I’m going.”

  “Did you forget that I’m your boss?” Morgan snapped.

  “Walter is my boss.”

  Morgan shot up, skidding the chair to the side. “Whether or not you go above my head on this one, you are not coming. Your job is sales for now. I suggest you stick with that.”

  “I found three new clients yesterday,” he said. “I think I have a firm handle on it.”

  “Yesterday?” He just started yesterday. Morgan glared. It was all she was capable of at the time. Damn him. He was not going with her no matter how many new clients he found!

  His mouth widened into a smile.

  The phone rang. Morgan quickly answered it, hoping it was Remy.

  “I can get you on a cargo flight with a buddy of mine,” Remy said. “Be at Waterfield airport at ten tomorrow morning.”

  Morgan sunk into the chair with relief. “Thank you, Remy.”

  “Just be careful. I know what you’re up against, and I don’t like it.”

  “I’ll be fine. I always am.”

  “You know how to find me.”

  Morgan hung up the phone. Remy had disconnected in his usual abrupt manner. Liam stood over her with his hands on his hips. She was in no mood to argue with him. Now that she had her flight, all energy evaporated.

  Charlene bustled through the door, her orange hair piled in curls on the top of her head. “It’s going to be a scorcher today,” she said, dumping her purse onto her desk. “The boys are going to be sweaty and ornery.” She tugged at her form-fitting shirt, displaying a padded bosom. “I love days like these!”

  Morgan stood to allow Charlene access to her workstation.

  “I heard Liam brought doughnuts, so they might be happy for a while,” Morgan said.

  Charlene frowned. “Why is it that every time I start my diet, someone brings in food?”

  “Why would you need to diet?” Liam asked. “You don’t have an ounce of extra weight on you.”

  It was true. Charlene was stick thin, which made her round eyes look enormous — and they were magnified even more by her oversized glasses.

  Charlene smiled and tittered. “Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to take a peek and see if there is anything left.”

  “I’m sure there is. I bought two dozen,” he said.

  Charlene patted her hair. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

  Liam turned his gaze back to Morgan. “Well?”

  “Well what?”

  “Do I have to go to Walter?”

  “No. You can come, but you have to find airfare.” She smiled at Liam’s distrustful expression.

  Good luck with that, she thought happily as she trotted out to her car. There were a few errands she had to run before she left, and there was no better time than now. Once Liam realized there were no seats available, he’d have to give up. She’d love to see his reaction, but she had more important things to do.

  * * *

  Morgan returned to the office at lunchtime with a smoothie in one hand and a stack of mail in the other. She dropped off the mail at Charlene’s desk.

  “Do you want the good news or the bad news first?” Charlene asked. She nibbled on the end of a carrot stick, rocking back and forth comfortably in her chair.

  “I guess the bad news.” Morgan’s stomach rolled.

  “Rockford Construction turned down our bid.”

  “Did they say why?”

  “Too
much money.”

  Morgan rubbed her forehead. “But we deeply discounted.”

  “They said they found a place willing to do the work for cheaper.”

  “Cheaper,” Morgan scoffed. “The only way a metal company could pull that off is by using substandard materials and half the weld points.”

  Charlene shrugged. “They’ll figure that out when their building collapses.”

  Morgan knew money was tight for construction businesses, but she hoped they’d have enough sense to not compromise safety.

  “What’s the good news?” Morgan asked.

  Charlene leaned forward, still nibbling on the carrot. “He’s single.”

  “Who?”

  “Liam, of course.”

  “Of course,” Morgan echoed dryly.

  “I checked out his W-4 before I filed it.”

  “I didn’t hear that,” Morgan said, walking to her office. She was happy to find it empty. Thankfully, Liam was elsewhere.

  Morgan sat down, noticing her desk had been slightly rearranged. She returned her pen to the right of her keyboard, and shifted the phone so it was angled at forty-five degrees facing her, perfect for dialing.

  “I heard you’ve been called away again,” Walter said from the door. “You just got back. What do they want this time?”

  Morgan ignored the question. “Did Liam come crying to you?”

  “No, but he said he wanted to go.”

  “And what did you say?” It wasn’t like it mattered. Liam wouldn’t be able to find airfare.

  “Not much. He didn’t seem to need an answer. Rather adamant about it, really. I don’t see the harm in having him tag along. Maybe he can take over that portion too. I hate to see you having to travel so much.”

  “It’s not all that much.”

  “You just got back a day ago.”

  She had to concede that point.

  “I don’t like seeing you work so much,” he said, stepping over to stand near the desk. He sat on the edge, holding on with large knobby knuckles.

  Morgan didn’t want to argue with him. He was only doing what he thought was best. If that meant she had to deal with Liam, she would. But not in Vegas.