“Never you mind,” Kelly snapped. “It was between Jeryl and me. Not you.”I glanced at Jeryl who avoided my gaze. Curious.“Well,” I said, �...what about you ladies? Are either of you bringing a guest, this year?” Both Kelly and Candace avoided my eyes. “Kelly? No junior partners from one of the other VC firms you want to bring around?”She had been dating one guy off and on for the past two months.“I swear you’ve blushed more in the past two minutes, than I’ve seen you blush in the past year,”. But … I want to be clear that I do not shirk my responsibilities. I just don’t see why exercise can’t include learning to walk on your hands.”“Count me out on that one, ” I said with an exaggerated cringe.“I’m sorry, ” Clayton said. “Perhaps I’m not as funny as I sometimes think I am.”Liz nodded and gestured to me with a thumb.“He can tell you all about that one, ” she said.“Still, I should have thought that comment through a little better, ” he admitted.“It’s fine, ” I said. “It’s one of those. "Now, now Miss Sturgess. There's no need to be jealous. You still might get a call from us."Elizabeth snickered. "Yeah right, I'll bet there is nothing more to this whole operation than a few notice boards." She pointed to the kiosk."Miss Sturgess. I'm going to have to ask you to leave." You can have my body if you want it, you know. I see the way you look at me. All I want in return is access to have fun with your assistant and any other dummies you turn up."This was another story that I fell. I’m Bryce Adkins, Elizabeth’s ranch foreman, so to speak.”“Bryce,” Elizabeth said, “Thom came to see the office and visit with me, but I have a call coming in any minute from Daniel Sikes. Would you please show Thom around while I take care of a little business?”“Sure thing, boss,” Bryce said with a grin. “I’m always glad to give the fifty-cent tour.”Just then, Helen’s voice came through an intercom. “Elizabeth, Daniel Sikes is on line two.”“You boys go ahead. I’ll be with you shortly,”.