by Jane Jamison
“Fine. I’ll be in touch, Father.” She hung up, once again pushing her luck by not waiting for him to put an end to the call.
Tears sprang to her eyes as she caught her reflection in the mirror. What was going on with her? Since she’d broken down after sex in the truck, she’d experienced emotions storming her at unexpected moments. She’d let down her guard, and damn if it didn’t keep coming down without warning. The floodgates opened again, letting her fear and anger swamp her.
“Damn it.” She hadn’t meant to shout, but doing so made her feel a lot better.
Two hard bangs against her bedroom door had her jumping. “What?”
“Open up, Raven.”
She shook her head as though Clint could see her. Frantically, she wiped her face and smoothed her hair. “No.”
The door flew open, slamming against the wall. Clint and Hale strode in, their gazes landing first on her before searching the room. While Clint headed toward the window, Hale sat beside her.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
She shook her head again and tried like crazy to calm her nerves. “No. I was talking to my father.”
Clint came to her other side. “To your father? Must’ve been one hell of a conversation to upset you like this.”
She laughed, but it didn’t sound like it came from her. “Yeah, it was.”
“Nice guy, huh?”
No.
At once, she felt guilty. How could she not think her own father was nice? But as much as she wanted to think differently, the truth was that he wasn’t. She’d always thought he was the way he was in order to run a large business. Nice guys didn’t run huge corporations. She’d seen his lack of emotion, his hard exterior, and sharp tongue as what a strong man should be.
Now she knew better.
Clint and Hale were so much more. They were the real men. Men who were stronger than her father, strong enough to show a side of themselves that was caring and thoughtful.
No. Her father wasn’t a nice guy.
Loyalty pushed to the surface. She’d spent her entire life striving to make her father happy. How could she turn her back on him now?
“He can be.”
The urge to give in to her emotions was almost more than she could stand. But if she did, she knew they’d end up back in bed. She wanted to do it, to grab hold of them and take another chance at forgetting her worries. With their hands and their mouths all over her body, she could once more feel the release her body and mind craved.
And if she did, then what?
Fear rose in her. She’d worked far too long to have two cowboys take it all away. Once the novelty was over, once reality set back in, she’d still have to return home and face her father. As much as she wanted to beg them to hold her, to tell her how to please them, she moved out from between them.
Facing them, she stood tall and took charge. “I can’t stay here any longer.”
“Why not?” asked Hale.
Anger flared in Clint’s eyes. Hale, on the other hand, appeared more hurt than anything else.
“Look, guys, this was fun while it lasted. But I’ve got a job to do, and hanging around playing cowgirl isn’t going to get it done.” She cleared the lump from her throat. “Please leave so I can call Richard. I’m going to go back to his sister’s place.”
“I still don’t understand why. Did we do something wrong?”
Nothing except make me feel more for you than I have for anyone else.
Clint didn’t let her answer Hale’s question. “Nah, we didn’t do anything wrong. I’d say we did something right. Right enough to scare her.”
She wanted to laugh in his face and tell him he was mistaken, but she couldn’t. The truth of his words hit home, but she couldn’t admit he was right, either. “That’s ridiculous. I took a little time off, and now the fun’s over. Nothing more.”
“Bullshit.”
She wanted to back down from Clint’s anger but didn’t. “Don’t make this personal. It was just a fling.”
“This is personal.” Hale’s voice was half the volume of his brother’s but somehow more powerful. “You can’t hide from us any longer, babe. Hell, you can’t hide from yourself, either.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She dropped her gaze, afraid they could see the lie that was so evident in her tone.
“What we did in the pickup was amazing. Not only because it was great sex but because you finally found out what it’s like to get close to someone. To let yourself be vulnerable. You let us see the real you.”
“Hale, please. Don’t.”
“I have to. For your sake, babe. The real you wants us. Not your father’s company.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve worked my whole life to make something of myself. To prove—” She stopped just in time. If she said what she was feeling, she’d never be able to take it back. Maybe she wouldn’t even want to take it back.
“To prove to your father that you’re good enough?”
Tears blurred her vision as she lifted her head and met Hale’s gaze. “Stop. Please.”
“No. I won’t.” He took her hands in his and squeezed them. “I won’t stop. You need to let it all go. Damn it, Raven, you know it’s true. I’ve seen you out riding. I’ve seen you with the cows and the horses. I’ve seen your face when you think no one’s watching. You love it here. Just like we did, you fell in love with Garner and the land.”
She averted her gaze again. If she had the strength, she’d pull her hands away. But at that moment, to do so would have been a Herculean task.
“You fell in love with us, too,” Hale whispered. “You know it, and we know it. And we love you, too.”
They love me.
She let the words travel from her mind into the rest of her, even down to her soul where they took refuge. No matter what happened, she’d keep them safe there. But she couldn’t think about what the words meant. Not right then. Later, when she was alone and brave enough to face them.
“You’re wrong. I don’t belong here.”
“You belong with us,” countered Hale.
“Damn it, Raven. Don’t you hear what he’s saying?” Clint grabbed her, tugging her close. “Admit it. You love us, too.”
She swallowed, hard, and made herself tell him the biggest lie of all. “No. I don’t.”
She inhaled as he placed his face close to hers. His warm breath tickled her nose. Her body came alive. Alive as only the Yager men could make it.
“You go ahead and do what you think you need to do, sugar. Go ahead and make your father happy. Buy the land you need then get the hell back to your mansion. Go back to pretending you’re someone you’re not. But we both know you’re lying. Maybe to yourself as much as to us. You want us as badly as we want you. You’re just too damn afraid to admit it.”
He pushed her away. “Come on, Hale.”
They strode from the room, with Hale looking back once. Her body shook, and her mind reeled. She sat down on the edge of the bed, still staring after the men she loved.
I love them.
Shit.
What the hell am I going to do now?
* * * *
Raven tugged on her suit. For the first time since she’d moved to the Yager ranch, she’d put on the black skirt, the crisp white shirt, and the black tailored suit jacket. She was back in “uniform” and ready to win the game.
Being professionally dressed had always made her feel strong. As though the expensive material were armor-plated. Impenetrable. But today, the cloth felt like only cloth.
May and her family had welcomed her back into their home without question. She’d seen their questioning looks, but she’d ignored them then quietly thanked them for their hospitality. Vaguely, she wondered if the family was catching flak from other ranchers for harboring the “enemy,” but nothing was ever said.
Richard had driven her to the Double W Ranch to meet with Wy and Mitch Wilson. She doubted the
y would sell, but she had to try. After all, she’d talked others into making deals when no one else had ever done so. If she did, she’d have to purchase only one more ranch and she’d have accomplished her mission.
And ruined her future?
“We’re not selling, Raven.” Mitch’s blond hair blew in the breeze.
Wy stood next to his cousin. “We’re surprised you’re still trying. I mean, after hearing what went on in the back of the pickup—”
“Wy! Shut your mouth.” Chey, their fiancée, slapped him on the shoulder. “I’m sorry, Raven. He doesn’t mean to be rude. He doesn’t always use the brain God gave him.”
She should’ve known people would hear about their escapade. A flush of embarrassment washed through her, but she shoved it aside. What did it matter now? She’d be going home soon.
Pain sliced into her. Just the thought of leaving and never seeing Hale or Clint again made her physically ill. But she knew her place in the world. She knew where she belonged.
Or did she?
“I’m willing to pay you three times the market rate.” She’d gone up in her offers after two more ranchers turned her down. If she was anything other than her father’s daughter, she’d be getting nervous, afraid of not succeeding.
“Our ranch isn’t for sale at any price,” added Mitch.
Why were they being so stubborn? And yet, she had to admit she was proud of them. With each tactic, each pitch, they simply shook their heads, denying her the win.
“Raven, we don’t want to be rude, but we’ve got work to do. We’ve already wasted enough time listening to your sales pitch. The answer’s no, and it’s going to stay no.” Wy tipped his cowboy hat to her, pivoted on his heel, and walked away. Mitch gave her the same quick nod and followed his cousin toward the barn.
“But wait. Let’s talk about this some more.” She started to follow them. “Name your price.” She could’ve been talking to the wind for all the good it did. “Damn it.”
“Don’t beat yourself up about it,” said Chey.
The woman was beautiful with long black hair and green eyes. She had a Native American look about her that added an exotic touch to her already stunning features. High cheekbones would’ve done justice to any model. On top of her beauty, she was a doctor, highly regarded in the town.
With two hot cowboys who love her, no less. Some women have it all.
“Do you think I could come back later once they’re finished with their chores?”
Chey looped her arm in Raven’s then led her to the front porch. “It won’t do you any good.” She motioned Raven into a chair, then lifted the pitcher of tea sitting on the table and filled one of the glasses. “Here. Drink. You look flustered.”
“I’m not used to getting turned down.”
Chey’s laugh was light and airy, as though she didn’t have a care in the world. “I know what you mean. But, on this, you’re going to have to accept defeat.”
“I’ve got enough land to build the mall already, but my father wants more.”
Chey took a seat next to her and sipped her drink. “Do you always do what your father wants? Seems to me you’re old enough to make up your own mind.”
“I’m part of the company. It’s my job.”
“Do you like your job?”
She frowned. What was Chey getting at? “Sure.” She frowned harder. “I guess so.”
“You shouldn’t have to guess when it comes to your job. Or your life.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Wasn’t she?
“I don’t want to butt in where I’m not wanted…”
Raven could’ve ignored her obvious, yet unspoken request to plunge ahead, but she was too curious not to ask. “Go on.”
Chey shifted to face her. She leaned forward. “Okay, then. I don’t know you, but I like to think I’m a good judge of character. I tend to watch body language. Patients can often tell me more about what’s bothering them with their bodies than by talking.”
“And? What’s ailing me, Doc?”
“You love them.”
Raven sputtered into her drink. “I’m sorry?” Was it that obvious?
“I’ve seen you riding with them, and I’ve seen how you are when you mention their names.”
“And?” Should she let her continue? If she did, would she be able to turn back?
“And it’s as clear as rain. You love them.”
She laughed, forcing the sound. “I don’t really know them.”
“True, if you’re talking about their history or unimportant things like what their favorite foods are. But you do know them. You recognized them the first day you met.” Chey placed a hand over her heart. “Here. Where it counts.”
“Chey, you’ve got this all wrong.”
“And they love you, too.”
She inhaled, at once loving and hating what Chey had said. “They can’t. Not with everything I’m doing.”
They’d said they wanted her, loved her, but was it real? Or only lust?
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. They hate your job. Everyone does, including the people who sold their ranches. But liking someone isn’t the same as loving them. They don’t like your job, but they love you.”
She couldn’t meet Chey’s gaze. Instead, she turned her attention to look over the nearby pasture. “I don’t have a choice.”
“Yes, you do.” Chey placed her hand on top of hers. “All you have to do is have the guts to make that choice. The rest of it will fall into place.”
“But…” Emotion clogged her throat. Why did she cry so much lately?
“When you three were in the pickup? I’ll bet that was the first time you were truly happy in a long time. Am I right?”
She pulled her hand away. “Does everyone know?”
“Don’t let it worry you. When two men find their woman, anything can happen. The most important thing is that you found each other. Look at me, Raven.”
She did. Fearful to look. Fearful to not look.
“I’m not going to ask you what kind of relationship you three have. All that matters is that people have noticed a change in you since you got together with them. You seem happier, more relaxed. There’s a reason for that.”
“Hale and Clint.” They were the reason. Suddenly, her suit felt tight, restrictive. She tugged at the collar of her shirt.
Chey stood, smoothing down her simple dress. “Don’t let what you know, what you’re familiar with, keep you from doing what you want. And, for God’s sake, don’t mistake loyalty to your father as your obligation. Listen to your heart, Raven, and find the right answer for you.”
Raven wiped away a tear. “I’ve already bought the land for the mall.”
Heartache ripped into her. She’d done her job. A job that would destroy the lifestyle in Garner and rip families from their homes.
“If you don’t like what you’ve done, then correct your mistake.”
“It’s too late.” She sucked in air and let out a sob.
“Are you dead, Raven?”
“What?” She gaped at the woman standing over her. “Of course not.” Yet hadn’t she been dead inside before she’d met the men she loved?
“It’s only too late once you’re dead. Until then, anything can be made right.” Chey lifted a hand to her men as they rode past her. “Go home, Raven. Make it right.” She pushed open the door, gave Raven a smile, then closed it behind her.
Suddenly everything was clear. Chey was right. She could change things.
Nothing was set in stone yet. She hadn’t officially closed on any of the ranches. Even though she’d managed to put earnest money into the ranchers’ accounts as an act of good will, she had no doubt she could convince them to return the money. If they still wanted to sell, she’d try selling the ranches back to the families for less than fair market value or sell them to other ranchers. One way or another, she vowed to keep the land from being used for a mall. Fortunately, she’d paid them with her own savings. Had she unconsciously known t
o use her money instead of company funds? At one time she’d thought about claiming the land for herself then reselling it to investors. But had that really been her reason or had she somehow wanted to give herself a way out?
She still had time to set things right.
Raven burst out of the chair and hurried toward the car where Richard waited behind the wheel. Along the way, she pulled off her jacket and tossed it into the air. It landed in the dirt behind her. Next, she tugged her shirt out of her skirt then undid the top two buttons. Her belt soon took its own flight into the air. She kicked off her high heels and sent them skimming over the ground like pebbles over a pond.
Instead of getting into the backseat, she took the passenger seat beside him. Her feet were dirty, and her hair disheveled, but to her mind, she’d never looked better. Soon, she’d finally be free of her father’s iron hold.
“Raven, are you all right?”
“Never felt better.”
“Should I take you back to my sister’s house?”
“Nope. Take me to Martin Herant’s office.”
“What about your jacket and your other things?” He glanced at her feet. “What about shoes? You can’t run around barefoot.”
She laughed as one of the Wilson’s dogs snatched up her coat and ran off with it. She reached around the seat and snagged the black flats she kept in the car for long rides. “These will do. As for the jacket and belt? I don’t want them anymore. Put the pedal to the metal, Richard. I’ve got business to attend to.”
* * * *
“You’ve got to be fucking me.” Although Hale had muttered, he was sure Clint had heard him.
“Damn.”
Yeah. He’d heard him, all right.
His brother stared at the car parked outside Martin Herant’s office.
“Do you think she talked another one into selling?”
“What do you think? Probably Max Tyler.”
He hated to think Clint was right, but it made sense. Tyler needed the money enough to consider selling his ranch even after agreeing to stand with the others.
“There’s nothing we can do now. The super mall’s as good as built.”
