“Fine.” She turned off her voice recorder and followed him out. “Well. What is it?”
“Maybe this interview isn’t a good idea. It’s clear you’ve already made up your mind about me. This could cloud your judgment, and heaven knows I don’t need another media smear campaign.”
“Serves you right for running out on someone who speaks into a microphone for a living.”
He frowned. “My swift departure was misconstrued, but Lucinda won’t hear of it. I guess it’s better gossip to think of me as some inconsiderate jerk. I don’t need the hassle. I’ll tell Grayson my final answer is no. Or you can give the story to someone else at the paper to cover. I’ve had enough recriminations for the last three months.”
“Are you saying I can’t be impartial?” She squinted at him.
“Hell yeah. You’ve already jumped on the man-hating bandwagon. I don’t need the headache.”
“I’ll have you know I could report fairly on you if you walked around with a bear-skin rug wrapped around you, and I’m an anti-fur advocate. My views are my own, and I don’t cloud my writing voice with my personal opinions.”
“You’d be the first reporter in the last twenty-five years to be neutral.”
“Just watch me.” She put her hand on her hip. “The interview is happening, buttercup. After I cover this story, I can move on to real news instead of these buff pieces.”
He smirked. “Puff pieces.”
“Excuse me?”
“You said buff pieces. I think you meant to say puff pieces.”
She looked like she was replaying it in her head. “I did not say that.”
“Did so.”
“If I did it was a slip of the tongue.”
“Uh huh.” He stroked his chin. “I think that’s what’s called a Freudian slip. Did you see something you liked last night, Savannah?”
“I’ve seen better.”
He gave her a teasing grin. “Even if that were true, and I sincerely doubt it is, you could have left the room.”
“I’m a reporter. You, on the other hand, could learn a thing about humility.”
“The human body is a beautiful thing. I’m proud of my natural assets.”
“Get over yourself. I have a job to do. And you can stick your dime-store psychology right in your boxer shorts.” She turned and sauntered down the hall. “I’ll see you Monday morning Mr. Holbrook.”
“Austin.”
“Bright and early. I’ll come to your ranch. I’ll be the first thing you see when you open your eyes.”
“As lovely as that sounds, my day starts at six in the morning.”
“Oh.” She clutched the strap of her handbag. “Then I’ll see you around nine when the rest of the sane world starts their day.”
Austin watched as she stalked off down the hall. The woman sure knew how to make an exit.
CHAPTER FOUR
Savannah lifted up her sunglasses as she passed the latest street sign. She was looking for Old Post road. It would’ve been easier to turn on the GPS to find her way to the Southern Comfort Ranch. She’d picked the wrong time to bet Wayne she could get around just fine without the use of a navigating device. The world was increasingly at the mercy of gadgets that told people where to go, what to do, and when to get it done. It was amazing how humans survived before it. History should be readjusted. The dark ages were officially any time period before the eighties.
She’d dressed comfortably today so she could keep up with Austin. She’d slipped on a pair of her favorite jeans, cowboy boots, and a purple shirt with white fringes that she wore when she went to the Lazy L Cantina with Barbra Jean.
Not to be outdone by her research subject, she got up at six, dropped Blue off to the sitter, and hit the road by six-thirty to get to the ranch. Austin’s ranch was technically on the outskirts of town, but it was still part of Harper’s Grove. Out here, the stretches of land were even more picturesque. Lush green pastures with animals grazing.
The article on the fire had been published, and she’d received compliments from her fellow reporters. She’d even managed to get a stiff nod of approval from Ralph. The patrons at the bakery praised her astute reporting when she went in for her Sunday bran muffin and coffee. Feeling encouraged, she knew she wanted to knock the next part of the series out of the park. Which meant doing a great job on her article about Austin.
After doing an Internet search on Austin, she still didn’t know much about him. Sure, she knew his bio. Son of Texas big-shot T.K. Holbrook, who was mostly known for his co-ownership of the Tomcats among other things. The Holbrook name carried more weight in the business sector where the family had their thumbs in many pies. T.K. Holbrook was also one of the top five billionaires in Texas.
Somehow this didn’t translate to Austin and his sharp turn into a military career. On the other hand, his brother Logan was very comfortable with their family’s legacy. There was a clear digital footprint of his escapades over the years until he’d settled down and became the figurehead of the Tomcats, along with the famous quarterback Seth Blake. It was as if Austin had disappeared for a decade. Or maybe he’d just disappeared from the very public lives of his family members.
She clapped when she finally saw the road. She put on her blinker, made a right turn and traveled down the road for a good mile before she saw any signs of life. A few minutes later she spotted the sign for the ranch. She made a left and drove down another road and that was when she saw it. The Southern Comfort Ranch sign was proudly mounted on an overhead attached to stone pillars on each side. She was surprised to see a guard shack at the entrance.
The security officer stepped out. “Good morning.”
“Good morning. I’m Savannah Brewster, I’m here to see Austin Holbrook.”
He looked at his clipboard. “Sure thing, ma’am. Take this main road down to Willow Lane, make a left and it will take you to the stable areas. You can park your car in the parking lot and someone can direct you to him from there. Just in case you lose your way, here’s a map. The phone number to the security office is on the back.” He pulled out a map and handed it to her.
“OK. Thanks.”
He went back into the guard shack and opened the gates.
As soon she drove through the gates, she felt like she was transported into another world. It was no mere ranch with a few horses. This was a striving mini city dedicated to equestrian undertakings. There was a slew of buildings and lots of activity going on. She parked her car and got out, mindful to clip on her visitor’s pass. People were bustling about, and Austin was nowhere in sight.
She’d seen barns before but not quite like this. This was a lair of exquisite, state-of-the-art buildings. She wandered into a building, hoping to talk to someone, but they all looked so busy and focused, she felt like she was intruding. She looked at the signs on the wall and saw one that said viewing room. Well, maybe someone in there would be less busy and could tell her where to go. She was surprised to see the room was a luxurious lounge with rich brown leather chairs, a full bar, dining area, fireplace, and big windows that overlooked an even larger room where people were putting their horses through their paces in an indoor arena.
She continued on her trek until she found the tack room, which was littered with saddles and other riding equipment. Next door to it were the locker rooms. She looked at her watch. The facilities were nice, but she really needed to find the man and get on with her interview.
Finally, she stopped a man who had a saddle in his hand.
“Excuse me.”
“Good morning, ma’am,” the man in a cowboy hat said.
“Good morning. I’m looking for Austin Holbrook.”
“He’s at the vetting building. You might want to take one of the golf carts. It’s a bit of a walk. The keys are in the ignition. Follow the path and you’ll see the signs.”
“OK, thanks.” She made her way to a golf cart and put her bag next to her. As she rode around, the magnitude of the operation hit her lik
e a ton of bricks. Austin wasn’t a simple rancher; this was an enterprise.
She saw the vetting sign and continued in that direction. When she reached the right place, she hopped out and walked inside. That’s where she saw him. He was looking downright gorgeous in a pair of jeans and a blue plaid shirt. He was talking to a man. They were standing in a stall, caressing a horse’s head.
“I think we can get the repairs done by the end of the day.”
Austin nodded. “Thanks. I’ll see you out there shortly.”
“Ma’am.” The other guy touched the tip of his hat and headed outside.
Austin was watching her. “Good morning, Ms. Brewster. You certainly look festive.”
“Good morning.” She put her hands in her back pockets. “I wanted to fit in.”
He raised an eyebrow. “We won’t be line dancing today.”
“This is the extent of my country western motif.” She shot him a look, then looked at the horse. “Who’s this beautiful creature?”
“This is Sweet Sadie. She isn’t feeling well.” He caressed her head. “The vet’s been keeping an eye on her.”
“What’s wrong?” She wanted to reach out and touch the horse, but she was hesitant.
He sighed. “It looks like an infectious upper respiratory disease.”
“I hope she feels better.” She moved closer to the horse.
“You can touch her.”
“I’m uncomfortable around horses.” She moved back. “I had one bite me while trying to feed one when I was a little girl. I’m afraid it’s made me skittish around them ever since.”
“Let’s do something about that.”
Savannah blinked when Austin took her hand and placed it on the horse’s mane. He had big, strong hands, but they felt surprisingly soft. A jolt of energy between them sent a subtle charge through her body as their hands moved in a slow rhythm over the horse. She wasn’t sure if he was comforting her or Sweet Sadie. Either way, it was working. She didn’t feel like running out of the stall.
“See, when you touch a horse the right way, the last thing they want to do is bite you.”
“I’ll have to remember that.” She pulled her hand away.
He gave Sweet Sadie a good pat. “OK, girl. I’ll be back to visit you this afternoon.”
“Feel better, sweetie,” Savannah said.
“Let’s go.” He started for the door leading outside. “We’re burning daylight.”
She followed after him. “Where are we going?”
“We’re installing new water troughs for the horses around the ranch.” He stopped by a truck and opened the passenger door for her.
“Oh.” She climbed in. “You help with the maintenance work?”
“It is my ranch.” He rounded the front of the truck and got in. “I’ll give you the ten-cent tour while we ride.”
She pulled out her notepad. “OK. Let’s get started.”
He started the truck and turned onto one of the ranch roads. “This is the stable and vetting area. We have three stables. Two vetting facilities for breeding and veterinary care.”
“How many horses do you have on the premises?”
“We have anywhere from eighty to a hundred at any given time. A quarter of that number are boarders. The rest are my private horses and the thoroughbreds.”
“Do you just breed them?”
“Some of them. A few of mine are professional racehorses. I’m looking to branch out. One of my horses, God’s Thunder, placed at the Kentucky Derby.”
“It’s no surprise you love horses. You do come from horse country. What prompted the move from Texas?”
He paused for a second before answering. “I needed some space.”
“There’s nothing but space in Texas.”
“I needed some space from my father.”
“Oh?” She waited for him to elaborate, but he didn’t.
He pointed to his right. “The big building over there is the farm machinery garage. We store the tractors, horse trailers, and equipment in there.”
“It’s a big building.”
“There’s a lot of big equipment in there.” He pointed to another structure. “That brown building stores the hay and bedding. And the one a few feet away is for—”
“You don’t have to tell me.” She clamped her fingers over her nose. “Manure.”
He laughed. “Yep. We also have a couple of round pens for my boarders who compete professionally and use it to train and exercise their horses.”
She saw a house in the distance. “Is that your house?”
“No, it’s the living quarters. Guest accommodations, if you will.”
She took a few notes, then looked at him. “You want to go back to that comment about your dad? T.K. Holbrook must be an imposing father figure.”
“No. Do you want to know about me or my father?” His jaw ticked.
“You, of course. You were the one who rushed into a burning restaurant and saved a woman. I can’t imagine T.K. Holbrook doing anything like that, unless he was running into the burning home of one of his football players to save them.”
He laughed as he pulled up behind a truck and parked. “You’re probably right.” He glanced at her. “You might want to stay here.”
“I’m going to help.”
“I don’t see how this is going to help your interview.”
“I’ve got your number. You think you can scare me off with a little hard work, you’re wrong. Besides, I’m sure I can find out some things about you just by working side by side with you.”
“All right. I warned you.” He grinned and handed her a pair of work gloves.
“I’ll be fine.” She pulled on the gloves. “So what is a decorated Navy SEAL who’s the son of a prominent Texan businessman doing in Harper’s Grove?”
“That’s a story that’s better told over a cold beer and a good meal. If you’re lucky, maybe I’ll have dinner with you sometime.”
She watched as he walked toward the men, leaving her there with her thoughts. It was easy to get distracted by that easy, sexy smile and those dreamy eyes. But she wouldn’t get all goofy at the idea of going out on a date with him. Men like that weren’t interested in women like her. They preferred polished women like Lucinda who commanded attention everywhere she went.
He may have grown used to getting women to do whatever he wanted, but she would be different. She’d be the one woman on the planet who didn’t get mesmerized by those broad shoulders and the way his jeans clung to his corded thighs. There was a level of integrity she needed to maintain when interviewing someone. A personal opinion had the possibility of skewing her reporting.
Still, she was a woman with a pulse that happened to quicken every time she saw the man. It had happened last night and again when they were riding in the truck. She felt a stirring inside her she’d long believed was dead—a feeling that she thought had died when she’d decided to give up on men.
Who was she kidding? She was the only woman on the planet who wanted to resist him.
* * *
Austin had to admit Savannah was holding her own. He’d never thought she’d actually help him with his chores, but he was delighted to see she was just as tough as she was pretty. After they’d installed the new water troughs, it was on to mending fences and inspecting the shipment of feed and other supplies that he’d ordered that arrived. She was definitely a distraction to the ranch hands, who he had to remind to keep their eyes on the job and can the flirting.
The chores didn’t deter her from doing her job however. She asked questions about his life, and he answered as succinctly as possible. T.K. was brought into the conversation a little too often for his tastes. Despite the fact they’d tried to make peace the past year, it was still a sore spot to talk about the great T.K. Holbrook. Austin hated living in his shadow and the expectations that came along with it. He craved a sense of his own identity, and that soul-searching had led him to the military. He’d learned a lot in the Navy. Disciplin
e. Focus. Hard work.
She might be intent on learning things about him, but he was learning a lot about her too, watching her work. She was tenacious but in a way that didn’t come off as obnoxious. She was a perfectionist, not content to have one bent nail or a tool out of place.
By one o’clock they’d gotten a lot done, and he was starved. He herded her to the truck.
“I’m hungry,” he told her. “I think you’ve earned a meal for your hard work. How about we grab a bite to eat?”
He tried to suppress a smile as he watched her consider his offer. She had very expressive eyes, and it was easy to see the wheels spinning. Right now she was mulling over his invitation. It was a no-brainer, getting lunch after moving around the ranch all morning. Still, it looked like she was conflicted somehow. Then he saw a sparkle in her eyes and a faint smile formed on her lips.
“I could go for a bite,” she finally replied. “But I have to warn you, I like to eat healthy.”
“I’m sure we can find something that will satisfy us both.” Austin pulled down the tailgate of the truck, then retrieved a blanket from the backseat and spread it out. He then opened the cooler and rubbed his hands together. “Let’s see, I have ham, tuna, and turkey.”
She looked in the cooler. “I’ll take the turkey.”
“OK. What’s your poison? Water or sparkling pomegranate juice?”
“Pomegranate juice.” She looked around at the scenery. “It’s beautiful here. The arrangement of the trees and sunlight, it’s almost magical.”
He nodded, glad she appreciated it.
“Back to the question I asked earlier. I know Harper’s Grove is picturesque, but what really brought you here?”
He took a deep breath. “I did a lot of traveling when I got out of the military. I think I went on a mission to see the country I’d been fighting for, to give me a sense of validation of what I was defending. A friend of mine I met in the Navy lived a few towns over and used to rave about this area. Harper’s Grove has a feeling of being removed from the everyday crap in the world. It’s just a town whose citizens do all they can to keep the peace with each other and enjoy living, a place with a small crime rate and lots of community spirit.”
Restless Heart Page 6