The Rightful Heir by Angel Moore

usually comes in from the general store into account.”
    Jared smiled at her. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
    â€œWhat?” This man had her flummoxed. He’d defended her when he didn’t have to and protected her when she hadn’t considered the consequences of a quick reaction. Why would he do that?
    â€œIt wasn’t so difficult to discuss an aspect of the business and come to a mutual agreement.”
    â€œHmm...no. It wasn’t.”
    â€œDo you think we can handle the other areas of the paper like that?”
    So the motive for his actions came out. Much quicker than she’d expected.
    â€œThat’s why you defended my reputation to Mrs. Croft. And the reputation of the paper. And now you’re offering an olive branch, but with a goal of increasing your foothold in the business. You’re a slick one, Mr. Ivy.” She stood straight. “I’ll have my eye on you.”
    * * *
    Why did Mary Lou think he was trying to manipulate her? Had no one ever taken up for her? Surely, Grump wouldn’t let someone accuse his staff of shoddy work or speak ill of someone he cared for.
    Jared took a few quick steps to catch her as she crossed the street and headed for the Pine Haven Hotel on the corner. “Slow down, Mary Lou.”
    She stopped abruptly in front of him and spoke over her shoulder. “You’ll have to keep up, Mr. Ivy. The newspaper business doesn’t wait for anyone.” She set off again at the same pace.
    He didn’t move. She’d accused him of manipulating her. He wouldn’t let that accusation stand. She would realize soon enough that he wasn’t following her. After all, he had the newspapers.
    Mary Lou mounted the steps to the hotel entrance and reached for the door. He watched as she turned toward him and dropped her hand. She clasped both hands together and waited.
    Jared approached at a measured gait.
    â€œJoin me for a moment?” He indicated the rockers on the porch in front of the hotel.
    â€œWe really don’t have time.” When she moved toward the door again, he dropped into one of the chairs and set it into motion.
    â€œI have all the time in the world.” He knew time was important, but moving forward in agreement was more important. “We’ll waste more time in the long run if we don’t clear the air about some things now.”
    Reluctance and resolve warred on her face until she sat on the edge of the chair beside him. “What?”
    â€œI am not a manipulator.”
    â€œNo?”
    â€œNo. I am straightforward.” At her raised eyebrows he added, “And diplomatic.”
    â€œAh...diplomacy. So that is what you call it when you try to coerce me into doing things your way.”
    â€œI didn’t try to coerce you. I merely pointed out that you would have to make some changes to accommodate our joint venture.”
    â€œJoint venture? This venture, or whatever you choose to call it, isn’t joint.”
    â€œWe are in the midst of a circumstance beyond our control. We can do our best to make it work or argue and struggle until the judge comes to town. I am not a man given to conflict. I’d prefer to come to an arrangement that is beneficial to both of us. The time will be unbearable if we don’t.”
    â€œThen why didn’t you just say that in the beginning.” He could see her resistance fading.
    â€œI think I did.” He took a risk and said, “You may have overreacted.”
    She hung her head. Every ounce of her was full of conviction and strength. He didn’t like that his words had caused that to ebb. Then, just as quickly, she raised her head and met his gaze. “I can see how you might think that. Let’s finish distributing the papers this morning. When we get back to the office, we can lay out some ground rules while we have our lunch. Then there will be no time lost.” She stood. “Shall