The roar of a motorcycle shook Elle out of her trance as Sullivan Cole rode off straddling a shiny black Harley.
Could the damn guy get any sexier? He had to be Lucifer. Yes only the devil could pull off so many cool looks in a twenty-four hour period. Therefore, she did not trust him one bit.
Then again maybe it was a hormonal imbalance. Sullivan Cole cause her hormones to wake up and throw confetti. Silly, of course, since it was doubtful the most eligible man in the state would lower himself to be interested in her.
After letting out a long sigh, she trudged to her car. Aunt Janet laughed. “He’s somethin’ else, huh? Hard to look away from those firm buns. What a nice butt.”
“Really? I didn’t notice,” Elle quipped refusing to look her aunt in the eye.
Four
Although Sully hated to admit it, Elle Tyler had somehow gotten under his skin. He’d meant to tell her at the end of the night the deal was over and, after shaking hands, going on his way. Instead, he’d arranged a meeting first thing this morning.
It was eight o’clock and while reviewing his emails for the day, he kept thinking back to the night before.
She’d been on edge the entire time acting as a referee with her unruly, but likeable family. The women had kept him laughing all night. After the initial shock of what Elle had planned, he’d relaxed and actually enjoyed dinner with the ladies.
When he’d told Elle he’d had an enjoyable evening, it was the truth. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d spent time with women that although at first flirted had resumed their true personalities and began a constant banter of jokes and competitive digs at one another. When they’d begun picking on him, he knew they’d accepted him into the fold.
His own family was close, with two sisters and a brother. They often enjoyed evenings with their cousins and parents where laughter filled the room. The dynamic of the night before which Elle had set out to trip him up, had been more familiar than his usual stoic business meals or even his dates.
“Sully, what time do you want the nine o’clock conference rescheduled to?” his assistant, Stacia, asked from the doorway.
He smiled at the pretty woman, who’d become his close friend over the years. “Nine-thirty. I doubt this visitor will stay long. She doesn’t like me.” He smiled at Stacia and shrugged.
“Oh boy.”
“What does that mean?” He attempted an innocent look. “There are women on the planet who don’t like me. It’s a strange phenomenon, yet it happens.”
Stacia gave him a droll look. “I can think of about ten women who don’t like you right off the bat. Give me a minute and I’ll come up with another batch.”
“They actually do like me. Just pretend not to.”
With a shake of her head, she went back to her desk.
“So I don't usually like to date someone more than once. It’s not a crime,” he called after her.
At nine o’clock sharp his intercom dinged. “Miss Tyler is here.”
It troubled Sully when his stomach tumbled. He stood to meet Elle at the door ignoring the strange feeling.
Once again, she wore business attire. This time she had on a red dress with a navy blue jacket. She carried a slim handbag and he spotted the bright pink sparkling bracelet on her wrist again. The only hint she was not all business all the time to a potential client.
By her austere expression, she was not happy to be there. When he held out his hand, she hesitated before shaking it. “Good morning, Miss Tyler.”
“Mr. Cole.”
“I thought we’d agreed to you calling me Sully?”
After a barely noticeable nod, she went to the chair in front of the desk he motioned to. While making his way to the chair opposite her, he raked his brain to come up with a reason for their meeting.
“Tell me, what plan were you considering that would ensure my family cemetery would not be disturbed?”
There was a flicker of surprise, but she hid it quickly. “There are conditions that could be written into the sales agreement. I can include it into the plans and make the cemetery a type of remembrance to the history of the area. Your family has been central to Alder Gulch for a couple centuries.”
It was a good reply, which Sully presumed had been practiced. “If I stand on my decision to not sell, what is your plan B?”
She blinked indicating this question too, was unexpected. “I have scouted out some land east of yours near where the mines are.”
It was impressive. Although her client banked on his land, she’d gone out of her way to ensure there was a backup plan. It was interesting that Elle said “I” and not “we”, which meant her partner was not as motivated to pursue another area. The man had already called him twice leaving invitations for lunch.
“Your partner seems to think I could be persuaded to change my mind.”
“Is that why you agreed to dinner last night? Did you think I was part of said tactic?”
“If you’ll remember, it was me who suggested dinner. It was not because I’ll change my mind, but because I am curious to know more about you.”
Bristling, her eyes widened and she swallowed visibly. “Exactly why am I here this morning?”
“I wanted to explain why I am not selling...”
“No need. I understand. It’s your family. No matter what happens in life, to have a good family is priceless. Even mine, as crazy as they may seem, are my glue, the ones who will be there for me through thick and thin.”
Sully nodded. “True.”
“So other than that I don’t think there is anything to discuss. You don’t need to explain your reasons to me.”
“I want to know what your plan B is. If I can be of assistance, it will make me feel better about not selling.”
She seemed to soften. “Thank you, but I will handle it. I have done it a time or two.”
“I don’t mean to offend you, Miss Tyler. My business in ranching allows me to get to know many of the landowners in the area. The land you are speaking of belongs to my friend Jared Redstone. How about a ride on Saturday?”
“What?”
“Horseback riding. My horses are boarded at Jared’s while I build my own house and stables.”
She pondered his question for a moment. Her pearly top teeth bit down on her bottom lip and her brow creased. Obviously, she didn’t realize how sensual the expression was.
Sully cleared his throat. Not because he wished to hurry her in making a decision, it was to change the direction of his thoughts and stop from drooling.
“Very well.” Her reply was reluctant. “On one condition.”
“I’m listening.”
“Let me do the talking if and when the appropriate time comes up to discuss his land.”
“Deal.”
Her cell phone buzzed and she glanced down at the display. A warm smile brightened her face as she read the text. When she looked back up at him, the smile lingered, making him wish it were he who’d caused the reaction.
Without anything more to say, he stood and waited for her to do the same.
“I will see you on Saturday then.”
“Please text me directions to the stables if you don’t mind.” Although he already had it, she handed him her business card. “Have a good day Sully.”
He liked the way she said his name. “You as well Elle.”
Elle waited until she reached her car and replied to the text. Her nephew, Billy, always brightened her day. Deana’s son rarely smiled or spoke. The seven year old melted her heart with his messy mop of blond hair and askew glasses. Preferring not to touch people or be touched, on occasion he would only hug her, which peeved her other cousins to no end.
The shy boy was homeschooled by Deana since he was autistic and had a hard time in a public school setting. However Billy was gifted in creativity and always kept everyone jeweled with his hobby. His current hobby was making sparkling stone bracelets.
Elle wore one every single day in her Billy chosen c
olor of pink.
When she visited, he would inevitably check her wrists. Sometimes he’d be displeased with a design and take her bracelet back and replace it with another. Once again, she smiled down at the cell phone.
With his mother’s assistance, Billy often sent pictures of his latest creations. The picture of a soft pink bracelet along with three words, “See you soon.” Made her heart squeeze.
She replied with a smile.
Super Pretty!
I will stop by this evening at five o’clock.
I love you Billy.
Aunt Elle
Elle pushed send and looked back toward Cole’s Ranching. Sullivan Cole confused her. Dinner had been his idea. While daydreaming, she’d missed that portion of the conversation between him and Gary.
He’d admitted wanting to get to know her better, but had not elaborated nor had he flirted. It was very puzzling for a man not to pounce forward with a request for a date after making such a declaration. Elle couldn’t figure out if she was disappointed or intrigued.
Maybe a little of both.
Although he did invite her to riding.
Now she wondered if his offer to help by introducing him to Redstone was because he’d decided not to sell, or because he was interested in her.
The man was dangerous. With the appeal of rugged good looks and killer body, he was like a seven-layer chocolate cake, a Jimmy Choos and a Prada handbag to boot. It was easy to understand why he was constantly featured with a different woman in the society pages.
Underneath it all, Sully seemed to be a good man. She’d been surprised to find out how easy it was to be around him the other night at the Mexican restaurant.
His cousins, mother and aunt continued to gush about him every chance they got. He’d not been faking interest in her family that she could tell, but seemed to have enjoyed himself the entire time. Had even laughed until wiping tears a couple times.
Sullivan Cole was confusing and alluring.
A very dangerous combination.
Five
Saturday morning was perfect. Sunny with briskness in the air, the weather insisted one take deep full breaths. Today Elle would be meeting Sully and Redstone for horseback riding, the thought making her reach for her cell several times to cancel. It was a stupid idea to meet them out there. On one hand getting to know Redstone a bit more would help with the land negotiations. On the other, being around Sully would make it awkward since he’d just turned them down. Surely Redstone would question why his friend had not sold and could be influenced.
On her condo balcony, Elle sipped her morning coffee and looked across the man made pond in her complex. She considered going over to her aunt Janet’s and asking her for an opinion. Or maybe it would be a good idea to call her mom. Her mother always knew what to do.
“For goodness sakes,” Elle mumbled. “Its only a damn horseback ride.” She pulled her robe tighter around her waist and trudged inside to get dressed.
After discarding several wardrobe choices, Elle finally settled on a pale plaid shirt, jeans and a denim jacket. Her only suitable boots were biker boots she often wore, the other choice UGG boots seemed silly for this venture given it was still pretty warm.
The drive to Alder Gulch took about an hour from her place and by the time she arrived she’d gone through every scenario possible about how the meeting would go. In her mind, before she arrived Sully would have texted her to cancel and she’d get to talk to Redstone about his land without having to ride a horse. Not that she had anything against riding, but the idea of a ride alone with Sully made her stomach do funny things. Funny things that a woman should not feel about a man who was one of society’s most coveted bachelors. It was a set up for failure.
By the time she pulled up to the iron gates at Redstone’s property she gave up on the cancellation text. Instead, Sully texted her directions to the stables stating he was already there. And, yes her annoying stomach did a full somersault with a twist at reading it.
The land was lovely, although in the portion she drove through was developed with a large modern house, state of the art stables and large corrals, some empty others with several horses. Not seeing anyone, she parked where Sully had instructed and after a fortifying breath got out of her vehicle.
The scent of horses and hay were reminders of many summers spent at one camp or another. She and her cousins had always enjoyed those trips.
The men emerged through a door and she walked in their direction. The men exchanged a couple words and Redstone chuckled. It was in that moment she realized perhaps Sully had planned something in retaliation for her setting him up at the Mexican restaurant.
“Oh man,” she mumbled. “What to do?”
The men neared, both tall and handsome, but she could barely pull her gaze from Sully. With an easy saunter, every step toward her made her breathing more labored. In a black and gray plaid shirt, which brought out the brightness of his eyes, he could only be described as breathtaking. Elle forced her attention away to Redstone who seemed at ease as he strolled to greet her.
Jared Redstone was also a good-looking man. With an easygoing vibe and a messy mop of brown curls, he instantly made her more comfortable. He smiled and held out his hand. “Jared Redstone. Welcome.”
“Elle Tyler. Nice set up you got here.” She glanced over to the stables.
“It’s home,” Jared replied scanning the surroundings before meeting her gaze. “I hear you are interested in the land over by the mines.”
Direct and to the point was not surprising being the man was successful. However, she’d been clear and asked Sully not to bring the subject up. She tapped down the ire and nodded.
Although Redstone maintained the relaxed stance, it was easy to see his mind was all business by the directness of his hazel gaze.
“That’s correct. I represent Miller Associates, who are looking to build a one of a kind resort complex.” She gave Sully a pointed look. He'd spoken to Redstone after she'd asked him to allow her to do the talking. Perhaps it was a tactic to catch her off guard. Point taken.
“Don’t care much for the idea of a resort in our mix to be honest, Miss Tyler. I had discussed it with Sully when your partnership first approached him,” he clarified. She let out a breath at her assumption, however it was obvious they’d been discussing the proposal. To be fair it made sense since Redstone would have asked why she was coming there.
“I share the same reservations as Sully. This is our home.” Redstone motioned toward the open land. “Although many families have long since sold to allow for subdivisions and such, the Coles and I have not.”
If she didn’t produce a suitable place for Miller Associates, it could prove disastrous. “Is there a compromise we can come to? We can meet at my office so you can see the ranch resort plans. I did my best to ensure the beauty of the land remains forefront.”
Months of hard work were about to sink into a deep, black hole. Elle battled with what to say next.
Sully moved to stand beside her. The solidness of his body helped Elle regain balance. “I believe Jared and I may have come up with a workable solution.”
They shouldn’t have, but his words angered her. Why was Sullivan Cole getting so involved in the project? Was there an underlying reason she’d yet to discover?
“I’m listening.” She looked to Jared for an explanation.
“I have land near Missoula. I believe it will be a good location for your resort. I had no immediate plans for it and although it’s not as remotely located as Sully’s, there is the attraction of an airport nearby.” Jared gave her a bright smile and held out his hand once again. “I will have my office call and set up a time for you and your partner to see it.”
He sauntered away not giving her a chance to say anything further. Finally she turned to Sully. “Why are you doing this?”
“Helping?”
“Yes. I get it, you felt bad about your decision to not sell, but there is no need for all of this. I appreciat
e it, however, I feel indebted and I...”
“You don’t like owing anyone anything,” he finished for her. “Is that it, Elle? If something is to be done, you’ll work it out alone. Is that why you are working on this deal without your partner? You feel as if you let him down since you were the one to insist on my property.”
She was taken aback by his insight. “Not that it’s any of your business, but my partner is fully informed of each step I take on this project.”
“He’s called me four times. Still trying to change my mind. He did not mention our meeting today.”
“This is not fair. I don’t know what to say.” She blew out a breath. “I’ve changed my mind. Enjoy your ride.”
Just as she turned away, he moved to block her path. “I’m screwing this all up, aren’t I?”
“No...I mean, you’re being nice. I’m just overwhelmed. I have a lot of work to do.”
He looked down at her, making every nerve in her brain go haywire. “Relax, Elle. Things will work out. Although I may just frazzle you a bit more.”
“How?”
His fingers cupped her chin and he bent down to pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “Like this.” Once again his mouth covered hers and damn it if she didn’t respond by holding his shoulders. The kiss was perfect, not too demanding yet strong in conveying he wanted more if she allowed.
“Ugh,” she pulled away in hopes of restarting her brain. “Aren’t we here to ride horses?”
Not exactly the most intelligent question, but enough to make him take a step back. “This way. I’ve saddled two horses.”
She fell in step beside him when every instinct screamed she run to her car and leave. This was a bad idea. Every moment with him made her wish for more. Elle was woman enough to admit it. Something about the man, his assurance, the easy way he fit in different scenarios, from cowboy to suited up executive, to rugged biker, he made every thing sexy. Now in worn jeans, boots and a baseball cap, no one would guess him to be a rich businessman.
Montana Born and Bred Page 3