"No, it can't," he said mildly as she looked at her watch. "It's half past noon."
"The morning got away from me. I'm due at the shop in an hour. I have to finish this. Is there something urgent?''
Eyeing her, he closed the door at his back. "Take a break."
"I really can't. I need—"
"Take a break," he repeated. "That's an order." To ensure that she obeyed it, he sat down. "Now, Ms. Templeton, let's talk about delegating."
"Byron, I do delegate. It's just that Fitz is running ragged over the Milhouse-Drury wedding reception, and Robyn's swamped. The pharmaceutical convention and a kid with chicken pox. And—"
"And it all comes down to you," he finished. "You look exhausted, honey."
She pouted. "Are you speaking as my brother-in-law or as executive director?"
"Both. If you're not going to take care of yourself—"
"I am taking care of myself." She smothered a smile. Byron's stand on health and fitness was well known. "I just didn't get much sleep last night. I went to the pound yesterday."
He brightened, as she'd known he would. He'd adopted two dogs the year before. "Yeah? What did you get?"
"A puppy and two kittens. The girls are in ecstasy. And this morning, I caught Annie carrying the pup like he was a newborn baby, and telling him that good dogs mustn't piddle on the Bokhara rug."
"Start stocking up on newspaper. We'll have to come over and check out your new additions."
"Come by tonight."
He raised an eyebrow. "Before or after the country club dance?"
"The Valentine's Day dance." She shut her eyes. "I forgot."
"No getting out of it, Laura. You're a Templeton. You're expected."
"I know, I know." There went the long, indulgent bath-and-early-to-bed night she'd been fantasizing about. "I'll be there. I would have remembered."
"If you hadn't, Kate and Margo would have reminded you. Look, why don't you let your partners handle the shop this afternoon? Go take a nap."
"J.T. is having his checkup this afternoon. I can't leave Kate on her own. We're inundated with the Valentine's Day sale."
"Which reminds me…"
Understanding, she smiled. "It's only the tenth, Byron. You still have time to pick up that well-thought-out, loving gift. And no matter what Kate says, don't buy her computer software. Flowers always work for me."
And no one had sent her flowers, she thought, in too long to remember. When her mind drifted to a tiny yellow wildflower, she pulled it back, and called herself an idiot.
"She's not getting that new calculator she's been hinting for, either." He rose. "Do you want a lift to the club tonight?"
So went the life of a single woman, Laura mused. Always tagging along with couples. "No, thanks. I'll see you there."
"I'm not the country club type, Josh." As if someone had already forced him into a suit, Michael rolled his shoulders.
"I'd consider it a favor."
Scowling, Michael measured out grain. "I hate it when you do that."
"And I'd be able to introduce you to a lot of potential horse owners. I happen to know someone who has an impressive stud. You did say you have a mare ready to breed."
"Yeah, she's ready." And he wanted the right sire for her. "So, you'll give me his name, and I'll talk to him. I don't have to go to some lame dance. And I'm the last person your sister wants taking her to some lame dance."