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him if he knew how much Braxton had been daydreaming about Lenna lately. But hey, it wasn’t as if he was ever going to see her again. What harm were a few wet dreams?
    A lot, apparently.
    Visions of her already kept him up at night, cutting into his sleep and making him groggy and drained during the day. Now, he was losing his concentration during meetings and phasing out when he shouldn’t be. Next, he’d probably make all sorts of bad business decisions and totally wreck his father’s company.
    “Okay,” he announced, tossing his pen on the table and letting out a breath as the anxiety built. “That should wrap it up for today. You guys had some great ideas.”
    He glanced at the legal pad in front of him, glad to see he’d actually jotted down a number of the comments and thoughts made. Good. At least his writing hand had been paying attention.
    Everyone still talked, arguing pros and cons, as they filed out. His employees looked satisfied and challenged. Well, most of them did.
    Braxton glanced at Tom, who lingered behind, gathering a file he’d brought in. The moody scowl on Davenport’s face had Braxton’s eyes narrowing. He didn’t think he’d ever forget his encounter with the older man that first day he’d started as acting president.
    He’d called all the top executives of the company into a meeting to discuss his plans for the future. He was starting his first speech as the new company leader and he hadn’t even gotten through his greeting, thanking everyone for coming, when Tom interrupted him, right in the middle of a sentence.
    “Just how much experience with selling aftermarket automobile parts do you have, Braxton?”
    If the condescending tone in Davenport’s voice wasn’t bad enough, the distaste in his gaze definitely nudged things over the edge.
    But Braxton had patiently responded to Tom’s question...and then to a few more. But as he spoke, he continued to make himself look less and less qualified for the position he’d just filled. Realizing he was losing all hope of gaining any respect, Braxton put a stop to Tom’s interrogation at question number four.
    “You know, it doesn’t really matter how many years I’ve been graduated from college, or how old I am, or how much experience I have, Tom. I’m already here, I’m already in charge, and you can’t change that. If you have specific issues with me, personally, and want to address them further, why don’t you stay after the meeting where we can discuss it in private, away from company time.”
    Okay, fine, he hadn’t responded with any sort of aplomb. All his diplomacy had gone straight out the window. He freely admitted his mistake.
    Company presidents weren’t supposed to lose their tempers. But damn it, the guy had pushed the wrong button. He’d pushed, period. And Braxton needed to let his people know he couldn’t be pushed. What kind of leader would he be if he let bullies harass him?
    So, he’d laid down the law with his first bully.
    And Tom had puffed himself up with righteous indignation, proceeding to glower at Braxton throughout the rest of the meeting. He’d been nothing but obstinate, confrontational, and defiant ever since.
    Staring at Davenport now, Braxton’s gut burned as if he’d swallowed a liter of acid. He didn’t like this man, didn’t think he ever could. But Lenna...he liked.
    “How’d your game go?” he couldn’t help but ask.
    Tom looked up in surprise.
    Braxton shrugged. “I ran into your daughter on my way to lunch.” It was probably going to leave a bruise too...and not just on his thigh. “She told me about your basketball matches.”
    Tom’s face mellowed. “Lenna,” he murmured and smiled the proud-papa smile.
    Braxton blinked. Had Tom Davenport just smiled at him?
    “We play on Tuesdays, once a month,” Tom added, then shook his head and continued to grin. “God, that girl keeps me in shape, running all over the court to block her shots. She’s got a killer lay-up. I