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Saffron’s laughter was full of affection. “I wish I could be a fly on the wall. I can’t remember you spending much time in the kitchen.”

“Guess it’s time I learned.” Although she had no intention of advancing her culinary skills beyond cookies. “How are things in Florida?” Sage asked.

“My goodness, you wouldn’t believe the damage. I feel so bad for these poor people. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we landed; it’s even worse than anyone could imagine.”

“I’m glad you’re there to help.”

“I am, too,” her sister added.

—

Sage brought the cookies she’d purchased into the office the following morning. On impulse, she walked into Ethan’s office. If he was serious about taking over Mowrey’s position, she wanted to know it.

“I heard you might be in competition with Troy and me for manager.” If he intended to hide this news from her, then he’d failed. She crossed her arms, letting him know she was irritated, and with good reason.

“Mowrey did speak to me about it recently,” he conceded, looking mildly guilty.

“So it’s true?” She’d hoped this was another one of Troy’s tricks, even though she had her suspicions. This hesitation explained a great deal. “Why didn’t you mention it? I thought we were friends.”

To his credit, Ethan looked uncomfortable. “I admit I should have. The thing is, I needed to give his proposal serious consideration before I agreed to be in the running. I have a few goals of my own. I hadn’t thought becoming the firm’s manager would be in the offing.”

“And what did you decide?” she asked, hoping he would decline.

“I told Mowrey it was an honor to be asked.”

“And?”

“And,” he added, breaking eye contact, “that if he chose me, I would do my utmost to be the best replacement possible for him after he retires.”

Sage felt like the floor had collapsed under her. Despite her distrust of Troy, she was convinced she was the better qualified for the position of the two of them. However, when it came between her and Ethan, she felt like it was a toss-up.

“I intended to tell you this morning,” Ethan said. “I hope this won’t come between us, Sage.”

“How could it not?” she said, thinking out loud. She wasn’t sure any relationship between them was possible while they were both competing for the same opportunity.

She started to leave his office when he stopped her. “I apologize that I didn’t say anything sooner, Sage. That Mowrey would consider me came as much of a surprise to me as it did you.”

“I wish you’d said something.”

“Maybe I should have, but I hadn’t decided one way or the other, so mentioning it would have been premature.”

Sage wasn’t convinced.

“We don’t need to be adversaries, Sage. No matter what Mowrey decides, I’d like for us to continue as friends.”

She’d like that, too, although now she was unsure. “At this point, I don’t know what to think. I like you, Ethan. But lately I felt there was something you weren’t telling me, some hesitation. Now I know why. I’m going to need to give this some thought.”

“Of course,” he said. “Although, if you need help with your nephew, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Unwilling to give him any indication that she wasn’t up to the job, she said, “So far it’s been going great.”

Ethan seemed to believe that now that the news was out, their relationship should continue on as before. Sage wasn’t sure that was a good idea. She was determined to get this position. She’d earned it, and she wasn’t going to let the competition sway her resolve. She considered herself the one most qualified to assume the role, and she was sorry if that meant Troy and Ethan would walk away disappointed.

—

Erica arrived a few minutes after she did. She looked at the open box of cookies on her desk and then at Sage. “What’s with the cookies?” she asked.

“I brought them to work,” she mentioned absently. “By the way, the rumor is true. Ethan is in the running for Mowrey’s position. I should have offered him a cookie, sweeten him up before I take him down.”