Hearts Don't Lie

by Shirleen Davies

  “Six hundred? That’s great. I didn’t expect them to pay more than four. You should put some ice on that, old man,” she said, watching Mitch limp along.

  Looking over his shoulder, Mitch shot her a murderous glare before his mouth turned up into a wry grin. “Old man, huh? Well, this old man is going to ride this young buck until he heels. You’re welcome to watch…and learn.”

  Skye smiled to herself as she swung back into the saddle, riding out of the corral, and reining to a stop before sliding down. Stepping on one of the lowest rails, she leaned over the top, motioning to a couple of the men to join her, ready for the lesson.

  “What’s Mitch up to?” one of the men asked.

  “I believe he’s going to impart a lesson to our youngest stallion.” No matter what he did, Skye knew he’d handle the horse with a soft touch, continuing the lesson until dark if needed to get the results he wanted. It might take time, but when Mitch finished, they’d have a real fine, although spirited, saddle horse.

  ******

  Four hours later Mitch, Skye, Sean, Samantha, and Rhett sat in the great room of the big ranch house, eating steaks as first Skye, then Mitch, gave their versions of what happened in the corral.

  “He bucked you off, huh?” Rhett finished the first of two larges glasses of milk he downed each night with dinner. “How long’s it been since you’ve been thrown?”

  “Years, and after hitting the ground today, I don’t want it to happen again.” He rubbed his shoulder, knowing he’d be taking aspirin and using a cold pack after he ate. “Seems Pop made the right call hiring Jeanie Naylor.”

  “I’ve already scheduled her company for more runs. Either Jeanie or one of her sisters will drive. Cam requested their information for his horse stock group in Cold Creek. I’ll send it off to him unless you’d rather wait, see if they continue to do well.” Sean finished the last bit of steak, then glanced at the caller ID on his phone. He glanced at the others before answering. “Excuse me.”

  Mitch turned toward Rhett, ignoring Sean who disappeared into the kitchen to take the call.

  “Do you have any interest in working with Skye while on summer break, learning that part of the business?”

  Rhett’s eyes widened. He’d graduate from high school the following year then leave for college. His father wanted him to continue with classes through the summers so he could finish school early, then attend law school. Rhett didn’t know if he agreed with the plan.

  “I’d like to but you need to know Pop isn’t too fond of me working in the business while in college. He thinks I should concentrate on getting my degree, then go to law school.”

  “Is that what you want?” Skye asked, already knowing he had doubts.

  “It’s what he told Pop he wants,” Sam interjected, rolling her eyes.

  “I want to do what you all did. Work summers in the business, then continue in law school if it’s what I decide after getting my degree.” Rhett shook his head, looking at Sam as a small grin crossed his face. “I mentioned being a lawyer once to Pop and now he’s fixated on it. Because I chose to compete in saddle bronc and team roping instead of bull riding in high school, he thinks I have no interest in the family business.”

  “But you do.” Mitch crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. He hadn’t known how Rhett felt until tonight.

  “Getting a law degree doesn’t preclude me from working at RTC—at least that’s what I believe. What I’m most interested in is our breeding program.”

  “Then you’ll start working with Skye on Monday. You’ll need to plan a lot of travel this summer as she’s touring some of the bigger rodeos. It’ll be good experience for you.”

  “I’ll be happy to show him what we do in accounting.” Sam pushed away her empty plate, remembering her last conversation with Rafe. She competed in barrel racing in college, but he felt the same about that event as he did team roping and saddle bronc riding. Since the events weren’t connected with bulls, he assumed she had no interest in the family business. He was as wrong about her as he was about Rhett.

  “And Pop?” Rhett asked.

  “Leave him to me.” Mitch decided he might as well add Rhett to his list for Saturday’s phone call with Rafe. It would go right at the top, along with Mitch’s strong objections to working with the newest member of the marketing team.

  He’d heard from Eric about Dana’s new job and assignment to the bucking stock companies he and Cam led. Mitch had no issue with improving their marketing, but he wanted it to be Amber, not some newbie who’d argue about every detail. He’d bend on some things, but he’d stay firm on this—Dana would not be a part of RTC’s marketing team.

  Chapter Six

  El Paso, Texas

  “Thank you for meeting with me.” Matt Garner shook hands, then took a seat across the table from one of the senior executives at Double Ace Bucking Stock. He’d met with Ivan Santiago several times, always in El Paso, and each time noted the two men who milled about, appearing to do nothing except keep watch over Santiago.

  “Of course, Matt. It’s always a pleasure to see you.” Ivan rested his arms on the table, nodding for the two men to leave the room. “What can I do for you?”

  Matt handed him a folder containing the latest submitted proposals and recent awards. “These were emailed to you earlier this morning, but I thought you’d like to have them in front of you for our meeting.”

  Ivan scanned the documents, his brows rising as he read partway down one of the pages. “This is good news, Matt. Much better than anticipated.” He continued reading before closing the folder and sliding it back to Matt.

  “It’s yours. I have a set.” Matt should’ve felt profound satisfaction at what he’d accomplished in less than a year with Double Ace. Instead, he couldn’t rid himself of the constant warning in his gut. He’d done a tremendous amount of due diligence on the company before agreeing to their offer and found nothing to dissuade him. Owned by a partnership of two American citizens and a group of Mexican nationals, the company held a strong bank account and the willingness to compete against suppliers who’d been in the business for years.

  “Something bothers you. What is it?” Ivan turned to a credenza behind him and poured them each a cup of coffee, handing one to Matt.

  Matt didn’t know how much to say. His relationship with Ivan began and continued on a quite formal basis, not one lending itself to casual speculation based on a gut feeling. He needed more information before disclosing his concerns.

  “Nothing that can’t be put to rest by your reassurance.”

  “And what reassurances do you need?”

  “Double Ace has picked up considerable business this year, surpassing my goals and I assume, those of the partners. It’s critical we perform well and exceed expectations if we want to obtain renewals for the following season. I just need to know you have the stock available, the people and equipment promised in the bids, and support staff.”

  “All reasonable concerns. As you know, our stockyards are outside of Houston. You are welcome to visit it anytime, talk with the stock managers and anyone else. You have done well for us, and I don’t want your doubts to interfere with continued awards. Shall I make arrangements for you to travel to Houston tomorrow?” Ivan reached for the phone, then stopped when Matt held up his hand.

  “Already done. I’ll be visiting them later this week. There is a good amount of up-front money needed to complete the awards. I need to know the funds are there and will be released so there are no delays.”

  Ivan chuckled, then leaned forward. “Trust me, my friend. Money is of no concern and will be released as agreed to in the contracts. I would not be involved in this business if the funds were not available.”

  “If I may ask a question?”

  “Of course, Matt.”

  “Why are you involved? Supplying rodeo stock has never been a real lucrative business. If successful, it supports a family, some quite well, but has never made anyone rich. There are so man
y other ventures to invest money. Why this?’

  Ivan’s brows knit into a frown, his eyes focusing on the folder in front of him. “Again, a good question. The answer is not so simple.” He stood and walked to a window offering an expansive view of downtown El Paso stretching toward the Mexican border. “Double Ace resulted from the desire of the main shareholders to be well connected in the rodeo business. They have plans for further expansion, beyond providing stock.”

  “You’re not telling me much. I assumed there were bigger plans, but that still doesn’t explain the amount of investment or the years it will take to capture a majority share of the business.” Matt narrowed his eyes. Ivan’s response had done nothing except generate more questions.

  “Ah, there is much you have to learn about the Mexican culture, my friend. For now, you will have to accept what I have already told you.”

  Matt knew when a conversation had closed. “It’s time I let you get back to your work. Thanks again for seeing me.” Matt grabbed his hat and held out his hand.

  “My pleasure. I’d like you to join me for dinner tonight, if you have no other plans.”

  Matt wanted to have a couple beers, eat dinner, then crash at his hotel, not sit through a formal meal with his boss. “Tell me where and what time, and I’d be happy to join you.”

  ******

  Crooked Tree

  “You certain there’s nothing you can do?” Mitch gripped the phone tight, irritation flooding through him. “She’s not the right choice for us, Pop.”

  “Heath, Jace, and I discussed in detail how to make the new plans work. Amber’s the director and has the final say. She believes her background and experience in the other divisions fit best, and Dana’s complement the stock contracting groups.”

  “You don’t know her as well as I do, and trust me, Dana is not the right person for us.” Mitch dragged fingers through his hair, not accepting he’d have to put up with her for days at a time while they worked on updating the marketing plan. “Why don’t I get one of the local high school or college kids to set up our social media and update the website? There’s no need for her here. She can send ideas to me by email.”

  “Why don’t we cut to the chase, son? You and I both know her experience isn’t why you don’t want Dana in Montana.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “The hell you don’t. I’ve seen the way you two are around each other and dislike isn’t a word I’d use to describe what goes on between you.”

  “You’re talking crazy. There’s nothing going on between us and never will be. She’s a pain in the ass and has been since the first day I met her. Let someone else deal with her. I’ll get what I need here in Crooked Tree.”

  The silence stretched between them. Mitch shifted in his chair, waiting for Rafe to respond.

  “Make certain this is a battle you want to fight with Heath and Jace. What you decide will impact how they look at you as the company president.”

  Mitch cursed under his breath. Rafe had hit upon the one flaw in refusing to work with Dana—she already had Heath and Jace’s approval.

  He scrubbed a hand over his stubbled jaw, a smile spreading across his face as he recognized the perfect solution. If she proved incompetent, unprofessional, or provided bad direction, he’d be able to push her out with the support of all three brothers. He’d wait for her to mess up, then send her packing.

  “Fine. I’ll work with her, but she better be up to the challenge.”

  “I haven’t seen her back down from you yet.”

  “She hasn’t had to work with me under my terms.” Mitch hung up, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. If he handled this right, Ms. Ballard would waltz in one door and run out the other. A smug grin spread across his face as he mentally sketched out his plan. The woman who drove him crazy whenever they were together wouldn’t know what hit her.

  ******

  Cold Creek, Colorado

  MacLaren Rodeo Company

  “Other than the minor changes we discussed, your strategy looks good.” Cam Sinclair wrote a few more notes in the margin of the presentation before glancing up. “I understand you’ll be working with the web design team in Fire Mountain to update all the sites. Does Amber have a complete plan for the social media presence?”

  “She does. We worked through it before I left. There are two people on staff with excellent experience setting up social media for previous employers, so we won’t need to hire additional people. Once I’ve met with Mitch and he signs off, we’ll be able to start.” Dana had no doubt she’d get his approval. All the ideas would improve upon what RTC had done to date. He might have questions or suggestions as Cam had, although she suspected they’d be minor.

  “Our office manager has been handling the social media work. You should meet with her to smooth the way as she can be a bit controlling. My suggestion is it would be best to deal with it now rather than after you’ve started the changes.”

  “Of course. We don’t want to cause friction between us and your team. Besides, I expect we’ll be able to incorporate at least some of what she’s done into the updated themes.”

  “I understand Cassie will be giving you a tour of the stockyards and breeding program tomorrow. You might already know we’re working with Jace and Kade to incorporate what they’re doing in Fire Mountain.”

  “Amber mentioned there may be some changes in the breeding program, but didn’t provide the details.”

  “Right now we have three separate programs. One for Jace’s pleasure riding stock, one in Montana for the bucking bulls, and a third here for the saddle and bareback bucking horses. We’re talking about combining them, but there are a number of specifics to finalize.”

  “I’d guess each is at a different stage,” Dana commented as she followed Cam to the door.

  “Not as much of a difference as you’d think.” He opened the door to the hall, glancing at his watch. “We’re meeting Cassie for lunch then I’ll leave the two of you to complete the tour.”

  ******

  “Do you have any other questions?” Cassie had introduced Dana to most of the employees, showing her the different areas of the stockyard and how they selected stock for the different rodeos.

  “I’m certain I will once there’s time to absorb all you’ve shown me. It’s a bigger operation than I realized.”

  “From what I learned from Mitch, RTC is about the same size. When do you meet with him?” Cassie secured a gate behind them before heading toward the parking lot.

  “I fly out on Friday.”

  “Have you met anyone other than Rafe and Mitch?”

  “Just at Eric and Amber’s wedding. Any input on them would be great.” Dana followed Cassie to her truck. “Are you heading out?”

  “Actually, we both are. I’m taking you to another location so you can see what I have planned for some of our free time this week.” They climbed into Cassie’s truck, then pulled out of the parking lot.

  “You truly believe I’ll have free time?”

  “You will once you see what I have set up.”

  Cassie turned onto a main road, then took a series of side streets. “About the Montana MacLarens. From what I can tell, Rafe and Mitch are the tough ones. Sean is more like Eric—works hard, makes friends easily, and is somewhat the peacemaker. Skye is a lot like me. You can decide if that’s good or bad,” she chuckled, making one last turn. “Samantha is in college in Missoula, but works summers at RTC in the office. Rhett, he’s the youngest, may be the smartest, at least that’s what Rafe says. He has one more year of high school. I really don’t know much about any of them since Dad and Jace didn’t communicate with Rafe until about a year ago. The three might never have fixed their conflicts if they hadn’t decided to purchase RTC.”

  “Mitch has never been married?”

  “Not that I know about. Why? Are you going to apply for the position?” Cassie laughed at the thought of Mitch and Dana together. She just hoped
they’d make it through their meetings without either inflicting damage on the other.

  “Not in this lifetime,” Dana snorted. “I can’t even guess the type of woman he’d be attracted to.”

  “Someone as gruff as him?”

  “Can you imagine? No, I think it would have to be a woman no one would expect. Sweet, kind, with infinite patience and a great sense of humor. Someone who could put up with his attitude and let it roll off her back.”

  “Guess the pool of women for Mitch would be pretty small,” Cassie said, glancing over at Dana as she pulled to a stop by a large pasture and barn with an attached corral. Three barrels in a competition pattern set in the center of the corral.

  “Anyway, I figure it’s good to have as much background on him as I can.” Dana looked out the window, seeing nothing except the land and barn, not paying much attention to the corral. “What’s this?”

  “It’s our new playground while you’re in town.” She pointed to the lights suspended on tall poles. “Cam said the previous owner of the company set this up for his granddaughter so she could practice barrel racing. She’s in college now, and he saw no reason we couldn’t use it.”

  Dana’s eyes widened at the implication. “You’re kidding? This is for barrel racing?”

  “Sure is. Come on. The horses are in the barn and are ready to ride.”

  Dana looked down at her slacks, blouse, and black pumps. “I’ll need to go back to the hotel and change.”

  “No need. I brought some clothes for you.” Cassie jumped out of the truck, then signaled for Dana to follow. “Come on. You’re going to love it.”

  ******

  Crooked Tree

  Dana grabbed her computer case and carry-on, then navigated the stairs from the plane to the tarmac, her muscles groaning in protest with each movement. She and Cassie had practiced every night, plus Friday afternoon. Nothing compared to the exhilaration of working the horse around the barrels, except perhaps riding her Harley.

  “Hey, Dana. Over here.”

  She looked up to see Sean wave at her from beyond the security barrier.