Mitch would encounter a different Dana when he came to Fire Mountain. A woman who wouldn’t dwell on the mistake she’d made—and it had been her choice to stay after his warning. Given the way they parted, she doubted he hoped for a repeat performance either. Maybe in time they’d be able to return to their good-natured sparring. At least she hoped they could.
Chapter Thirteen
Crooked Tree
“Thanks for jumping in and taking care of the delivery, Rhett.” Mitch set a platter of burgers on the table. It had been a long Monday and the rest of the week promised no respite.
“Glad I could do it. Jeannie Naylor’s an interesting woman.”
“That she is.” Sean laid a patty between two buns.
Mitch extended a fork to grab a burger when his phone rang. Groaning, he pulled it from his pocket as he stood and walked from the room.
“Mitch, it’s Heath. We need you to fly down here for meetings on Wednesday. We’re going to be discussing the newest acquisition and get thoughts from you and Cam on how to best integrate the company.”
“Sure, Heath. Can you give me any information?”
“It’s a company Cam learned about. They’re located in Texas and supply stock for timed events. Rafe’s been in charge of closing the deal and now we need to figure the best way to move forward. Count on a full day of meetings, maybe two. I’ll send the company jet for you and have the pilot pick up Cam on the way back.”
“Send me the details and I’ll be ready.” They hung up, Mitch’s mind already jumping to Dana and the thought of seeing her again. Working in his woodshop kept his mind off her to some degree, but her image always seemed to find a way to break through his defenses and capture his mind. He’d lain awake each night, replaying their night together, still feeling her fingers running over his body. Even now his body tightened on the memory, frustrating him. He’d always been able to walk away from any woman and not look back. Relationships held no appeal to him, yet with Dana, he wanted more than casual sex.
“Who was it, Mitch?” Skye took another healthy bite of her burger.
“Heath. I need to attend meetings in Fire Mountain on Wednesday. Sean, are you able to handle things while I’m gone?”
“No problem. I don’t travel until the following week. What about you, Skye?”
“I fly out Tuesday night to meet Cassie in Houston for the meeting with Double Ace. The return flight isn’t until Thursday. Should I change it?”
“No need. Besides, it’s important to get this first meeting out of the way, see if we can work out some type of partnership.” Mitch took his first bite of food, letting the juice run down his fingers. Perfect.
“You’ll get to see Dana again.” Rhett concentrated on his food, not seeing Mitch’s reaction.
“I’m going there for business, nothing more,” he ground out.
“You’ll be in the same building and you’re going to ignore her?” Rhett’s incredulous tone angered Mitch further.
“I don’t know where your thoughts are going, but mine are clear. We went to dinner, had a good time, will continue to work together, but that’s it. You understand me?”
Rhett blinked a couple times, noticing the hard set of Mitch’s face. “Sure, Mitch. Whatever you say.”
“Good. Now drop it.” He stuffed the last bite in his mouth and took his plate to the sink, washing it before storming from the room without another word.
“What’d I say?” Rhett looked at Skye, then Sean, having no clue of the emotions he’d set off inside his brother.
“Nothing, Rhett. Just ignore him. But I would advise not mentioning Dana again, at least until he brings her up.” Skye shadowed Mitch’s actions, washing her dishes and putting them away.
Sean didn’t contribute to the conversation, his attention wholly focused on Mitch’s retreating back. He’d watched women come and go in his brother’s life, most lasting no more than a night or two. Not once had Mitch ever reacted about one the way he did tonight. His usual response was indifference, never pushing back or becoming angry. He may not know his strong denial served to strengthen Sean and Skye’s belief he cared about Dana more than he wanted anyone to know—perhaps even himself.
******
Houston
“Please, have a seat and I’ll let Gage know you’re here.” The receptionist indicated chairs lined against a wall in a separate alcove adjacent to the lobby. The chairs faced a bank of windows with a view to a beautiful garden filled with indigenous plants.
“I haven’t had a chance to ask how you like your new job.” Skye straightened her skirt as she spoke. Other than her visit to MacLaren Enterprise headquarters in Fire Mountain, she’d never seen a stock contractor office so well designed. Artwork adorned the walls, and not just framed rodeo pictures. These were done in pastels, oils, watercolors, and acrylics. She’d love to bring Mitch here, have him see the beautiful art. It was too bad he never let anyone enjoy his talent outside of family and a few friends.
“I love it, although the time has gone fast. They’re right in saying a college degree is more of a rite of passage as it bears little resemblance to what transpires in real life. I work with Cam every day and am doing more of the proposal drafts. I’ve also started meeting with rodeo committees, although I accompany Cam. He tells me it won’t be long and he’ll cut me loose.” Cassie’s smile lit her face. “How’s it going at RTC?”
“Interesting.” Skye didn’t know how much she should share and decided on discretion until they were in a place where their voices didn’t carry.
“What do you mean?”
“We’ve had a few setbacks that I’ll explain to you at dinner tonight.” She tilted her head toward the receptionist, knowing Cassie would get the message.
“Got it.”
“It will be about five more minutes, ladies. Gage apologizes for the delay.”
“That’s fine,” Cassie responded, turning back to Skye. “How did Dana and Mitch get along?”
“He approved all her work, if that’s what you mean.”
“Not exactly. I’m more curious as to how they worked together. Dana seemed a little anxious about it before she left Cold Creek.”
Skye didn’t have a chance to answer as the door opened. She peered around the alcove wall to see a tall man dressed in typical cowboy clothes with features she’d consider rugged and strikingly handsome. Removing his hat, he walked toward the reception desk. Skye elbowed Cassie, who had been absorbed in checking phone messages, and inclined her head.
“Well, good morning,” the receptionist greeted him. “Gage said you’d be in today.”
“I flew in early for a meeting he asked me to attend. Do you know if he’s ready?”
Cassie’s heart rate skyrocketed at the sound of the familiar voice. Shifting in her seat, she turned to get a better look at him, taking in a gulp of air as her hands fisted in her lap.
“Not quite. The women over there will be in the meeting also.”
Matt turned and smiled at Skye before he saw the woman next to her. He couldn’t move or speak as the room tilted around him. Gaining his composure, he took a few steps forward, close enough to confirm who stared back at him.
“Hello, Cass.”
Cassie’s throat worked, although she couldn’t seem to form any words. He looked good—too good after all this time. Older with a few more wrinkles around his eyes and mouth. Tanned skin set off his golden brown eyes and deep auburn hair—sun bleached from being outside. She let her gaze wander over him, still not able to form a coherent thought or utter a word.
“Hi. I’m Skye MacLaren, and you are?” Skye stood, holding out her hand while drawing Matt’s attention away from Cassie. She knew a little of the history from what Dana had shared and wanted to do whatever she could to ease Cassie’s obvious distress.
Matt tore his gaze from Cassie, letting it move to Skye as he clasped her hand. “Matt Garner. I work for Double Ace. You’re a MacLaren?”
“I am. Rafe MacLaren
is my father. He, Jace, and Heath are brothers. Do you know the MacLarens?” Skye glanced down at Cassie, seeing her push from the chair to stand.
“Yes. I mean…we all grew up together in Fire Mountain, but I never heard of another brother.”
Skye didn’t doubt it. “Ah, then that’s how you know Cassie.”
“Yes, we…uh…” Matt’s voice trailed off as he shifted toward Cassie, seeing her jaw work, sparks flying from her eyes, her face set. “It’s good to see you, Cassie. You’re looking real—”
He didn’t get the word out before a fist slammed into this face.
“Shit, Cassie.” He held up one hand in defense while the other grabbed his nose as blood began to drip on the hardwood floor.
“You’re a son of a bitch, Matthew Garner.” She spat the words out, then rubbed her bruised knuckles, feeling better already.
He looked at her through the pain of what he guessed would be another broken nose. “Dammit, Cass. Don’t you think I already know that?”
“What the hell...”
They turned to see another man enter from the hall. He looked at Cassie, who still rubbed her hand, then at Matt’s face, his brows drawing together. “Are you all right, Matt?”
“Yeah, fine.” Matt accepted tissues the receptionist offered, holding them to his nose. “Gage, this is Skye MacLaren,” he murmured, nodding toward Skye who held out her hand.
“Hello, Gage.”
“And who is this?” Gage narrowed his eyes on Cassie, whose anger still simmered.
“I’m Cassie MacLaren,” she answered, never moving her gaze from Matt.
“And I’m guessing you and Matt have met before.”
She crossed her arms and faced Gage, her hard stare locking with his.
“We have a long history, one I’m certain Matt will be more than happy to share with you.” She picked up her purse, slinging it over her shoulder. “Are you ready for us now?”
******
Fire Mountain
“Dana’s going to provide updates on the websites.” Amber looked toward the far end of the table where Dana waited for her part of the presentation.
She hadn’t planned to attend the meeting, figuring Amber would provide the marketing information to the executive group. Slipping into the conference room a few minutes after they’d taken a break, she spotted two empty seats. One at the end closest to her and the other next to Mitch. Seeing him nod his head toward the chair next to him, she smiled but shook her head, preferring to keep her distance.
He’d left her a message before the first session that morning, asking if she’d have time for lunch. She’d waited until the meeting began before texting him that she had other plans. He’d replied, asking about dinner. Again, she declined. As soon as her part of the presentation ended, she’d leave.
“Dana, would you mind holding up a minute while Eric gives us an update on the Idaho project? He has a plane to catch.”
“Of course not, Heath.” The smooth, professional reply hid her frustration at not being able to get her part over with and disappear.
Eric’s update took a mere fifteen minutes, yet it was long enough for Dana to calm her jitters. She’d made numerous presentations in her career, never feeling as on-edge as today. The difference between those meetings and this one was Mitch, and once again she chastised herself for letting him claim even a small piece of her heart.
“Thanks for letting me cut in on your time, Dana.” Eric picked up his folders, said his goodbyes and left, leaving Dana to take his place.
She fired up her computer, pulling up a presentation page with three logos. Heath already let her know he’d spoken to Cam, Mitch, and the president of their newest acquisition, and all knew of the decision to transition them under the MacLaren Rodeo Company brand. At least she didn’t have to fight that battle.
It took just a few minutes to review the updated websites which included the MRC logo. The difference between each website lay in the use of an image behind the logo—a bucking bull, saddle bronc, or steer roping. After answering a few questions, she finished, packing up her material and started for the door. As she turned the handle, the sounds of a groan and a chair tipping over had her swinging around to see Rafe hunched over and clutching his chest.
“Call 9-1-1.” Heath’s booming voice shook the room as he, Mitch, and Jace huddled around Rafe.
Dana snatched the phone from the table and dialed, explaining to the operator while she watched Rafe’s face contort, fear and pain showing in his eyes as the others supported him so he wouldn’t topple over.
“You need to sit down, Rafe.” Jace righted the chair while Heath and Mitch guided him to it. Minutes dragged by while he struggled for breath and continued to clutch his chest until the door burst open and a crew of four paramedics went to work.
Dana stood to the side, her gaze shifting from Rafe to Mitch. He’d stepped back to allow the medics access, but hovered close, watching as they stabilized his father, lifted him onto a stretcher, and left for the waiting ambulance.
Mitch and the others followed as they loaded Rafe.
“Do you want to ride with him?” one of the paramedics asked Mitch, who wasted no time climbing inside before the doors closed and they drove out of the parking lot.
“I’m going to the hospital. Do you want to ride with me?”
Dana pulled her gaze from the retreating ambulance to Amber. “I’d better take my car. Mitch will need a ride at some point and at least I can leave him my Jeep.”
They followed several cars out of the drive, including Heath, Jace, and Cam, forming a procession all the way to the visitor parking at the hospital. By the time they found seats in the waiting area, Mitch appeared from the emergency hallway, taking slow, lumbered steps toward them. Heath and Jace stood, talking to him in low voices, nodding before Mitch took a seat, covering his face with both hands.
Not five minutes later, a doctor Heath and Jace recognized walked up to Mitch, who stood, his face intent on what the doctor was saying. Motioning toward another door, the doctor left, Mitch following behind while Heath signaled to the others.
“They’re moving Rafe to the cardio center to do an angiogram. There’s a waiting room there which is less hectic.”
One other family waited in the waiting area outside the cardiology surgery section. Everyone took a seat except Mitch, who paced back and forth, every once in a while glancing up at the patient progress screen mounted to the wall.
Dana watched until she couldn’t sit still any longer and stepped into the hall. A sign mounted over a door a few yards away announced coffee and snacks were available inside. Inserting her money, she selected a black coffee, remembering how Mitch liked to drink it and returned to the waiting area.
“I thought this might help.”
Mitch stared down at her without recognition, as if seeing her for the first time. Dragging a hand over his face, he took a breath and reached out to take the cup.
“Thanks.”
“I know you don’t have any answers, but is there anything I can do to help while we wait?”
He didn’t respond right away, taking a sip of the steaming coffee then glancing around the room.
“Would you mind calling Sean?”
“Of course. I’ll do it right now.” Dana placed a hand on his arm and squeezed. Even the stress of the situation didn’t diminish the jolt she experienced at the brief touch. The look on his face told her he felt it, too. “I…um…need to get my phone.”
The conversation took little time, with Sean saying he’d contact Skye and Rhett, then be on the first plane to Fire Mountain. The last words he said before hanging up confused her.
“Stay with him, Dana. He needs someone he feels close to.”
“I’ll stay as long as he needs me.”
Chapter Fourteen
Houston
“All I want to know is, did it feel good?” Skye asked, nursing a frozen margarita.
“Great. If my knuckles hadn’t stung
so much I would’ve hit him again.” The corners of Cassie’s mouth tilted upward, although her eyes didn’t sparkle as Skye expected.
“Did you see the look on his face when he saw your fist come at him?”
“You know, I don’t remember much besides the strong desire to vent my anger. From the time he walked in until I hit him is pretty much a blur.” She sipped her drink, shaking her head at the impulsive move, then glancing at Skye. “I don’t know how what I did will affect Gage’s decision about working together.”
“He deserved it, so right now I don’t care much one way or the other. RTC and MacLaren Rodeo will continue to do fine with or without Gage Templeton’s approval.”
“Thanks, Skye. I feel bad for Cam, though. I know he counted on me to impress Gage.”
Skye laughed, placing a hand on Cassie’s arm. “There’s no doubt you impressed the man. I doubt he’ll ever forget you.” She started to flag the waitress for another drink when her phone rang.
“Hi, Sean. Are you checking up on us?” A mischievous smile crossed her face before it vanished in a flash. “Where is he?” She glanced at Cassie, her face turning an almost pasty white as she listened to Sean. “Yes. I’ll catch the first plane I can.” Skye lowered the phone to her lap in almost slow motion, her face showing no signs of returning to its previous glow.
“What is it?”
“It’s Pop. He’s had a heart attack and is in surgery at the hospital in Fire Mountain.” She rose, slinging her purse over her shoulder. “I have to leave.”
“Come on. I’ll get you to the airport.” Cassie hurried alongside Skye, deciding not to put her on a plane but accompany her home. Making a brief stop at the hotel for their luggage, Cassie settled their tab and took off for the airport.
They were fortunate. The last plane had extra seats and within an hour they were in the air. By eleven o’clock they entered the waiting area filled with family members who’d refused to go home until they’d been allowed to see Rafe.
Hearts Don't Lie Page 13
