“Yes. It’s even better than my staff or I expected. Everyone has been so pleased the last few days and the installation and transfer of the old system’s information took no time at all.”

“I’m so happy you’re pleased. Now, let me remind you of a few things. You are in violation of our signed contract. Final payment was due two days ago when we completed the installation and as I told you, I expect it in less than an hour. The five percent penalty fee goes into effect tomorrow. You’ve been running my software on your system for two days without a license to do so. Now, you have less than fifty minutes to make your payment, or I pull the software. If there wasn’t a lawyer sitting right next to me, I might threaten to hack into your system and drop a really nasty virus that will shut your entire system down in a matter of minutes. But there is a lawyer beside me, so I’ll only say that I expect to hear from my accounting department in an hour that payment has been received or my lawyers will start breathing down your neck. Do I make myself clear?”

“I’ll send it,” he quickly assured her. “Still, it’s too bad we can’t get together. Everything I’ve heard about you intrigues me. I’ve tried to get an invitation to the benefit at the end of the month, so I can meet you. Your voice alone is enough to keep me up at night,” he admitted, and she cringed. “Apparently, it’s impossible. You should be pleased that you’ve created quite a stir. Your business is about to explode.”

“Remember that when the software I completed for you needs to be upgraded in another year. Six million will look like a bargain when you find out what I’m going to charge you for the upgrade. You should have negotiated that into the original contract, and you shouldn’t have tried to cheat me on the final payment. Give me your word that the money will be sent today and I may overlook your adolescent behavior.”

“It is on its way as we speak.”

“Very good. Thank you, Tom.” She hung up and dialed Abby back.

“Abby, Mr. Larson will make the transfer. Tell legal to verify with accounting the payment is received, then have the licensing agreement sent over. Let me know if there are any more problems with Mr. Larson. I might have to unleash Fido on him if he doesn’t make the payment.”

“Well, now I hope he doesn’t make the payment.”

“You’re really twisted, Abby. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Enjoy your date with Luke!”

Sarah hung up and smiled at the man smiling back at her.

Chapter Seventeen

Sarah stared at Luke and just took him in. God, he was so handsome. He wore the same jeans and black T-shirt from earlier, but he’d put on one of his favorite flannels. Faded from washing, it looked really warm and comfortable. Exhausted after another long day, she wanted to rest her head on his chest and wrap her arms around his strong back and hold on to him. She wanted to borrow some of his strength and feel his warmth wrapped around her.