by Asha Daniels
His expression didn’t change.
“Mr. Marshall, I mean Richard, I’m not certain parties will make everything change, at least not right away. The other facilities are doing much more to attract guests.” She managed to tug the pad closer in her direction.
“I know. Any ideas will be appreciated. Anyway, we’re having an old-fashioned barbecue tonight and I have a few guests, old friends of mine, coming into town. I’ll introduce you around. I’m just hoping you’ll be able to jump start our little ranch. I want to leave a legacy to what family I have. You’re merely a guest tonight, so enjoy yourself.”
She nodded, a lump in her throat, able to tell just how much he cared about Lone Wolf. From what she’d seen of his brothers, she wasn’t certain they cared about the place at all. An idea flashed into her mind. “Why did you hire Savage, Toby and Josh?” Just the fact she’d dared ask him the question seemed to surprise him.
“Why?” Richard shifted from foot to foot. “I believe in fighting for people who’ve had a bad turn in their luck. I think Savage has a place here in the future. At least I’m hoping.” His smile was tight.
“Yes, sir. I understand.”
“Something else on your mind, Georgia?”
“Well, just a few ideas for the rooms. Everything is beautiful, but there are almost no feminine touches. The majority of vacations are planned by women. Maybe a few touches, flowers, more feminine items in the cabins and brochures sent to various businesses and other groups run exclusively by women might be a good idea.”
Richard smirked, rubbing his chin. “You know what? Those are fantastic ideas. I hadn’t really thought about the idea at all. You, my dear, are a godsend. I’ll get right on making some changes. Why don’t you work with Savage on a few brochures?”
“I will. That would be wonderful.”
When he walked away, she noticed how his shoulders slumped. Savage was right in his assumptions. There was much more to the story of the Lone Wolf Resort. After a full minute, she grabbed her things. Time to do more of an investigation on her own.
“You have that look on your face,” Jessica stated as she leaned over the kitchen counter, a wine glass in her hand.
“Just thoughts about the ranch,” Georgia answered as she grabbed her laptop.
“I heard there was some big party tonight. Shouldn’t you be getting ready for that?”
“I will, but I need to do some research.”
“Parties. How about a glass of wine and I’ll help you?”
Georgia wrung her hands, waiting for the computer to boot up. Whatever Richard was hiding involved Savage, maybe Toby and Josh. And the Senator. She was determined to find out what. “Wine, absolutely and the party isn’t for a couple of hours.”
“Okay. I know your tone as well, sugar. I also realize that you spent the night with some mighty fine cowboys.” Jessica laughed as she brought another glass and the wine bottle to the living room.
“Well…” When she’d left for work, Jessica was sleeping. “I enjoyed an evening. Yes.”
She sat down on the couch, remaining quiet as she poured Georgia a glass of wine.
Georgia glanced at her friend and seeing the pensive look on her face, she frowned. “What? You wanted me to enjoy my life and that’s what I’m doing.”
“Yeah, but I don’t think your choice of men is necessarily the right one.”
“Now, you too? I’m already sick to death of people treating them like second class citizens. They did their time for a crime that was more of an accident. Not only were they railroaded, but they’re being chastised. No fair and I’m not going to accept any crap from any man, woman or dog over this. My life and I get to choose who I spend time with. You, of all people, should understand that.”
Jessica shrank back. “Wow. That was impassioned, which means you really like these guys.”
She furrowed her brow and moved to the internet, typing in Richard’s name. “I do. They’re very sweet and kind, making certain I’m…” What were the words she could use?
“Interesting.”
“Meaning what? What do you want to tell me or maybe I should ask, what kind of stories did Shane fill you full of?” When her friend held back, Georgia almost snapped. “Just tell me. You don’t know Shane any better than I know Savage. Are you going to believe his word?”
“Georgia, don’t. I’m not trying to hurt you. Shane just mentioned that there is a back story regarding Savage. That’s all.”
“Yeah, the good ol’ deputy made certain I heard that Savage is a violent man. Well, I don’t buy it!” Her exclamation gave her the shakes. “I’m sorry, Jess. I’m not trying to take this out on you, but I’m a big girl. I might not know about the Wild West or how to be a social director, but I can smell a lying sack of shit a mile away.”
Jessica fiddled with her wine glass. “What if Savage does have another past? What if he killed someone else?”
“If you know something, then by all means let me know. Otherwise, I need your help.” She grabbed for her wine, almost knocking over the glass.
“What kind of help do you need?”
“Richard Marshall is hiding a story about his past. I think… No, I know it involves Savage. I need to find out what.”
Shaking her head, she sat back on the couch. “Oh, girl. Maybe you aren’t going to like what you find.”
“Maybe not, but I believe that Savage and the others were hired under false pretenses. I certainly won’t work for anyone who is a lying son of a bitch.”
“You’re making assumptions.”
“Yeah? Maybe so, but I’m determined to find out. So, help me. You’re the internet guru. Not me. There’s very little on Savage, but I want to know everything I can about Richard Marshall.”
“I’m not sure I like this,” Jessica mused.
Georgia gave her a heated look. “There’s a game being played, and my instinct is telling me that Savage has no idea what he’s gotten himself into. Just help me for an hour. If we don’t find anything, I’ll let it go. Okay?”
Wrinkling her nose, Jessica sucked in her breath before answering. “Fine. Give me the laptop. Let me see what I can find out.”
“Wonderful. Now, I don’t have to throw you out of the cabin.” As Jessica gave her a harsh look, a series of thoughts rushed into her mind. There were too many what ifs and if she was right about her intuition, then…
The sun was a bright orange hue, the scattered clouds and warm weather perfect for the event. Savage stood alone, a beer in his hand, staring at the mountains. He glanced at the pictures he’d taken of Georgia, tracing the line of her body with his finger.
“Those are damn good, some of the best I’ve ever seen. You have such an eye,” Josh stated, giving him an appreciative nod.
“They’re all right, I guess.” Even the way he’d captured the mountains was breathtaking.
Josh chuckled. “You’re so damn hard on yourself. They are absolutely stunning. I hope you’re going to show them to Richard.”
“Yeah, I guess.” He scanned the area near the lodge. There were dozens of people who’d already arrived for the big party, yet no sign of her.
“She’ll be here,” Josh stated as he flanked his friend’s side.
“She’s required to be here,” Savage answered, taking a swill of his beer.
“We’re all guests, at least according to what Richard said. Which means, disgruntled buddy of mine, that we can enjoy. You know, get down a little.”
He lifted his eyebrow as Josh did a little dance, moving in time to non-existent music. “Whatever you say.”
“There’s a lake close by. I heard the swimming is excellent this time of year. A little skinny dipping, my good friend?”
Savage rolled his eyes, remembering what John had said. “You planning on some form of seduction? In case you don’t remember, we enticed the girl already.”
Josh pressed his hand on Savage’s back. “We shared an amazing night together. Nothing more.”
&
nbsp; “You like her. I know you do.”
“What’s not to like? She’s perfect.”
“She’s not from around here. Georgia has a career in North Carolina. She’s leaving at the end of the summer.”
“So what? And what if she doesn’t?”
He turned toward his friend. Seeing the way Josh’s eyes flashed was almost heartbreaking. “She’s not going to take the pain away. You know that. I’m glad you’re ready to heal, but a few nights shared isn’t going to change anything.”
“Damn it, Savage. Georgia is doing a damn good job at this point reminding me that I’m not a total loser. Why can’t you just enjoy it? Why can’t you be happy for once in your damn life? Why? I get what happened to us. I understand that you’re taking every comment, every eye movement personally, but goddamn, Savage. Let it go. We have our freedom and our lives back.”
“Do we really?”
Josh lowered his head, hissing. “Fine. You live in the past. I’m more than ready to move on and so is Toby. If you don’t want to, then have it your way. You always did.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
He took a step away. “When we were kids, you were the dreamer, the one who wanted to experience everything. We followed along like sheep, but we loved every minute of your journey, which turned into ours. You had a lust for life. Now? It’s as if you’re waiting to die.”
The words hit Savage hard, creating a series of pulses in his heart. “It’s not just about being in prison.”
“I know. I get that, but you have to forgive yourself in order to move on. If you care about Georgia the way I think you do, then you need to tell her the entire story. That’s the only way you’re going to find peace.”
Swallowing hard, Savage could only nod. He knew the answer as well as the truth. He already cared about Georgia in a way he hadn’t anticipated. She was… Shit. He knew he was falling in love with her and only after a couple of days. What the hell was wrong with him? “I don’t know.”
“No time like the present.” Josh nodded as Georgia could be seen in the distance. “Can you see the way she’s looking at you? You have her heart. That’s easy to tell.”
He had no idea what to say or what to think. “If she learns what happened, she’ll believe what everyone else is telling her.”
“Not if you tell her first. Trust me for once in your damn life.”
He studied the lovely woman, the way the wind floated through her dress, her long hair. She seemed so innocent, so caring and she had no idea the kind of man she was dealing with.
“Go. Talk to her,” Josh encouraged.
Hissing, Savage nodded before taking another long pull on his beer, draining the bottle. He wanted to do the right thing for the first time in his life. “Maybe going to the lake isn’t a bad idea.”
“Now, we’re talking. I’ll call Toby.”
As Josh walked away, he held his breath. If Karma had allowed him to find Georgia, to let go of all the agony and the shit from under him, there was only one thing left for him to do.
End his pain forever.
Chapter 10
“You better get the hell out of town or I’ll expose you for what you are.”
Savage hissed, his grip on the phone tightening. “Who the fuck are you?” The mysterious voice was disguised, sounding more like a robot than a human. The unknown number had popped up, driving his curiosity. He turned around in a circle, scanning the arriving crowd. There were so many people, their footsteps and tires creating a thick layer of dust.
“Doesn’t matter who I am, but I know you and exactly who you are. Leave or you will pay the price, along with that sweet girl of yours.”
Rage pulsed into his veins, immediately giving him a severe headache. They were indeed being watched. He walked further away from anyone who could overhear. “Listen to me, you asshole. You don’t threaten me, if you know what’s good for you. I will hunt you down and when I find you, and I will, you will regret this call.” The cackling laughter on the other end of the line left him with a sickening feeling pooling in the pit of his stomach.
“Tick. Tock.”
Click…
“Damn it.” His fingers numb, he glared at the screen. What the hell was going on? His instinct told him the threat wasn’t based on the fact he’d been in prison. This was something else entirely.
“Hello, stranger,” Georgia said, her smile beguiling.
He grimaced and shoved his phone into his pocket, trying his best to calm his nerves. The sweet sound of her voice was enough to bring him down from the plateau. Turning around, he was unable to breathe. “Hello yourself. You look… beautiful,” Savage half whispered. The same electricity shot through his system, creating another wave of desire.
“Thank you, sweet cowboy. What you got there?” She narrowed her eyes. “Are you okay? You look flushed.”
“I’m fine. Just the heat. These are the pictures from up at the mountain.” He fingered the folder, all but forgotten given the fucking phone call, squinting as he glared into the waning sun. He’d bet the motherfucker was at the party watching. Waiting.
Georgia sashayed closer, her expression playful. “You wouldn’t even let me see them before.”
“I wanted to see if they were any good. That’s all.”
She beckoned, curling her fingers. “Come on, big boy.”
“Maybe later.” Before he knew it, she’d jerked the folder out of his hands, scampering away, her laughter floating into the wind.
Shaking his head, he placed his hands on his hips before darting after her, catching and almost knocking her to the ground. “You, are more than a handful.” He refused to allow anything to happen to her, no matter what he had to resort to.
She continued to laugh as she struggled to get away. “Stop complaining.”
A truck roared down the road, coming closer to them.
He let go of her arm, taking long strides toward the oncoming vehicle, his one hand clenched in a tight fist. “Remember our deal.”
“I know.” Georgia pulled his arm and waited until the vehicle passed before offering another mischievous smile. “The pictures. Can I see them?” She didn’t wait for his answer or approval. The second she opened the flap, she gasped. “Savage. These are…”
He found it difficult to look into her eyes. He’d been ready to beat the shit out of some approaching guest. Damn, he had to get control. Whoever was on the other end of the line was trying to get a reaction. Concentrate. Let it go for now. Kicking his boot into the dirt, he studied her expression. “We can do them again if you’d prefer. Just getting started.”
“Are you kidding me? They’re perfect, especially since I mentioned to Richard that he needs to attract more women.” Winking, she flipped through the pictures, her mouth opening wide when she moved to the group he’d taken of her. “Wow. I have no idea what to say. You are so talented.”
“You’re beautiful. That’s why the pictures turned out so well. I think I captured your essence.”
“No one has ever taken pictures of me this way,” she whispered, a crack in her voice. “I look so happy.”
“Maybe we can use them for the campaign.” Her last statement sounded so forlorn. What the hell could he give her in life? Threats? Innuendoes coming from all sides?
“I don’t know.”
He inched closer, daring to lift her chin with his finger. Damn anyone who tried to come between them. “You are gorgeous, Miss Taylor. You can model for me anytime.” When she remained quiet, he pulled his hand away. “You really gave Richard some ideas about Lone Wolf?”
“More than a few.” She brushed hair out of her eyes, her expression becoming serious. “Savage, I have to talk to you about something important. Alone.”
He understood the meaning. No Josh or Toby. “Okay. I need to tell you a few things as well. Do you want to go somewhere and talk?” This was going to be one of the most difficult things he’d had to do in a long time. They weren’t dating or com
mitted in any manner, yet he felt obligated to be one hundred percent truthful with her. He owed her at least the full story. Forced to hold back a hiss, he certainly wasn’t going to mention the call at this point.
“Yes, before the party. I can’t hold this back from you.” Her face was pinched, her lower lip trembling.
Hold back? Cupping her face, he exhaled as he formulated the conversation in his mind. “Georgia. There are aspects regarding my life that ain’t pretty.”
Another rumbling engine cut their conversation as the truck moved in their direction, stopping just in front of them.
Sighing, she turned toward the sound. “I guess our discussion is going to have to wait.”
Rolling down the window, Richard grinned sheepishly. “Howdy, you two. I know I mentioned no work for you guys during our celebration tonight, but I could use a little help. A couple of the staff didn’t show up. Figures. Another huge event and I can’t count on my own employees. Anyway, could use an extra hand or two. Maybe an hour. No more. You up for it?”
“Of course,” Georgia answered.
“Sure thing, Richard.” Savage couldn’t help but notice how tense she was.
“Fantastic. Meet me up at the lodge.” Richard tapped the side of his truck before taking off.
“We can talk later.” Savage shook his head and shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’ll find Toby and Josh. They sure as shit are going to help us.”
She tipped her head, her eyes darting back and forth. “Remember, Savage, I do care about you.”
There was a hidden meaning behind her few words and he had a terrible feeling whatever she was going to say would crush what was left of his spirit.