Texas Temptation

by Kathryn Brocato

“You had something on him, didn’t you? Were you blackmailing my father?”

  “You think I tried to blackmail your dad?” Becca’s face twisted in disbelief. She stepped closer, her voice rising. “Jack Cooper was a caring, decent man. Do you really think I—or anyone else in this town would have anything on him?” She motioned to the patrons around them. “Well, do you?”

  The crowd went silent, no doubt curious to hear his response.

  “There’s no way he would leave this huge responsibility to a college dropout who hasn’t worked a day of her life in a corporate office. That I know.”

  Becca stepped toward him, eyes blazing. If she came any closer he could easily scoop her up in his arms. Not that he even wanted to do that, but he could.

  “You can take your fancy clothes and your elite business degree and shove it. You’re not getting my shares.”

  Before he knew what was happening, she’d gone back to their table and grabbed the bowl of guacamole, dumping it over his head. “Maybe the better question is, why didn’t he leave you the shares?” She spun around, grabbed her smock, and marched out of the bar.

  Grayson closed his eyes, feeling the chunky dip drip down his face. He took the napkins Meg offered and reached for his wallet.

  “It’s on the house.” The waitress handed him more napkins. “You’ve had quite the night.” She leaned in. “I don’t know much when it comes to relationships, but if you’re going to woo her, you might not want to accuse her again of blackmailing your father. Just sayin’…”

  “Thanks for the advice.” He shook his head. How did this evening go so wrong? He should be calling his lawyer by now and celebrating his control of the company. He wiped the last bit of guacamole off his neck. Getting his shares back from this woman was going to be much harder than he’d thought.