A Night to Remember Read Online Free PDF Page B

usually had that effect on him, probably because they had been at odds with each other for most of the thirty-two years of Joshua’s life.
    Growing up, the elder Barton had wielded his parental authority like a sword, and Joshua had rebelled at every turn. His mother had provided a much-needed barrier between the volatile father and son, but with her death five years ago the chasm had split wide open.
    Joshua’s mother had bequeathed her interest in the family business to her son, giving him a controlling majority. Joshua had made an honest effort to work with his father, but when that failed, he forced his father to retire, driving another wedge in an already unstable relationship.
    With each passing year they drifted further apart, until eventually they were nothing more than polite strangers. Joshua had not attended his father’s private wedding ceremony earlier this year, pleading an unavoidable business obligation.
    He realized it was a mistake the night of the wedding, but it was too late. There had been no communication between father and son until a short, handwritten invitation arrived two weeks ago. The significance of this unexpected olive branch was not lost on Joshua. His father was reaching out. And Joshua was determined to do everything within his power to make up for his earlier slight.
    â€œHello, Mr. Barton.”
    A breathless, sexy female voice invaded his thoughts. He glanced up and saw a long-legged golden vision gliding toward him.
    Joshua’s patented smile came automatically. “Good afternoon, Ms. Colter. I hope you’re having a pleasant and productive day.”
    Ms. Colter’s eyes widened with unconcealed excitement, probably because he remembered her name even though she had only worked at the firm a few months.
    Ms. Colter slowed her steps noticeably, eager for an opportunity to chat, but Joshua nodded his head dismissively and kept walking. He had learned long ago to protect himself against feminine wiles, especially when the woman in question was an employee. In an age of sexual harassment lawsuits it made good business sense to maintain a professional distance.
    Besides, the last thing he needed right now was the complication of a relationship. Past experiences in that area of his life were not among his finest accomplishments.
    â€œJoshua, wait!”
    He stopped, turned at the sound of the familiar voice, and watched Edna race toward him.
    â€œIt is a major mistake bringing Ms. Graham to North Carolina,” Edna stated without preamble. “With a little effort I know we can devise a much simpler, far more efficient plan.”
    Joshua shook his head and smiled. Edna’s forthright, no-nonsense manner was one of the qualities he admired most about her. Even if it did make him nuts sometimes.
    â€œI’ve already made my decision. She’s coming with me.”
    They reached the elevator. Joshua stabbed at the button, then held the door and politely waited for his assistant to precede him. The moment the doors shut, Edna spoke.
    â€œI’ll have Ms. Graham write a summary report for you, emphasizing the highlights of Rosemary’s career. I can fax the report to your hotel the moment it’s done. You’ll have the remainder of the week to familiarize yourself with the details. I’ll also purchase an assortment of Rosemary’s books so you can read them before you arrive. They must be short if they’re written for children. You can probably read at least a dozen of them on the plane.”
    Joshua watched Edna hastily scribble notes on the small memo pad she always seemed to have in her hand. He gave her a curious look.
    â€œWhy are you so negative about Ms. Graham? I thought she was the perfect solution to my problem.”
    â€œYou’ve got to be kidding!” Edna nearly dropped her memo pad. “She’s a disaster. A totally inappropriate companion for you. She babbles, Joshua. And her appearance! There was a