“It was a last-minute decision before her surgery.”
Why would Ginny entrust Zane, a computer gamer, rather than a college-educated wedding planner with her business? “If you’re worried I’m not qualified to handle the next six weeks, let me reassure you. My degree is in hospitality and tourism management, and I have years of industry experience. Managing a company like this is what I studied to do.”
“This was a business decision. Despite your experience, Ginny’s only known you for three months. I don’t know you at all.”
Obviously, Zane didn’t trust her. Had he changed Ginny’s mind? “Are you implying Ginny needs to be protected from me?”
“Don’t get all riled. This isn’t about you—”
“Not about me? You can’t be serious.” Her brittle, squeaky voice swirled around her. “We’re talking about my job responsibilities and who I report to. How can that not be about me?”
“Ginny would’ve made the same decision no matter who worked for her.”
Bits and pieces of her conversation with her employer tumbled through her head. Ginny had confidence in her. Valued her opinion and experience. Together they’d be fine. “None of this makes sense based on my discussions with her. I’m concerned there’s been a miscommunication somewhere. Because of that, I need to hear from Ginny that you’re in charge.”
He shrugged. “That’s your decision.”
McKenna dug into her bag at her feet and withdrew her phone but paused. Ginny often spoke of her grandchildren, but Zane had lived with her and her late husband from middle school until he moved to California. That must have forged a special bond.
Excuse me, Ginny. I don’t want to call your grandson a liar, but I need confirmation you tossed aside the plan for me to manage Lucky Stars while you’re recovering and put Zane in charge instead.
No matter how tactfully she phrased her inquiry, it would sound accusatory. Plus, how could he plead her case with Zane sitting a few feet away?
She replaced her phone in her bag. For now, she’d bide her time, gather information, and develop a plan. After all, react in haste. Repent in leisure.
*
Zane forced himselfto remain calm when McKenna said she needed to confirm what he’d told her with Ginny. How could he have done such a lousy job breaking the news? He resisted the urge to wipe his sweaty palms on his jeans. Even he admitted what he’d said sounded bad, borderline accusatory even. No, he didn’t trust McKenna, but he wouldn’t trust anyone, and that didn’t mean he wanted her knowing the fact.
Part of him wanted to say to hell with this. Let McKenna run the company, but he owed Ginny more than he could ever pay. He had to protect her investment, her future.
Then she put down her phone and he breathed easier.
What about him rubbed McKenna the wrong way?
I never date or have anything to do with on a personal level with a man who’s more attractive than I am.
Was that it? Did her reaction to have something to do with his looks? Did she see him as a pretty boy who had nothing else to offer? Someone who skated through life because of his handsome face?
Trying to fix what he’d stirred up, he said, “Don’t tell Ginny, but I’m concerned about her mixing painkillers with business decisions and finances.”
McKenna’s posture softened from board stiff to business professional uptight as she placed her hands on her lap. “I can understand that. Ginny and I should’ve considered her being on medication.” She licked her lips. “Why didn’t you tell me Saturday night?”
His stomach tightened. Too bad she didn’t lose control more often. Since she’d gotten riled up, her skin glowed rosy pink and her eyes shined with fire, making her look alive, giving him hints of the passion that she poured into her singing. He swallowed hard.
What had she asked him? Right. Why hadn’t he told her about the change in plans the other night? “Saturday was about celebrating AJ and Grace’s engagement and folks having fun. Nothing kills a party faster than talking business.”
Considering how their discussion had gone so far, he’d made the right call there. Whoop. One for him.
“You could’ve told me when you returned after the party.”
Blast it. She’d backed him into that corner without him seeing the move coming. What could he say? He couldn’t tell her he’d kept quiet to get her to dance for him to win a bet. While he wouldn’t lie, dodging a question or distraction wouldn’t tweak his conscience too much. “How about we forget the other night and start over?”
He sure as hell wanted to.
She chewed on her lip and her eyebrows furrowed as she mulled over his suggestion. “That sounds reasonable. After all, we both want what’s best for Ginny and this business.”
She agreed? He almost asked her to repeat herself or if she was sure. “We can make a great team. Maybe we’ll have a little fun. I’ll handle the finances and the management issues—”
