My boss and I

LOVE AT FIRST GLANCE She saw her overseer, Dan Carson, pause to smile at an attractive flight attendant who came over all giggly and flushing. Who could blame her, Sandra thought, wanting to put an instant stop to it. Hi, Dan! Hi, Abby! His eyes eventually moved back to Sandra’s small censorious face. Mentally, he began to rearrange his first impressions. Young she might be, but she was as sharp as a track. Do you believe in traveling in light? Surely it’s one of the great virtues, she told him, loftily shocked by that irrational flash of jealousy. Where in the world had that come from? He digested this by compressing his quirky mouth. “Not especially in women. They generally travel with mountains of luggage. You’d know, would you? Another haughty look as like a replay, two more attendants smiled and wiggled their fingers at him while he grinned back, saluting them with a forefinger to the broad brim of his hat already tipped rakishly over his eyes. Not only her overseer but a playboy of sorts, though there was something almost mischievous in those grins. I’d say so. He turned back to her. He used that flashing, faintly crooked white smile like a s*x aid, she thought, looking at him sternly. Well, I’m not staying long. How unexpected. He couldn’t keep the mockery out of a baritone that flowed like molasses, Seeing you’ve inherited the station and all. Sandra’s eyes glowed the blue of a gas flame. “So what are you saying, that’s amazing. He shrugged, “No more than if you said you’d climbed the Matterhorn on your own. Still, I’m sure your grandfather had his reasons. She gave a cracked laugh. He did. He hated me. Now he’s gone, he wants Moondai to go to wreck and ruin. Then again, my grandfather could never miss an opportunity to cheat the family out of their expectations. How did he come to hire you? She met his eyes squarely, not bothering to conceal the challenge. Surely there’s Uncle Lloyd and Cousin Bernie to take charge? Both of them prefer a different lifestyle. He returned blandly. “No, the job got dumped on me.” You don’t sound as though you expect to lose it any time soon. She cut in. Pretty perceptive! Now this is the tricky bit, he explained. Under the terms of your grandfather’s will, I can’t check out for at least twelve months. What? She rammed both hands into her jeans pockets. Her waist was so tiny he knew he could span it with his two hands. You didn’t know about it? The way she tossed her head reminded him of a high-stepping filly. My mind went blank after the first few minutes of hearing what they would read. Pay to listen, “he commented briefly. “Ah, the baggage is starting to come through. Let’s go. He grabbed hold of her soft leather hold-all and slung it over his shoulder. You can point out which suitcase is yours when it arrives. Or is it a backpack? It’s a designer case, she said flatly. Sweet Lord! Try as he might, he couldn't prevent a laugh. Envious? Not at all. You’ll be happy to know it’s not mine, she said waspishly. A friend of mine lent it to me. That surely means your friend likes you? He asked, amused by their disproportionate height. She was a tiny little thing. He could fit her into his back pocket. He’s gay, she said quite patently, considering how she felt. Outside, all mock toughness and tart banter. Inside, a throbbing bundle of nerves. Daniel took up a position beside the carousel as the throng miraculously parted from him like the Red Sea for Moses. He’s nearly eighty, she continued, trying to keep her attention on the circling luggage when she felt like flopping in a heap. It had been a long, long trip from Brisbane. Another one faced her. She was terrified of light aircraft and helicopters. With good reason. He has his Abyssinian cat, Sheba, and he has me. We’re neighbors and good friends. So, where do you live? He asked politely, lifting a hand to acknowledge yet another enthusiastic wave from the far side of the luggage carousel. All these women are trying to communicate with their overseers, instead of getting on with their business. Sandra fumed. She didn’t feel in the least good-humored about it. An attractive redhead this time, who seemed to have peeled off most of her clothes in favor of coolness. It was irritating, all this outrageous flirtation. You don’t need to know, she told him severely. But I’m desperately missing my flat already. Like the older man, do you? He asked, rather amused by her huffiness. It was fair to say she didn’t look like a considerable heiress. She didn’t dress like one, either. She was not friendly when he was long used to easy smiles from women. The older, the better, she said with emphasis. You seem young to be overseer of a big station? She eyed him critically. He radiated such energy it needed to be channeled. I grew up fast, he answered bluntly. I had a very rough childhood. That’s hard to believe. He was absurdly good-looking. Hunk was the word. Stunning if you like the cocky macho make always ready for the next conquest. You look like you were born to the sound of hundreds of champagne corks popping already astride your pony by the time you were two. He smiled grimly. You’re way off. He watched the expensive suitcase tumble out onto the conveyor belt, getting the same treatment as the most humble label. So there’s a story? Why wouldn’t there be? He looked anything but dull. Isn’t there always? You’ve got one. He pinned her with a glance and a rather elegantly raised eyebrow. Haven’t I just. There was a forlornness in her eyes before the covers came down. He hefted her heavy suitcase like it was a bundle of gooses. Listen, how are you feeling? He asked, noticing she had suddenly lost color. Quite awful since you ask! Such a tart response, but he didn’t hold it against her. Did you have anything to eat on the plane?