So Royce was wading through the jumble of papers on the messy desk in the front office of the ranch house, looking for a letter from Foreign Investment Director Cheng Li. Without Cheng Li’s approval, a deal between Ryder International and Shanxi Electrical would be canceled, costing a fortune, and putting several Ryder construction projects at risk.

Giving up on the desk, and cursing out his older brother for falling in love and getting married at such an inconvenient time, Royce moved to the file cabinet, pulling open the top drawer. His blunt fingers were awkward against the flimsy paper, and the complex numbering system made no sense to him. What the hell was wrong with using the alphabet?

“The outfit seems at odds with the job duties,” a female voice ventured from the office doorway.

He turned to see Amber in a pair of snug jeans and a maroon, sleeveless blouse. Her feet were bare, and her blond hair was damp, framing her face in lush waves. There was an amused smile on her fresh, pretty face.

“You think this is funny?” he asked in exasperation.

“Unexpected,” she clarified.

“Well, don’t just stand there.”

“Should I be doing something?”

He directed her to the desktop. “We’re looking for a letter from the Chinese Ministry of Trade and Development.”

She immediately moved forward.

“Do you know what it looks like?” she asked, picking up the closest pile of papers.

He grunted. “It’s on paper.”

“Long letter? Short letter? In an envelope? Attached to a report?”

“I don’t know. It’s from Cheng Li, Foreign Investment Director. I need his phone number.”

She moved on to the next pile, while Royce went back to the filing cabinet.

“Have you tried Google?” she asked.

“This isn’t the kind of number you find on the Internet.”

She continued sorting. “I take it this is important?”