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added years to his life because the older man felt personally responsible for protecting the sites his company helped.
    “We also propose limited relief to the Salton Sea. We think lending assistance to the abandoned, salt-encrusted structures along the shoreline is worthwhile. Some buildings aren’t historic, but it’s worth a look.”
    “You’ve always had a soft spot for water.”
    Dean tried to hide just how true that was as a vivid picture of Crater Lake flashed in his mind. Samantha’s arms were around his neck, his hands on her lower back, nothing between their hips but clothing Dean had silently cursed. They’d stood in a secluded spot along the lake’s rim early one morning, and the emotion he saw in Samantha’s eyes that day had been far deeper than the breathtaking blue water of the lake. He’d never seen it in another girl’s eyes before, and he guessed it was love. The racing of his own heart confirmed he’d felt the same way. But they never said the words.
    “Yeah, I guess I have.”
    “And now that you’re in California, there’s no shortage.”
    “You should come with Mom the next time she visits.” Dean meant it. His mom had visited several times over the past year, but his dad had always claimed prior commitments. Dean and his mom didn’t discuss it because they both knew he stayed behind to make Dean feel guilty. Still, Dean desperately wanted to show his father his new life.
    His dad undid the top button of his polo shirt. “That’s the first time you’ve asked.”
    Dean’s gut clenched. “I figure you should see the company you’ll be partnering with.” Screw you, Dad . If his father wanted an invitation, then he’d get one in the form of a business proposition.
    “Being a cocky sonofabitch isn’t scoring you any extra points.”
    “It’s called confidence, and I’m confident my company is the best one to support the core programs you value most here at World Heritage while setting newer standards that will catapult us beyond recognized methods. I know how you work, Dad, and I can take my people and contacts and seamlessly integrate with yours.”
    “You’re not using nepotism to get the job, are you, son?” He raised a wrinkled hand to his chin. The thin gold wedding band—which his father had gotten repaired several times because he refused to take it off while working in the field—gleamed as if it had recently been polished.
    Since when did being William Malloy’s son score him an advantage? “Just stating the facts. Whether you like it or not, I know this company as well as my own. I’m sure Samantha Bennett gave an excellent presentation, but Global Site can’t compete with what I can offer you.”
    Something flashed in his dad’s eyes, but Dean hadn’t a clue what it was. He pushed aside the heart-sinking thought that in his dad’s mind, Samantha had sealed the deal for her company. “I think they can. Sam Bennett’s got passion for this project in spades.”
    No doubt. Dean remembered her passion like it was yesterday. She’d turned him inside out with her enthusiasm for their travels and their lovemaking. And despite the reason for their paths crossing, damn if he didn’t crave to touch her again. “Are you telling me you’ve already made a decision?”
    “No, I haven’t. Despite our past year, I plan to carefully consider both presentations and have an answer Monday morning. There’s no room for hard feelings in business. I’ll make the best decision for WHF and Route 66. Period.”
    “Sounds fair.” Dean edged toward the end of his chair. “The PowerPoint includes every gas station, motel, café, trading post, and drive-in theater threatened by urban development or abandonment and decay in the more rural areas. I’ll have my phone on, so call me if you have any questions over the weekend.”
    “Will do.”
    Dean stood. “We’re meeting Henry at one. He’s made a reservation at Café Vermecci.”
    “Some things never change, huh?”