page18 (2/2)

“Yes, but why bother? I never get to say anything or weigh in on discussions The two of you go on your merry way and leave me out of it All you do is issue orders about what you want done and when Nevertoat the top? You don’t have to try to finesse the little changes to keep things running as smoothly as possible”

“I beg your pardon” His voice was stiff and formal “I believe you said that was your job”

Oh, the ainst her “It is But I’m still only one person and the volunificantly And you also said you wanted my input”

“Is there anything we’ve done you don’t agree with?”

She paused The truth was she did like all the ideas and changes so far

“That’s hardly the point You’ve setpeople here and there Seven is to be done before breakfast is even served”

“If you can’t handle the job…”

Panic threaded through her This hat she hadn’t wanted to happen and she’d been working day and night so it wouldn’t She needed this job She wanted this job and the life she’d built back She’d thought that she would simply have to work extra hard for this short period of time and all would be well And it had only been a week and they were at each other’s throats

“I can handle the job My job But I’m only one person, Luca”

“So you’re angry athours, Mari I don’t ask anything of my staff that I don’t ask of myself”

“Then perhaps you expect too much”

“Yet here we are And I’ a tantrum”

She let out a sound of frustration “You are infuriating!”

A slow smile curled up his cheek “So I’ve been told”

The cajoling did nothing to lighten her“Probably by your legions of swooning women”