The Perfect Proposal Read Free Page B

first place.”
    Actually, Mitch had thought just that. He
frowned thoughtfully. “But why did you call me?”
    His uncle shrugged and exhaled a long sigh.
“I wanted to give you a shot at it. After all, it is your heritage
we’re talking about here.”
    “ But —” The doorbell rang,
cutting Mitch off mid-protest.
    “ Hold that thought,” William
said. “I’ll be right back. Dora’s off today.”
    Puzzled, Mitch frowned. His mind reeled. He’d
have to earn back his heritage? The company which had been in the
family for more than fifty years? Dumbfounded, he shook his head.
But it didn’t make sense. Briefly he wondered if perhaps his uncle
had become senile. He’d spoken with him at least twice a month,
sometimes more over the past few years. William had always seemed
lucid, but…
    Who could possibly be more entitled to his
family’s company than himself?
    “ Mitch,” William announced.
“I’d like you to meet Annie Witherspoon—your
competition.”
    Distracted, Mitch looked up-into the deep
brown eyes that had haunted his dreams last night. He blinked, then
did a double take. But how? But why? What was she doing here?
Slowly his uncle’s last statement filtered through his fragmented
thoughts. Annie Witherspoon? Competition? Well, I’ll be damned, he
thought. Apparently she was thinking along similar lines, given the
brittle smile and death-ray glare she’d aimed in his direction.
    Producing his own humorless grin, he stood
and extended his hand. “Ms. Witherspoon.”
    Her small hand shook his. Mitch ignored the
current of awareness that buzzed through him at the brief contact.
“Mr. Hightower, I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to finally
meet you.”
    So that was the way she wanted to play it.
Repressing a grin, Mitch decided otherwise. He arched a confused
brow. “Haven’t we met somewhere before?” he queried innocently.
    Fire sparked in her eyes. “No, I don’t think
that that we have.”
    “ Funny,” Mitch mused,
purposely needling her. “You look awfully familiar.” He gave her a
lingering look and subtly appraised her from head to toe. His
survey had the desired effect, he noted, as he watched her face
color prettily. “Are you absolutely certain we haven’t
met?”
    “ Quite certain,” she
snapped.
    “ Well, now,” William
remarked, seemingly oblivious to the tension. “I’d planned to
discuss this with the two of you tomorrow, but since you’re both
here now, what do you say we get down to business?”
    Annie nodded and gave William a genuine
smile. For an insane instant, Mitch felt almost jealous. “I’m
agreeable to that, Will.” Her brow wrinkled in concern. “Are you
sure you’re up to it?”
    “ Certainly,” he assured her.
He ruffled her ponytail, eliciting another affectionate grin. “You
worry too much. What about you, Mitch?” his uncle asked. “Anything
important on your calendar today?”
    “ Nothing that can’t wait,”
he replied.
    His uncle nodded approvingly, then lowered
himself into the tufted leather seat behind his desk. Annie and
Mitch covertly glowered at each other and took the wing chairs on
the opposite side.
    William steepled his fingers and began. “As
you both know, I’ve been in poor health since last year. Running
Hightower Advertising has been a rewarding career and I have
enjoyed every minute of it.” He smiled warmly. “However, the time
has come for me to step aside. If I’m going to enjoy my golden
years, I’d better get started.” He sighed. “When I made up my mind
that it was time to retire, naturally my first thought was of my
replacement—and there is the crux of my problem. This is a family
owned and operated business, always has been. “ He looked at Mitch.
“But Mitch, you’ve never really showed any interest in the firm,
having made your own fortune in computers.” Mitch shifted
uncomfortably in his chair. He recognized the truth in that
statement. “However,” William continued, “it would not