"Old man?" inquired Katie. "He doesn't look so old to me."

Ryan grinned. "Ah, no, Dale here's a real bull. I just like to call the old man out. He's almost a partner now."

"Really?" Katie made her eyes flash and put her hand on Dale's arm. "You sound like a really important guy." Dale heard the sarcasm in her tone and had to smile, despite the tightening knot in his stomach.

Ryan scoffed. "Yeah, but I'm the future of the company, honey. I tell ya, in about five years, we're gonna see some new management."

Katie turned away from Dale and leaned in to Ryan. "Is that right?"

Ryan...