Texas OilMan's Bride (Mail Order Bride Series) by Susan Leigh Carlton Read Free Book Online Page A

bother you again.”  Her voice broke as she spoke.  She had never experienced failure in any activity.  This was a first, and she had no clue why she was failing.  Her shoulders slumped, she went back to the work area, she now shared with Chuck.
     
    “I guess we’re partners again, if you’ll have me.  Johnny doesn’t need me.  Can we get it done?”
     
    Chuck said, “I’m glad to work with you.  You did a good job on the last project and made some major contributions.  You made us both look good.
     
    “Hey Laura,” Chuck called out as Laura prepared to leave for the day.  “Want to stop off at the Gusher?  Several of us are going to stop for a beer.  You’re welcome to join us.”
     
    “Thanks,” she said.  “I’d like that.”
     
    Bill Barnes and his guest were among the group that stopped for a beer.  “Mind if we join you?” he asked, as they stood by the table where Laura and Chuck were sitting.  “You know Rebecca Thomas I believe?  She’s an attorney with the firm in Houston that handles our account.”
     
    “I know Laura,” she said.  “How is my little brother treating you?” she asked, receiving a brief shake of the head as a reply.  Turning to Chuck, she said, “I’m Rebecca Thomas.  It’s nice to meet you.”
     
    “No, come on, grab some chairs.  The more the merrier.  So you’re Johnny’s sister?” Chuck said, as he slid his chair over to make room.  He waved his arm above his head to signal for another round.
     
    “I’m afraid so,” she said.  “Is he going to be joining us?”
     
    “He rarely comes here,” Chuck said.  “He usually works late.”
     
    “How do you like being exposed to the master,” Bill asked of Laura. 
     
    “Thanks, Bill.  But Johnny is the master, not me,” Chuck said.
     
    “You’re working with Chuck?” Bill asked.
     
    “Johnny assigned me to work with Chuck on the report he created, and that was continued today.  We make a good team too.”
     
    “I’m sure you do,” Bill said, as he realized he had just been told his directions regarding Laura had been ignored.  Not wanting to put her in the middle of office politics, he changed the subject.
     
    Laura excused herself, to go to the ladies room.  “Wait, I’ll join you,” Rebecca said.  After they left the table, Rebecca said, “Judging by Bill’s reaction, my brother is still being a jerk.”
     
    “I don’t think I should be talking about Johnny,” Laura said.
     
    “I think he’s threatened by you,” Rebecca said.  “You’re a beautiful, intelligent girl, and you intimidate him.  When either Cassie or I tell him something, he knows we are not after his job.  When he’s around you, he sees you as the competition.”
     
    “I’ve never said or done anything to give him that impression.  We came here one evening after both of us worked late and he seemed to fit in.  I enjoyed his company.  I actually like him.”  On the verge of tears, she said, “I shouldn’t say this, but I think he would like to get rid of me.”
     
    “He wouldn’t dare try anything like that.  Bill wouldn’t tolerate it,” Rebecca said.
     
    Laura said, “Never one to mind my own business and desperately wanting to change the subject, are you seeing Bill?”
     
    Rebecca laughed.  “I am.  When he was in Houston, we had a couple of meetings together, and had dinner.  We hit it off well, and wound up going out each night he was there.  I like him.”
     
    “He seems to go out of his way to be fair to everyone.  He’s well liked in the office.  I wish I could find someone like him.  I haven’t been out since I left Boston.”
     
    “You don’t sound as if you’re from Boston,” Rebecca said.
     
    “I’m not.  I went to college there.  I’m from a ranch not far from Beaumont.”
     
    “Tell me you went to Harvard,” Rebecca said.  “You did, didn’t you?”
     
    Smiling, Laura admitted she had graduated from Harvard.  “My