“Someone’s getting access to the cattle, Mitch. I’m certain of it.”
Mitch set the phone down without dialing. “What are you saying?”
“Think about it. Several bulls getting sick within a short time of each other and the symptoms appear the same.”
Mitch leaned back in his chair, rubbing knuckles across his chin. “Let’s wait to hear what the doc says before thinking along those lines. The bulls could have come down with something different than Ghost Rider.”
“Maybe, but my gut is gnawing at me and that’s never a good sign.”
The phone rang three times before Mitch reached for it, holding up a hand for Sean to stay.
“Mitch, it’s Skye.”
“Where have you been? I expected to hear from you yesterday.”
“It’s good to hear from you, too, big brother. And yes, I’m fine, having a wonderful time in the beautiful Midwest. And how are things with you?”
“Knock it off, Skye. Give me some good news.”
“What’s going on?”
“Sean’s in my office. Moonshine and two other bulls came down sick.”
“The same as Ghost Rider?”
“We don’t know yet. Doc’s on her way. So, what have you learned?”
Skye held the phone between her ear and shoulder, juggling a soda as she pulled open her notes. “There isn’t as much as I’d hoped. My rodeo committee contacts aren’t talking other than vague information about Double Ace.”
“Tell me what you know. I’m putting you on speaker so Sean can hear.”
They heard a drawn out slurping sound, then the sounds of shuffling before Skye’s voice came through.
“Hey, Sean.”
“Skye. Tell us what you found out.”
“Double Ace is owned by a group out of Mexico and a couple of U.S. citizens. Big money and lots of layers. I haven’t been able to get names of owners or contacts. It’s all pretty strange as people who’d normally spill what they know aren’t talking. I did learn there are two men who represent the company to the committees across the country. Both ex-rodeo and well-known. One has been with Double Ace since they started. The other just came on a few months ago and is my main competition.”
“You got his name?” Sean asked.
“Garner. Matt Garner. Either of you know him?”
Sean looked at Mitch, who wore a blank expression
“Nope. Have you met him?” Mitch asked Skye.
“Not yet. At some point I’m sure we’ll connect. I did learn some committees are wary of them, but they have an obligation to take a serious look at their proposals because of the bottom line.”
“Did you get any firm numbers? How much less than us they’re coming in?” Sean leaned in closer to the speaker as the line began to cut in and out.
“No one’s talking percentages or dollars.”
“All right. We know they have deep pockets, two rodeo committee contacts—one named Matt Garner.” Mitch scratched on a legal pad as he spoke, shaking his head, then tossing the pen aside. “Not much.”
“I know. I’ll get more, it takes time. Has anyone heard from Pop?”
“Sean and I have a conference call with him every morning at seven o’clock. He sounds good. When will you be back?” Mitch continued to stare at the information on Double Ace. Nothing indicated how they operated or their pricing.
“End of the week.”
“She’s got a hot date,” Sean joked, smiling at Mitch.
“My dates are none of your business. Besides, he’s a nice guy. Well, I’ve got to run. I’ll call as soon as I learn more.”
******
Fire Mountain
“Have you made a decision?” Amber sat on the floor in Dana’s living room, resting her back against the sofa, sipping a glass of wine while sharing Chinese takeout.
“I’d be a fool if I didn’t take the offer, and you know it.” Dana dipped an egg roll in plum sauce then hot mustard before taking a bite. “This was your idea, right?”
“Yes and no. Heath came to me a few weeks ago about some vague plans to expand. I didn’t get any details, enough to get a picture of what he, Jace, and Rafe have planned and the expected revenue. He asked if I could continue as a one person department or would need help. I told him it would be difficult alone, but I could do it if needed. I mentioned your name as a suggestion. The next I knew he called me into a meeting with the brothers where they told me about their plans to make you an offer. So, I’m guessing your answer is yes.”
Dana’s broad smile held the answer. “I left a message with Jace tonight.” She topped off Amber’s glass, then her own.
“And the part about supporting the stock contracting companies?”
Her face lost none of its glow at the reminder. “It doesn’t matter to me which groups I work with, one is the same as another. Cam and I get along well, and I can handle Mitch.”
“If you say so.”
“I’m guessing it was your idea how to split up the work, so why are you so worried about it?” Dana grabbed another egg roll, taking a large bite.
“Actually, Heath made the decision. He felt it would be an easier transition since both companies deal with the same rodeos and prepare joint proposals. Their marketing needs are similar, even if they operate separately.”
“For now. I imagine at some point they’ll end up being combined into one group. I hear Cassie loves Cold Creek.”
“She likes anything that’s a challenge. Guess I’d better pick up Eric. He went over to Kade’s to watch a baseball game. Brooke’s out of town, so there’s no telling what trouble the two will get themselves into.”
“Heck, he could walk home if needed.” Heath and Jace built a series of cabins several years before, all furnished with two bedrooms, one bath, and a complete kitchen. Brooke and Kade lived in one, Eric and Amber in another, with Cam and Lainey using one when they came to Fire Mountain. Until he’d left, Mitch occupied a fourth cabin.
“True, he could and probably should. When do you start the new job?”
“I’ll be knocking on your door bright and early Monday morning.” She gave Amber a hug, waiting to go inside until Amber had slid inside Eric’s truck and started the engine.
Turning her back to the door, she leaned against it, thinking again of her new position. She’d given notice at her regular job as a part-time instructor at the community college. With no classes over the summer, the timing worked in her favor. Her other contract client needed her three to four hours a week, which she hoped to still handle with her new job.
Dana picked up the empty glasses and shoved the cork back into the almost empty bottle of wine. The excitement at the new opportunity both exhilarated and frightened her. She had no doubt about her abilities to work with Cam and Cassie. Mitch would be a challenge, yet one she welcomed. He would test her patience, yet as long as she kept her distance, stayed professional and remote, she had no doubt they’d work well together.
Yep, no doubt at all.
Chapter Four
Crooked Tree
“Long time no see, Mitch. Where have you been keeping yourself?”
Mitch glanced up from daydreaming into his beer to see Lizzie, a curvy, dark-haired beauty he’d shared numerous nights with over the years. He hadn’t seen her in a while—since about the time his father had dropped the news about Kade on the family. Turning from his spot at the bar, he rested his back and arms against it. Starting at her five-inch high heels, he let his gaze wander up her long, lean legs to her rounded hips and slim waist, then to what had first drawn his attention to her years before. His mouth quirked up at the memory as his eyes focused on hers.
“Lizzie.”
She looked around, not seeing a second drink, purse, or any indication he came with someone.
“Buy a girl a drink?” She settled onto a stool next to him, then turned, a smug smile on her face.
He turned back toward the bar, motioning to the bartender. “A Manhattan for the lady.�
��
She touched his arm, letting a finger trail up to his shoulder before dropping it to grasp the conical-shaped glass holding the deep red cocktail. “Are you going to tell me where you’ve been hiding? It’s been much too long.”
Mitch watched as she took a sip, dragging her tongue across her lips, soaking up every delicious taste of whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and cherry juice. His body tightened at the suggestive movements, knowing Lizzie did nothing without a purpose. Her intentions tonight held no mystery.
“I’ve been working out of town. Got back about a month ago.”
“And you haven’t called. Should I be insulted?”
“No insult. I’ve been busy.” He sipped his beer, deciding whether or not to take Lizzie up on her obvious offer of an evening together. “What about you? Any changes?”
She waved her hand back and forth as if her answer was unimportant. “Same ’ole stuff. Work and play.” Taking another sip of her Manhattan, she looked him over, then let her mouth curve into a seductive grin. “No one special in my life. And you?”
A bitter laugh escaped as he leaned forward, resting his arms on the bar. “I’ve got a lot of special people in my life. None I want to take to bed.”
As soon as the words were out, an image of Dana popped into his head—her red hair framing a face sprinkled with freckles and the brightest, bluest eyes he’d ever seen. She laughed at him or with him, he could never tell which. Mitch shook his head to clear it of the image. The one woman whose presence could set him on edge had to be the same woman who plagued his dreams. He blamed himself and his impulsive dare for her to kiss him goodbye.
Expecting Dana to turn him down flat, he’d been stunned when she’d reached up to place a kiss on his cheek. His taunt backfired when the touch of her lips set off an explosion of senses beyond anything he’d ever experienced. Pulling her close, kissing her until both lacked breath had been stupid, and still played with his head. He’d woken up more than one night, sheets soaked, with images of Dana, moist lips and glazed eyes, racing through his head. He had to get her out of there.
Before he could change his mind, Mitch finished his drink, nodded for her to do the same, then grabbed her hand. “Let’s get out of here.”
******
Fire Mountain
“Where is Kell taking you tonight?” Amber sat on the edge of Dana’s bed, watching her brush her hair then apply lip gloss.
“He didn’t say. Some place casual, which is never a problem for me.” She set the brush down, catching her lower lip between her teeth. “We always have a great time no matter what he plans. It’s just…”
“It’s just what?”
“He has everything I’d ever want, yet there’s something missing. I wish I knew what.”
“Maybe you need to give it time. It’s only been a few weeks.”
“True, and we see each other once, sometimes twice a week, and we’re often with others.” Dana stood, smoothed her top down over her tight jeans, and grabbed her purse. “Don’t pay any attention to me. I’m just being an idiot.”
Amber walked into the living room as someone knocked at the door. “Hey, Kell. Come on in, she’s almost ready.”
“I am ready.” Dana came out of the bedroom as if she had no doubts at all about the man a few feet away, watching her as if he couldn’t wait to get her alone. “Don’t you look nice,” she said. And he did—tight jeans, charcoal gray t-shirt stretched over well-honed muscles, and hair a little messy from the wind. “Where are we going?”
“I better take off. Good to see you, Kell.” Amber disappeared outside.
Kell took a few steps forward, stopping within a foot of Dana, and slid his hands down her arms, feeling the slight tremble.
“It’s a beautiful Saturday. I thought we could go to the batting cage, then stop at a new antique store in town before dinner. Sound good?” He grasped her hands, thumbs rubbing slow circles on her palms, his steel-gray eyes boring into hers.
Dana swayed at his touch and the sight of magnetic eyes turning a dark smoke color.
As if receiving a slap on the back of her head, Dana decided to let her inhibitions go and do what her body had been demanding for weeks—assuming he still wanted the same. From the look in his eyes and his closeness, she assumed he did. Clearing her throat, she stepped back, plastering a haughty smile on her face.
“Sounds great.”
“Afterwards, perhaps I can persuade you to come back here for coffee or a drink or…”
Kell’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he shot her a devastating grin. “I think I might be persuaded.”
The afternoon couldn’t have gone better. She loved practicing at the batting cage, taking all her stress out on those balls coming toward her at sixty miles per hour. They rotated, each taking a break while the other batted. Kell kept his speed at seventy, a good speed for someone who’d played high school and college ball but had been away from the game for years.
“How come you didn’t try out for the pros?” Dana asked as she replaced him in the batter’s box.
“Who says I didn’t?”
Dana stopped, letting the bat rest at her side. “Really? You tried out?”
He chuckled, although his eyes remained serious. “I did. Other life events got in the way and it seemed more appropriate to go straight into law school. I’d always planned to be a lawyer, and besides, I knew my talents weren’t quite strong enough for a major league career. It was a good decision.”
She stared at him a moment longer before taking her spot in the box and swinging at the oncoming balls, reminding herself to ask him more about those life-changing events.
The new antique store Kell took her to turned out to be a refurbished warehouse loaded with merchandise from over forty vendors. Furniture, glassware, artwork, and all kinds of memorabilia adorned the space which spanned three levels.
“Look at this.” Dana picked up a lamp from the early nineteen hundreds. “I swear my grandmother had one just like this. A pair of them, actually.” She turned it over, noting the four hundred dollar price. “I wonder if they negotiate,” she snorted before putting it down.
“My guess is everything in here is negotiable. We can talk to the woman at the front counter if you want, see what can be done.”
“Nah. With the motorcycle payment and my horse, I can’t fit one more item in my budget. It’s nice to look, though. What do you have there?” She nodded toward a doll he had dangling from one hand.
“Nothing special. A doll I thought my daughter might like.”
Dana’s eyes grew wide. “You have a daughter? How come you’ve never mentioned her?”
He shrugged, picking up a book on one of the displays and thumbing through it. “It never came up. If you’re done, I’ll pay for this and explain it all over dinner.”
They walked to an Italian restaurant a few doors down where he’d taken her before. It happened to be one of her favorites, where they served her enough to take home for leftovers. She vacillated between the pesto on angel hair pasta and the lasagna with sausage, finally settling on the lasagna. Kell’s grin told her he’d decided on his usual osso buco.
She grabbed a piece of bruschetta, nibbling on it while she waited. After a few minutes of casual talk, she finished the bread and leaned forward.
“Tell me about your daughter.”
Kell took a sip of wine, staring at the red liquid a few moments.
“Emma. She’s four. That’s why I moved to Fire Mountain. Her mother and I divorced a couple years ago, and she followed her boyfriend here. I didn’t want to miss seeing Emma grow up. The prosecutor position became available at the perfect time, so I jumped on it.”
They remained silent as the waiter set down their meals, each taking a few bites before Dana spoke.
“When were you planning to tell me about Emma?”
“Tonight. When you mentioned going back to your place, I realized you needed to know before our relationship went any further. Nothing in t
he world matters to me more than Emma. Maybe I’ll remarry someday, maybe not, but Emma will always be a huge part of whatever I do.”
She took another bite, chewing slowly. Dana loved children, always had, and hoped to have a few of her own, as in more than two. Right now, with her new job and the need to travel almost every week, the timing couldn’t be worse.
“By the look on your face I can see this is a game changer for us.” Kell sat back, crossing his arms. The last two years had been rough with the divorce, custody issues, and leaving a job he loved in the valley to follow his ex to Fire Mountain. Then he’d met Dana. Her uninhibited, frank manner captivated him from the first time he saw her. He still didn’t know if it would turn in to love, at least the kind that would last, but he wanted the chance to find out.
“It’s not about Emma. I like kids and want some of my own someday.”
“Just not someone else’s.” He reached out and grabbed his glass of wine, swallowing what remained.
“I didn’t say that, Kell. And honestly, I believe I’d have no issue being a stepmother. It’s just…well, right now, the timing couldn’t be worse. My new job requires travel to Montana and Colorado, and I just learned yesterday I may be supporting another group located in Texas. Heath’s already broadening the scope of marketing work and I’m running as fast as possible to keep up.”
“There’s no denying it’s a great opportunity for you.” He split the remaining wine between her glass and his. “You know, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You like kids, I like having you around. We could stop seeing each other, or we can continue as friends. Maybe you could join Emma and me once in a while, and the two of us could still meet for lunch or dinner, or—”
“Hit baseballs, go on hikes, rock climb.” Dana smiled, thinking it a terrific idea, even if it did mean tucking her lust away for another time, and perhaps a different man.
He reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “Good. I like you too much to think about never seeing you again.” Letting go, he sat back, and smiled. “Besides, I want to learn what happens to Dana Ballard and her adventures at Maclaren Enterprises.”
Hearts Don't Lie Page 4