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impression that Carson knew a lot more about the ins and outs of running this place than his brother did. Cody seemed to be more of a hands-on guy when it came to the physical part of their job. The paperwork required a different approach. Lily was glad she could help them both out.
    “These three guys should be back in the next couple of weeks.” Carson handed her the list with three names circled. “Everyone else is long gone.”
    “Good.” Lily made quick work of making the former employees inactive. “Now tell me how the hours are reported each pay period?”
    “Time cards are due today by noon, but we could move the deadline up since you’re coming in early.” Carson brought over a stack of papers already turned in. Fisher’s was on top. “Cody and I are on salary. Guides are paid by the trip, since the river doesn’t keep a time clock. Anyone working at the store or campground is paid at their standard hourly rate.”
    “Sounds simple enough.” Lily thumbed through the timecards. It looked like only someone named Tyler’s was still missing. “What should I do with Heather’s final paycheck?”
    “I suppose I could drop it by her house.” Carson’s voice took on an edge. “If her husband decides to deposit it in their joint account and use the money to feed their kids, that’s their business.”
    “That sounds like a good plan.” Lily’s heart lurched at the way he thought of Heather’s kids instead of wanting to withhold her final check. This way he’d be covered, and hopefully her kids would benefit.
    Carson returned to the other desk. He looked up at her and smiled. “And Lily…thanks. You’re a lifesaver.”
    “I’m the one who should be thanking you.” Lily tried not to let him know how excited she was. “It feels really good to be useful again.”
    “I’m glad we could help each other out.” Carson turned his attention to his own work and Lily dug into the overflowing inbox. She started by sorting bills from bank statements, deposit slips from junk mail.
    Every once in a while, Lily got the feeling that Carson was watching her. The tension between them hummed as loud as the twin computers. It had nothing to do with the fact that he was entrusting her with his company’s finances. He was attracted to her, but he fought it. Was it because she was working there? Or was there something else going on?
    She was just about to bring it up when Cody sauntered in.
    * * * *
    “Well good morning, Lily.” Cody leaned against her desk as if he owned the place. He did own the place, but still, Carson didn’t like the way he treated Lily so familiarly. “You sure do brighten up the place.”
    “Thank you.” Lily looked over at Carson and flashed an embarrassed smile. He thought they’d already discussed the fact that Lily was an employee. She was off limits. For both of them. “I’ve certainly got my work cut out.”
    “Well, if there’s anything you need,” Cody drew out his words, letting her know that he was offering more than just a certain type of pen or an ergonomic keyboard. “You just let me know. I’ll take care of you.”
    “I’m good,” she said in a clipped tone. “I just need to concentrate right now.”
    Carson bit back a grin. She’d put him in his place. A rare occurrence. Cody was the kind of guy who could make a university president blush like a schoolgirl with just a smile.
    Cody picked up the stapler, turning it over in his hands. Clearly the man didn’t know what to do with himself. He was so used to having women melt with nothing more than a glance and a grin. Lily’s dismissal must really rub him raw. Carson found it entertaining as hell, though, and that bothered him almost as much as the fact that he hadn’t been able to get a lick of work done with Lily so close.
    It was going to be a long month if today was any indication. He wanted her. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted any other woman. And he couldn’t do a damn thing about it. She