"Then I quit. You can find someone else for this job - and don't tell me I'll never be able to find another one. I've heard enough of that from Denton." She ignored his quick intake of breath and surprised expression. "I wish you'd give my decisions due respect - even if they conflict with your opinion. I've leased the place for four weeks and I'm leaving tomorrow - with or without your consent. I'd rather Denton didn't know about it because I want to avoid a scene. I'm through with him - no matter who likes it." She straightened. "He refuses to accept that fact. Maybe it's because he's getting too much encouragement from you."
The room was deathly silent as she finished. He regarded her thoughtfully for a full minute before responding. Finally he leaned back in his chair and sighed.
"I apologize. It appears you have given this matter a great deal of thought - and planning. Contrary to your opinion, I do respect your judgment. It's just that...maybe it was wishful thinking, but I thought you two were getting along." He shook his head. "Things have been so hectic here at the office, I thought..." He tossed the pen back on his desk and met her gaze with renewed composure. "Take the four weeks off, but I expect you back here - four weeks from Monday." His chair squeaked as he leaned forward. "And just so my motives are perfectly clear to you - I don't want my competition getting the jump on me by hiring one of my best employees. That's the businessman in me talking, not your father."
She met his gaze. "You're the one who said it. Clarissa has been doing my job for years before I came along. She has the experience and she can do it every bit as well as I can."
His brows lowered in a frown. "I didn't say that." He shrugged. "I didn't mean it that way. I was just trying to make you feel comfortable about taking a vacation."
He stood and came around the chair to hug her. "You be careful and keep in touch or I'll put a tail on you. That's the father in me talking."
She caught her breath as a warm flush started up her neck. His expression was unreadable. "You wouldn't do that, would you? After all, I'm not running off with any of your money."
He smiled down at her and stroked her hair as if she were still a child.
"You'll have everything I own eventually. No, if you don't come back, you'll be making off with something that is far more valuable to me than money."