Playing For Keeps (Emerald Lake Billionaires 2) by Leeanna Morgan Page B

kitchen if they think there’s something worth eating.”
    “Does that profound observation come from personal experience or did you read about it on the Internet?”
    Sophie put the sugar into the container and threw the empty bag in the trash. “I watch TV. I know that grizzly bears like sweet things. If I was a bear and feeling hungry, I’d come inside for something to eat. Haven’t you got work that you need to do?”
    “It can wait five minutes. I can help you, Sophie, but you need to tell me what’s going on.”
    “I can’t tell you.” Her jaw set at a stubborn angle. There was no point trying to find out what was going on. Sophie wasn’t about to tell him anything so he needed to try a different approach.
    If he wanted to find out what was happening, he needed to know more about her. His neighbor’s security company was one of the best in America. But without basic facts like someone’s last address or where they’d worked, even they would be hard-pressed to find any useful information.
    “Can you at least tell me what job you did before you came to Montana?”
    Sophie’s eyes slowly met his. “Why?”
    “I want you to enjoy working for me. There might be other things you could do that would use the skills you’ve got.” He crossed his fingers and hoped that he didn’t look as though he was lying.
    “You’ve got to promise me that you won’t tell anyone.”
    Ryan felt a wave of heat hit his face. He turned toward the pantry and took a mug off the shelf. “I won’t tell anyone,” he said quickly. “Do you want a cup of coffee?”
    Sophie waited a few seconds before answering him. “No, thanks.”
    He heard her put another couple of things away. With a fresh cup of coffee and a lie big enough to make his nose grow, he turned toward Sophie. “Well?”
    She crossed her arms and scowled. “I worked at a university as a research assistant. I’m good with numbers, I’m a good planner, and I know how to find the most obscure information.”
    “Sounds like you’re the perfect person to tick another action point off Dorothy’s list.”
    “Your publicist has a list?”
    “She has a long list of things that she wants me to do to improve my reputation. One of those things is to organize a fundraising concert.”
    Sophie didn’t look as surprised as he thought she would have. She looked intrigued. “In Montana?”
    “Since I don’t plan on moving from here anytime soon, the concert will have to be in Montana. Are you interested?”
    “I could be, but I don’t know the first thing about organizing a concert. I don’t even know where you would hold that type of event.”
    Ryan pointed toward the lake. “You could have it out here,” he said half seriously. “There are only two sets of neighbors to worry about and there wouldn’t be any noise control officers roaming the streets.”
    “Parking wouldn’t be a problem,” Sophie added. “And there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy themselves.” She turned to him and smiled. “I think it might work. I’ll call Dorothy and find out if she’s got any ideas about what would work and what wouldn’t. When do you want to hold the concert?”
    Ryan had no idea what Dorothy’s time-frame might be. All he knew was that he had a giant ticking bomb attached to his career. If his ex-wife released her photos before Dorothy’s plan kicked into gear, he’d be in serious trouble.
    “You’d better ask Dorothy what date will work. As soon as we have a date, I’ll call my neighbors and see if they’re okay with a few hundred people coming out here. Do the plan, create a budget, and ask Dorothy’s team for advice on getting the message out to the world.”
    Sophie picked up the empty grocery box and smiled. “I’ll have something for you to look at soon. In the meantime, I’ve got a few bills to pay and some paint touch-ups to do before lunch.”
    “Remember to call Dorothy. She’ll know exactly what needs to happen.”
    Sophie