by Jane Jamison
“I’m not sure she meant the plaque.” Clint had no doubt she hadn’t come to town to participate in a local shooting match. She was there for more important business.
“Then what’s she talking about?” Hale hung his thumbs on his jeans’ pockets.
“I don’t know, but I damn sure want to find out.” He waited until the sedan was throwing up dirt behind the rear wheels. “Come on, guys. I’m still buying.”
* * * *
“At least the scenery is nice.” Raven Ronnell kept her phone to her ear and resisted the urge to check out the men again through the tinted back window of the car. Most of them were handsome, virile-looking cowboys who made the three-piece suited guys in the office pale—both literally and figuratively—in comparison. The men of Garner worked outdoors and sported tans and calluses. Paper-pushing and conference calls weren’t the way they made a living.
She hated to think she was the type of woman who got turned on by a good ass in a pair of worn jeans. Still, it was damn hard to resist the masculinity cowboys oozed.
“What’s that mean?” Kristin Montgomery, her best friend, was Raven’s complete opposite.
While Raven was driven to succeed and was a Type-A personality, Kristin was laid back and didn’t stress about anything. She was a self-confessed procrastinator, which drove Raven, with her “get it done yesterday” attitude, crazy. Kristin was a great person, a loyal friend, and one of the few people who weren’t impressed by Raven’s father’s wealth and power. In fact, she often tried to persuade Raven to forget about impressing her father and begin thinking about finding a man to love and starting a family.
Ronald Ronnell was a tycoon, known around the world for his ruthless, take-no-prisoner style. Ronnell Enterprises’ subsidiary, Ronnell Real Estate, did eighty percent of their business acquiring properties for retail developments. Raven was a high-ranking employee of Ronnell Real Estate. She loved buying land, homes, companies, then turning them for a hefty profit.
“I’m talking about the country. After living in the city for so long, it’s nice to get out of town. It’s pretty country.” If she told Kristin she really meant the men, she’d never hear the end of it. More and more, her friend kept trying to get her to work less and play more.
“Uh-huh. Houston isn’t exactly New York, you know.”
“But it’s still a city.” She yearned for her childhood when she could visit her uncle’s ranch outside Austin. Riding horses was a passion she hadn’t indulged in a long time.
“And what about the people of Garner? Have you met any of them?”
“A few.”
Raven nodded her thanks to her driver, Richard Gazinski, then slipped into the car. Her father didn’t like her showing up in a car with a driver. He’d rather she drive a Jeep and hide the fact that she was there to buy land that would go to build the biggest, baddest outlet shopping mall in the entire country. But she wasn’t the type to pretend to be something she wasn’t. Her father would have to let her do things her way. It was just one small way of defying him.
“What are they like?”
“Oh, you know. Small town, small minds.” Remembering the reaction of the men when she’d shown up and dared the winner to shoot against her brought a smile to her face. “They didn’t expect a woman to knock their local hero off his throne.”
“Aw, hell, Raven. What did you do?”
“I entered a little shooting competition, that’s all. It’s not like I ran down Main Street butt-naked.”
“Uh-huh. But a local shot against a world-class markswoman? It hardly seems fair.”
“Hey, what happened to telling me to have more fun?”
“I meant with a man. Not by showing him up. Hell, most guys would feel like you’d cut off their balls.”
“Not this guy. I don’t think it’ll take long for him to get over the loss. From the looks of him, he has a good set of balls on him.” Clint Yager hadn’t seemed all that put-out. More interested than annoyed or embarrassed.
“A confident guy, huh?”
“I’d say so.” She caught Richard’s gaze in the rearview mirror. He wanted to talk but wouldn’t interrupt her.
“Is he hot, too?”
Yeah. And his brother was sexy, too. She’d had a little sexual fun while on business ventures before, but had always kept her feelings locked up, safe and sound. Should she mix pleasure with business this time, too? “I’m not here to check out the local talent.”
“I figured as much. Did you tell them why you’re there?”
“They’ll find out soon enough. Hey, I’ve got to go. I still haven’t checked into a hotel.”
“Okay, but keep me posted.”
“Will do, boss.” She chuckled and ended the call. “What’s on your mind, Richard?”
He gave her one of his trademarked irritated looks. Richard was more like a friend than her hired driver. As such, he felt he could speak his mind. Most of the time, she liked it.
“I’ve been trying to tell you since we left Houston.”
She tried to remember, but came up empty. More than likely, she’d been on her phone or working on her computer, too deep in thought to pay attention. “Tell me what?”
“Are you listening this time?”
Her father would’ve fired him for speaking that way, but she didn’t mind. His candor had helped her in the past. “Yes. I’m listening.”
“Garner doesn’t have any hotels.”
She frowned. She’d assumed any town would have at least one place for visitors to spend the night. “How about a bed and breakfast?”
“Nope.”
“Damn it, Richard. Why didn’t you say so before we got here?”
“I did. You didn’t listen.”
She studied him. His not making her aware about the lack of hotels didn’t make sense. He should’ve made her listen. But then again, she should’ve made sure the accommodations had been arranged. Miriam Takken, her assistant, usually handled hotel arrangements, but the young woman had taken off work unexpectedly after her mother had gone into the hospital.
“Then where are we going to stay?”
As she guessed, he already had a plan in mind. “Well, we could drive an hour back to Garner every day or…”
“Or what?” She hated to waste time commuting.
“I have family in the area. My sister lives in the nearby town of Whistler. It’s only about twenty minutes outside Garner.”
“And?” She wasn’t sure what he was getting at.
“I took the liberty of calling her and asking her if we could stay with her. She said she has plenty of room what with her oldest being off to college. I’d sleep on the couch in the basement, and you’d get Chesler’s room with its own bath.”
“Stay with your family? Oh, I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to intrude.” Not wanting to be a nuisance ran two ways. She didn’t want to interrupt his sister’s life, but she also needed a quiet place to work. Besides, she was used to better accommodations, including room and maid service. Still, she didn’t want to insult him or his sister.
“It wouldn’t be any bother. May loves having company. She’d invite the world to stay with her, if she could.”
“I didn’t even know you had a sister.”
His warm smile spoke of his love for his family. “Actually, I have six siblings. Two brothers and four sisters, most of them older than me. May’s the first-born and kind of treats everyone younger like one of her kids. Don’t take it personally if she treats you the same way.”
“She sounds great, but I wouldn’t want to be an imposition.” How could she decline his offer without insulting him? “Are you sure there’s nowhere else close by?”
“I’m positive.” He gave her a knowing look. “Seriously, Raven. This is the best you’re going to do.”
Her father would have a fit hearing an employer call her by her first name, but she liked it. Aside from Kristin, she didn’t have close friends. Work took up most of her time. But to stay with R
ichard’s sister was pushing it.
Still, what choice did she have? If things went the way they should, she wouldn’t have to stay long anyway. “Okay. I guess we’re staying with May.”
His grin widened. “Good because we’re almost there.”
Leave it to Richard to know how she’d answer. “You’re pretty sneaky. Are you sure you don’t want a job with my father?”
“No, thanks. I’m happy as a driver.”
* * * *
Hale poured another round from the pitcher where he sat with his brother as well as Mitch, Wy, Jarrod, and Seth at a round table in the bar. They always continued the tradition of a celebratory drink after the shooting competition, no matter who won. But this was the first time the winner wasn’t one of them.
“How do I know the name Ronnell?” He nodded at Clint. He’d bet anything that his brother had wondered the same thing.
“Beats me.”
“Ronnell Enterprises.” Mitch downed the rest of his drink then motioned for Hale to fill his glass again. “It’s a big corporation that deals in everything from pharmaceuticals to real estate.”
“Shit. You’re right. And this Raven Ronnell girl? Think she’s related?” Woman was more like it. The first thing to catch his attention had been her body, of course. Wasn’t that the way for most men? While her chest wasn’t as large as he liked them, her going-away walk more than made up for it. Although the woman had a small frame, she had booty, and damn, how he liked booty.
“Yep.” Jarrod scrolled through his phone. “She sure is.”
“Damn. Beauty, brains, and money.” Wy let out a low whistle. “She’s got it all. Including winning our shooting match.”
Hale popped a handful of nuts from the bowl in the center of the table. “Better not let Chey hear you talk about another woman that way. She’ll get a scalpel and carve your mouth right out of you.”
He was joking, of course. The gorgeous doctor who’d thrown a lasso over Wy and Mitch Wilson was as kindhearted as they came. She’d rather cut off her arm than hurt anyone.
“Hey, Chey’s my woman, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good-looking girl when I see one. I’m all eyes and no hands. Besides, this Ronnell girl doesn’t hold a candle to Chey.”
“Amen to that.” Mitch lifted his glass and clinked it to Wy’s.
Jealousy ripped into Hale. He was happy for his friends, but how much longer would he and Clint have to wait before they found the woman of their dreams? Not that he’d ever say as much. If he did, the guys would razz him for days.
Clint caught his attention with quick look. A look saying he’d argue the point with Wy and Mitch if he thought he could change their minds. “She’s got the looks, all right. Sexy and womanly all rolled up into a tiny little package.”
He grinned, happy to know Clint’s mind ran along the same lines as his. “Amen to that, man. From the sound of her, she’s got brains to go along with it all.”
Jarrod cleared his throat. “Yeah, yeah. She’s a looker, for sure. Not as hot as Amy, but then again, what woman is?”
“Aw, come one, guys.” He started to go on, but Clint was right. What was the point? Jarrod and Seth loved their wife, Amy, just as much as the other men adored their woman.
“Anyway, it says here that she’s the daughter of the big man himself. She’s not only his daughter, but she works for him, too. In the real estate part. Primarily acquisitions.”
“Then what’s she doing here?” Hale had a hard rock forming in the pit of his stomach, already having found a good answer. The only reason a real estate mogul had for being in Garner was easy to figure out. She wanted to buy land.
Seth had his phone out, searching for information, too. “The land they buy gets developed, usually for retail chains, malls, or office buildings.”
“In Garner? Why would they want anything like that in a small town?” Hale leaned back in his chair. Unlike Clint, whose jaw was busy clenching and unclenching, he could pretend he wasn’t concerned. But that was all it was. Only a pretense. Again, he had the answer before it was given by one of the other men.
“Once they get done with the development, the small town either withers away or gets run over by other companies. Pretty soon the town’s replaced with more shopping malls and tract housing. The big box stores and other companies move in.” Seth dropped his phone on the table, obviously as disturbed as Clint was. “Damn it. She wants to take our paradise and turn it into a parking lot.”
“Same thing happened to Warner’s Creek,” mumbled Wy.
“Warner’s Creek? Where’s that?” Hale tried to think. He knew the name but couldn’t remember anything more about it.
“My point exactly.” Wy took another long drag. “Warner’s Creek is now called Warner. After Big Business got its way, the creek was gone and so were the ranches. Those folks that sold out bought places farther away.”
“And those who didn’t sell out?” Hale filled his glass again. The celebration for the match was long forgotten. Instead, their time at the bar was turning into a wake.
“Most of them tried to stick it out and ended up selling anyway. For less money.”
Hale and the others shifted toward the older man at the next table. Charlie Zucker wouldn’t win an award for being the friendliest neighbor, but he was part of their small community. As such, they put up with his continuous foul mood.
Charlie downed a shot of whiskey. “Either that or they stuck it out and got surrounded. Now they’re stuck in the middle of all that shit and wishing they would’ve taken the deal Ronnell offered.”
“That won’t happen here.” Did his voice sound as hollow as it did to his own ears?
Charlie stood, scraping his chair along the worn hardwood floor. He snatched up his bottle. “Don’t bet on it.”
“What are you talking about, Charlie?” Mitch’s tone was hard, accusing. “Is that why you were visiting Martin Herant yesterday?”
Martin Herant was the part-time banker and real estate agent for Garner and the several small towns surrounding it. Not that Garner had a real bank, but Martin was the one who handled most ranchers’ books and facilitated the often-necessary loans from the banks in Dallas.
“You were in to see Martin?” Hale didn’t want to jump the gun, but after what Charlie had said, it was difficult not to.
“What I do or don’t do is none of your damn business,” growled Charlie.
Which was the same as telling everyone exactly what was going on. Charlie was selling his place. “Are you planning on moving out?” Hale stared at his neighbor. Even if Charlie was an old fart and often hard to deal with, he’d hate to see him move. He kept his land and his stock in good shape and was ready to lend a hand—albeit a grudging one—to help others out.
Charlie lifted the bottle to his lips and clamped his beat-up cowboy hat low on his head. “Y’all will find out soon enough.”
The group watched as Charlie weaved his way out the door. Although driving after a few beers wasn’t unusual for most people who lived in a small town, they would’ve stopped him from getting behind the wheel. Except for one thing. Charlie always dropped his keys then passed out when he bent over to retrieve them.
“Maybe we should keep him conscious long enough to get a real answer.” Clint pushed back his chair but didn’t get up.
“Nah. He’s more stubborn than a dog tracking a fox. He’s not talking.” Hale didn’t like it any better than the rest of them. “We can check with Martin tomorrow.”
Chapter Two
Raven grew more irritated by the minute. Martin Herant was doing his best to get Charlie Zucker to change his mind. Thankfully, she was working just as hard to make sure the rancher signed on the dotted line, selling his ranch to her.
“Are you sure, Charlie? You know what might happen. Maybe you want to think on this a while longer. It’s a major decision, after all.” Martin glanced at her sheepishly.
Herant was a strange real estate agent. He had the chance to ma
ke a lot of money with the sale of the ranch, and yet, he was doing his dead-level best to talk Zucker into not selling.
She managed a pleasant smile. “Mr. Zucker has the right to sell his land, Mr. Herant.”
“Of course, he does, but—”
“But nothing, Martin. I’ve already made up my mind.” Mr. Zucker scrolled his signature along the bottom of the page. “I’m tired of bugs and dirt and cow shit. It’s time I get my ass to Florida and spend my days fishing in the ocean.”
“It sounds like a great life, Mr. Zucker. I wish I could do the same thing.” She’d go crazy having nothing more important than fishing every day, but to each their own.
“But, Charlie, she’s with Ronnell Corporation.”
She bit back the urge to verbally slam Herant. “You make it sound like I’m in league with the devil.” She was just kidding, but from his expression, Herant didn’t think it was far from the truth. If she didn’t need his help, she wouldn’t have put up with it. “Actually, I’m buying the land. Not my father’s corporation.”
“And why is that?”
She shrugged. “Can’t a girl buy land without everyone having a fit?”
The truth was, she wasn’t sure. Maybe she thought the mall was a good investment. Or maybe she just wanted to own something other than a condo and a car. If she was straight with herself, she was using her own money because of a gut feeling that she’d need to retain control of the purchases. It was a hell of a lot of money to put out, but she didn’t have to worry about money.
She slung an arm around Herant’s thin shoulders, giving him an eyeful of her cleavage. Her father had taught her well. A good businesswoman used all her assets, from her brains to her boobs.
“I don’t give a fuck why she wants my land as long as the check clears.” Mr. Zucker finished signing the last page and shoved the papers across the desk. “It’s a done deal.”
She pulled out her phone and sent a text to her attorney. “The good-faith down payment’s being transferred to your account right this minute. Once the deal closes, you’ll get the rest.” She stuck out her hand. “It was a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Zucker.”
