She’d suddenly become a little matchmaker. She’d never shown any interest in him dating or finding someone before now. Maybe it was her age and the length of time since losing her mom that had her feeling a void. Or was it because it was Sarah? “I do like Sarah. Night, sweetheart,” he said, turning off the light and leaving the room.

In the kitchen, he opened the fridge and took out a beer. He twisted off the cap and leaned against the counter as he took a swig.

Maybe letting Marissa spend the weekend was a bad decision if his goal was to protect her from disappointment in the long run. Especially since she was envisioning the two of them getting together.

He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.

And unfortunately, his daughter was right. Winning his heart could be an easy victory for Sarah if he let it happen.

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

Sarah’s fingers flew over her keyboard that evening as she revised her proposal for SmartTech Kids. Marissa was a genius. A collectibles feature was the perfect addition. Kids loved to collect things—sports cards, mini-figurines, dolls—and this new generation also loved the idea of making money.

She’d only hit Send on the email to her boss when her cell phone rang three minutes later. Gail’s number lighting up the call display had her heart pounding.

Did her boss love it or hate it?

“Hi, Gail,” she said as she answered.

“Finally!”

Sarah breathed a sigh of relief.

“This collectibles thing is unique and cool,” she said. “How did you come up with it?”

Sarah ignored the implied suspicion in her boss’s voice. “A friend’s daughter actually suggested it. She collects Beanie Babies…”

“Well, it works,” Gail said. “I hate to admit it, but maybe this time away was good for you. Helped you expand your limited creative side a bit more.”

Even a compliment contained an insult. “Thank you,” she mumbled. “Hey, Gail…I was wondering whether or not you’d had time to review those other app ideas I submitted last month?” If her boss was in a good mood, now might be the time to ask for the freedom to work on some of her own ideas.

“I did.”

Sarah waited.

“Honestly, Sarah, I was underwhelmed. Let’s focus on this SmartTech account. Don’t divide your focus.”

Sarah resisted the urge to argue that she could do both, and while the SmartTech Kids account might not be her strong suit, she could really come up with something great for the telecommunications side of the company, given the opportunity. Arguing with Gail was futile. Her boss’s open-door policy simply meant she was always working and expected everyone else to be as well. “Okay.”

“I’ll see a complete revised proposal tonight?”

Sarah checked the time on her phone. It was already ten o’clock. “Absolutely,” she said, disconnecting the call.