by Reece Butler
Sam set his hands on his hips and dropped his head. He sighed, then looked out at the pounding rain. “Yeah, I care about her, too. Too much. That’s why I can’t keep her.”
“You care about her, so you want her to leave? Do you know how stupid that is?”
“It’s for her own good. You saw how well she organized everything. She’s got an MBA for God’s sake! She doesn’t want to hang around this two-bit town wasting all that education and talent.”
Trey crossed his arms, tilted his head, and pursed his lips. He looked as if he’d eaten too many beans around the campfire.
“You know what’s going on in her brain so you’ll decide her life for her. How generous of you.” His face hardened. “Did you ask if she was interested in working here?”
“You mean like balancing the ranch books? That takes maybe an hour a week.”
“There’s other jobs. I bet Tom would hire her.”
“In the restaurant?”
“No, Katie could help Tom with that company that doesn’t exist. She’s a whiz at computers, and the last week proved her logistics skills. With her self-defense training she could even be an agent. Not that Tom has such a thing.”
No one was sure what Tom’s company did. He’d said he specialized in reorganizing closets. Some people had skeletons in them which needed to be exposed. Others needed to find a refuge so they, or their families, stayed alive. The thought of Tom putting Katie in danger made his balls constrict.
“Katie is not going to work for Tom,” he said between clenched teeth. “She is going to find a nice, comfortable job in an office. She’ll find a man with a desk job and have two point three children, and be content.”
Trey shook his head. “We don’t want to settle with contentment, and neither does Katie. We want a woman who’ll push back, make us laugh, and scream our names as she climaxes. The perfect woman is right here, but you won’t look past your own fear.” Trey pushed past him out into the rain. Because he wore no coat he was immediately soaked to the skin. “I’d feel sorry for you, but your refusal to accept Katie means I won’t have her, either. Think about that, big brother.”
Sam’s hunger was gone, replaced by a gut full of bile.
Trey was right. Katie upset made him feel things that scared the hell out of him. He’d faced his father’s demons and survived. Could he face the terror of letting Katie into his heart, and maybe losing her?
Chapter Twenty-Four
Katie watched out the window as Sam and Trey stomped off to their pickups. They were both going to the Gibson ranch, though Sam was going to the Bitterroot first, to pick up Hunter Jones and Dax Smith. She didn’t follow football, but it seemed both of them were somewhat famous. Dax was six foot seven, an intense man who, the time he smiled, was intriguingly handsome. Hunter was almost as big, though his smiles were more easily given. If she hadn’t fallen for a pair of Elliott brothers she might have been attracted to them.
Sam and Trey hadn’t said a word to each other since they came from the barn except for “pass the biscuits,” and “more coffee, please.” Katie wasn’t sure they’d speak at all if she wasn’t there. They’d woken happy, but something had happened between them waking with her, and coming in for breakfast. Trey had been friendly, giving her a hug and nibbling her ear before sitting. That made Sam scowl even more, so of course Trey had to do it again before he left. That made her pussy purr. Unfortunately, they’d left before doing anything about it.
Katie didn’t know what Sam’s problem was but she had something more important on her mind. She was not going to make her Wednesday morning appointment. If Gran was gone and Walter was in charge, she might be out of a job. The office didn’t open until eight so she cleaned the kitchen. As there was still time to wait, she made an inventory list of the pantry and what she needed. At three minutes past eight she lifted the heavy black rotary phone on the office desk. It took forever to dial. Walter had one just like it, though he kept it because he didn’t like change even if it made things easier for his staff.
“Winterbourne Fine Furniture. How may I direct your call?”
“This is Katherine Winterbourne. Please put me through to the CEO’s office.”
The friendly voice turned cold. “The office is not open until nine. Would you care to leave a message?”
“Nine? My grandmother was always at her desk by seven-thirty.”
“Mrs. Hildegard Winterbourne is no longer part of this company. How may I direct your call?”
“I want to know what happened to my grandmother.”
“Let me check if someone is available to speak with you.”
Katie translated that as whether the receptionist could find someone who’d bother to take her call.
“Ms. Abigail Thornton will speak with you.”
Abigail had worked for her grandmother for the last five years. As Katie was far too low to have a reason for her to meet the CEO, they hadn’t met except at official functions. She hoped Abby knew about her assignment, and that she was close enough to Gran to know the truth.
“Ms. Thornton? It’s Katie. What’s up with all this?”
“Good morning, Ms. Katherine. How may I help you?”
“Ah, someone is listening in. Are her ears twitching?”
“Yes, Mrs. Winterbourne decided to retire, as she has not been well for some time.”
“Do you know where she is?”
“No, Ms. Katherine, your appointment with Mister Walter is at ten on Wednesday, not today. Are you calling to confirm?”
“Gran knew I wouldn’t be able to make the appointment, and she approved.”
“I shall notify Mister Walter that you are unable to make the appointment.”
“Can you push it back a week?”
“No, Ms. Katherine. I do not have the authority to reschedule Mister Walter's appointments.”
“Are you being laid off?”
“That is correct.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Or are you happy to retire?”
“Yes, thank you for your concern. Mrs. Winterbourne will be able to take care of her health now that she’s no longer stressed by the duties of her position.”
“You mean swimming in a shark tank.” Abby made a noise that could have been a laugh and changed into a cough. “Thank you. I guess I’ll be unemployed as soon as Walter finds out I won’t make his meeting.”
“I expect you are correct. Is there anything else I can do for you, Ms. Katherine?”
“No, thank you. Gran really enjoyed having you work with her.”
“Thank you, Ms. Katherine. You have a nice day now.”
Katie hung up the near-antique phone. She set her elbows on the sturdy old desk and dropped her head on her hands. If Gran’s closest employee didn’t know where she was, nobody did. She decided to think positive. Gran had escaped. She knew Katie’s e-mail, and would contact her when she could. As soon as the haying was over, Katie would rewrite her resume and send it out. She’d find a position as far as possible from her relatives.
As for Sam and Trey…her intentions toward them had to do with temporary lust. That was all. Yes, she enjoyed their company, but she would not lose her heart to someone who wanted her to find him another woman to marry!
“And on that topic, I’d better set up an account for Sam to view these amazing women he insists are out there.”
She could set up the account incorrectly so that the wrong type of woman would apply, but that wasn’t her way. She’d had enough of passive aggression from her family. She would not impose it on people she cared about. It was just as well that she’d be fired. She could not go back to working with her shoulders hunched, waiting for a blow. Not a physical one. They healed far faster than the verbal attacks and silent looks snubbing her.
She turned on the computer. While it warmed up she thought of potential ad titles for Sam. A good one was required to hook the right person.
Have Tractor, Need Plowing.
She snorted a laugh. Actually, it wa
sn’t that bad. If they wanted an intelligent wife who enjoyed their sense of humor it could work. Trey had that humor, but she wasn’t sure about Sam. If all he wanted was to plow someone, he already had that with her. A bitter arrow pierced her heart. That’s all it is, just a temporary fling to ease their mutual lust. Nothing else is intended by it.
“Cowboy duo seeks tolerant wife. Must enjoy ranching and lots of kinky sex.”
The old desktop computer finally opened the Internet window. She logged into her e-mail, hoping for something from Gran. There was one message.
I’m sorry I stole your pack.
“I’m sorry, too, buddy-boy!” Her fury rose as she hid the key to show the message.
I’m not a thief, but you talked like a smart woman who could find a job easy. I’ve never taken nothing before. I was on the road with your pack over my arm and the bus pulling away before I realized I had it. That is not a lie. I don’t know why I did it, but I did.
Your granola bars were the first food I ate in days. I’m not telling a sob story. It’s true. My wife and children thank you because they’re not hungry now. After the harvest I’ll send you a check to wherever you want the money. I’m going to put my name and address in here. You can call the police and have me arrested but I hope you don’t. I never done nothing like this before. I’d go without, but I couldn’t face my little girl being hungry. I used my last dollar to buy a lottery ticket. It wasn’t enough for a coffee. If I win something I’ll give you half. Thank you for saving us. I’m using the library computer so won’t be able to check for messages. May God bless. Bill Saunders.
Katie dropped her head back, slumping in the chair. Tears leaked onto her cheeks. Oh, God, that poor man! Her hand dropped to her belly. If she ever was blessed with a child she would do anything to save her baby. Knowing she’d helped them, even inadvertently, made her heart ache.
“Well, Bill Saunders, I won’t be setting the police on you. If you hadn’t stolen my pack I wouldn’t have gone anywhere near Climax.” She hoped to get the money back, but he was right. Five hundred dollars would not make or break her, not with her salary accumulating in her bank account back home.
She wiped her eyes and blew her nose. She clicked out of the e-mail program and searched for dating sites aimed at rural folk. It didn’t take long to find Farm And Ranch Matrimony.
“At least they’re saying it’s aimed at weddings, not booty calls.”
Photos showed happy couples in jeans with their arms around each other and land in the background. None of the women wore obvious makeup. Their teeth were not capped to be even and bright white, and they were dressed to work. They looked far more relaxed than any of her aunts and uncles. In fact, they reminded her of Sam’s relatives, laughing and joking while they worked hard.
And that was another thing. While the valley women had joked about their husbands and sons they did it without catty comments. There was a lot of friendly affection and love shown, with more laughs at themselves and each other.
No wonder Sam wanted to use this site. He’d find a wife who cared more about him than what the neighbors thought of her new hairdo. She took another look at the pictures, clicking through. The ads were honest and the pictures blunt. According to city standards, many of them could lose weight. But would it make them happy? She doubted it.
She set to work with a new appreciation. She would find Sam and Trey a caring woman who would love working hard under an open blue sky and love being married to such wonderful men. Finding such a woman would be her gift to them.
She filled out an application in Sam’s name and printed it out. She’d have him go over it to make sure she got it right. Just in case, she checked on her e-mail again. She didn’t recognize the name but the subject line was, Don’t worry, I’m safe.
“Oh, thank God!”
Have borrowed a friend’s computer to say all is well. Yes, I’m gone, but I’m certainly not dead! Some years back, working through a private company, I purchased the excess inventory that your Mr. Adams is interested in. I own a few portions of the company that Walter considers part of his kingdom.
“No wonder Gran told me to keep my results to myself. ”
I need someone to manage this company. It won’t take much of your time as it’s so small and you are so very well organized. Are you interested? I assume you will not be going back to work for Walter. Think about it for a few weeks. Am I right to assume you’ll be safe where you are until you find other employment? Please don’t reply to this e-mail as I just wanted to let you know I was fine. I’ll set up a new account once I’m settled. The doctor was right. I feel twenty years younger away from the office. Will be in touch, much love, Gran.
She slumped back in the chair. The clock said it was ten past nine.
“One down, one to go.”
Katie phoned in again. This time the receptionist sent her call to Walter’s new assistant, her cousin Matilda. There was no hiding the glee in Matilda’s voice when she refused to put Katie through to her father. The word had already been spread about Katie not making her appointment.
“I regret to inform you that, as you did not complete your assignment as instructed, your contract has been terminated, effective January first of this year.”
Katie choked. “Excuse me? You backdated my termination?”
“Any salary that has been deposited in your account has been recovered. As you were not an employee during the last six months, and the house belongs to the Winterbourne Company, you will be charged six months’ rent.”
Katie rubbed her suddenly pounding head with her free hand.
“Rent, Matilda? I was forced to live with my parents in that compound and never paid rent.”
“Your father chose to cover the cost of your room. He stopped that in January. Now that you have been notified, I will be removing the rent payments from your bank account.”
The keyboard clicking was a death knell to her plans. She’d counted on living on her wages and letting her salary, small that it was, accumulate while she was gone to give her a cushion on her return. With no income, plus the cost of rent, that stolen five hundred dollars meant far more to her. Everyone in the family had company bank accounts rather than using an outside bank. It was required. You were not supposed to take the money out and put it somewhere else. All part of the unwritten rules.
“Would you perhaps have my bank account information in front of you?” she asked so sweetly it made her teeth hurt.
“Let’s see. You have one thousand, four hundred and twenty-three dollars and seven cents. That’s before any bank fees. And, of course, you will continue to pay rent until your room is emptied. Will you be cleaning out the room in person, or paying someone to pack and ship whatever is there?”
“This is ridiculous! There are four empty bedrooms in that house. Whatever is in my closet does not affect the company in any way.”
“This was all spelled out in the contract, Katherine. If you’d read it, you would be aware.”
“What contract? I was given verbal instructions by the CEO.”
“Which you did not confirm with Mr. Walter Winterbourne. Nor did you provide a forwarding address, which is a strict company policy.”
“My assignment required me to move from town to town. I did not have a forwarding address.”
Matilda gave a scornful sniff. “Ignorance of the information contained within a contract is not an excuse.”
Katie was not a violent person. At least, she hadn’t been until this moment. If Matilda was in front of her Katie might have done something horrid, such as thrown the items on her cousin’s neatly organized desk all over the room. Instead, she counted to ten and put a wide crocodile smile on her face. Walter had been a nasty bully and had grown into an arrogant troll who now had the power he’d been craving all his life. Matilda was far taller than herself, and loved to wear heels and stare down her nose. Katie had never been one to lick Walter’s boots—or her cousin’s four-inch red stilettos— and she was n
ot going to start now.
“Congratulations, Matilda. You are now free of me. I don’t know what you had against me but I won’t stand in your way. I hope you enjoy your life as a spiteful, cold, lonely, bitter woman.”
Her cousin sputtered in outrage but Katie wasn’t finished. She wasn’t the only one who’d kept track of comments overheard when no one knew she was there. Matilda had often bemoaned the lack of tall, physically strong men in town. She had a thing for working men, especially cowboys and oilfield roughnecks. Katie had heard whispers that Matilda wanted to try more than one man at a time.
“Well, I’d best let you go, Matilda. My lovers, both six-foot-plus, muscular, handsome cowboys, will be home soon. They gave me so many orgasms last night that I lost count. It makes me so hot when one of them crooks his finger at me while the other whispers what they’re going to do with me next.”
She paused while Matilda gasped and squawked.
“Oh, is that TMI? So sorry.” Katie giggled. “I won’t need those stuffy suits. My men like me in loose dresses without panties. That way they can easily lift me, spread my legs and—”
Matilda gave a growl before slamming the phone down.
Katie’s satisfaction from infuriating her cousin didn’t last long. Though she’d made light of not needing her career suits, she couldn’t look for a management position without appropriate clothing. Either she had to get home and face them while she packed her things, or she had to arrange for a service to do it.
It had been her dream to have responsibility for her own department, some small corner of the company where she could make a difference. She’d have to start over somewhere else and hope she would one day have an opportunity. Managing Gran’s company might take a day a week, max. She needed full-time employment.
She’d lost her home and family, and had few material goods. Yet, what had she really lost?
Other than her grandmother, her family hadn’t cared for her. The company house was a place she’d avoided as much as possible, getting far more return by helping people to learn to read, or find a job and a place to live in dignity. They cared about her. So did the injured vets she’d guided through stacks of confusing, contradicting paperwork to get benefits to re-establish their lives. The sense of satisfaction she’d found by using the system to help good people in need helped her survive the toxic atmosphere she had to return to each night.