Sweet Texas Charm

by Robyn Neeley

  Sweet Texas Charm

  Sweet Texas Secrets, Book 3

  Robyn Neeley

  Avon, Massachusetts

  Copyright © 2016 by Robyn Neeley.

  All rights reserved.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

  Published by

  Crimson Romance

  an imprint of F+W Media, Inc.

  10151 Carver Road, Suite 200

  Blue Ash, OH 45242. U.S.A.

  www.crimsonromance.com

  ISBN 10: 1-4405-9555-0

  ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-9555-4

  eISBN 10: 1-4405-9554-2

  eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-9554-7

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, organizations, events, or locales in this novel are either the product of the author's imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. The resemblance of any character to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.

  Cover art © 123RF/Kuna George, © romancenovelcovers.com.

  Thank you for purchasing a Crimson Romance novel. Please sign up for our weekly newsletter for information on new releases, contests, discounts and more.

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  EPILOGUE

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  More from This Author

  Also Available

  CHAPTER ONE

  Guac Olé CEO Grayson Cooper stepped into the Silver Spurs—a man on a mission.

  He scanned the crowded country-and-western watering hole, more than ready to zero in on his target and take aim.

  Unfortunately, Becca Nash hadn’t arrived.

  Scott, the bartender and his former classmate in high school, greeted him with a finger pointed up. “Hey, pretty boy, you know what we do with ties in here.” He nodded to the ceiling at all the colorful, mutilated neckties decorating the joint.

  “Thanks for the warning.” Grayson selected an empty two-top table and sat down. There was no way his Armani silk one was going to become a ceiling ornament. He loosened it and looked around.

  He’d chosen the Silver Spurs for drinks with his Guac Olé line supervisor–turned–majority shareholder thanks to his late father willing away fifty percent of the company shares to her, because the popular Sweet Ridge honky-tonk might be more her simple, country girl speed. A place she’d feel comfortable in to kick up her cowboy boots. Not that he had any clue where she hung out, or had asked where she might like to meet for drinks.

  That would have involved having a conversation, and he preferred sending a note via his assistant, Eleanor.

  Although he’d been taken aback when she returned with the news Becca would meet him, but not at seven o’clock like he’d suggested.

  And now it was ten past eight. Grayson scanned the crowded bar. His brothers, Gavin and Gage, always teased him that he never quite fit in to small-town Sweet Ridge life, and they were probably right. He certainly didn’t frequent stereotypical Texas bars other than the Silver Spurs from time to time with his brothers, but he loved his Dallas Cowboys, and watching games here was his routine during football season. So what if he wore a suit—sans tie—while doing it.

  Fixing his gaze on a menu, he went over his plan again. Once Becca arrived, he’d compliment her on her outfit, because from his experience, all women liked it when a man noticed what they were wearing.

  He’d then engage in chitchat about the factory. Get her talking until she let her hair down. Once she loosened up, he’d offer to buy her out. Sure, he’d take a hit from his trust fund, but he’d eventually recoup the money. He pulled out of his suit jacket his monogrammed note card with the price he’d offer that he intentionally lowballed. He doubted she’d realize it. It was probably more money than she could ever imagine.

  Confident, he set the card to the side. There was no way she’d say no.

  “Oh, my stars! If it isn’t Grayson Cooper. Here at the Silver Spurs, and the Cowboys aren’t even in pre-season yet.”

  He grinned up at the firecracker redhead he’d known since middle school. “What can I say? I missed your nachos. How’s it going, Meg?”

  “I can’t complain. Another day, another paycheck.”

  “Well, you look great. Is that a new hair color?”

  She tossed her shoulder-length mane. “Do you like it? I’m almost done with my cosmetology classes and did the color myself.” She lowered her voice. “Hoping to get out of this joint in a couple months.” Her lips curled up. “I’ve got a chair at the Loose Curls beauty salon when I’m done.”

  “It’s a shame Scott will lose his prettiest waitress.”

  She smiled, and he could see the color in her cheeks start to match her pink lipstick. “Now, don’t go flirting with me, Mr. Charmer. I’ve heard the talk around town.”

  No doubt she was referring to his and Becca’s inevitable courtship. And as far as he was concerned, Gavin and Gage were to blame for those rumors by falling in love with both of the women who’d inherited what their dad had promised them. Weaklings. The whole town suspected that Grayson and Becca were the next-to-be-crowned couple.

  That wasn’t going to happen. “Don’t believe everything you hear,” he scoffed.

  She smacked her gum and pulled out her order pad. “You here by yourself?”

  “Someone is joining me.” No need to fuel the gossip fire any earlier than he needed to. As soon as Becca arrived, it was sure to ignite all on its own. “Can I grab a gin and tonic and some nachos?”

  His order seemed to amuse her as she shook her head. “Grayson, you have to be the only man in Sweet Ridge who would order a gentleman’s drink in a honky-tonk with a working-class appetizer.”

  “What can I say? I’m a fish out of water,” he joked and stared down at the menu. Deep down, that statement was true. It never really bothered him.

  Maybe it should. Neither Gavin nor Gage had ever had any trouble fitting in here. Before he could think more on that subject, Becca arrived, and Grayson couldn’t help noticing that several male heads turned her way. Meg greeted her and pointed to the table, giving Grayson a big ol’ “you can’t fool me” grin.

  Becca walked over and for reasons he couldn’t explain, his heart began to race. He stood and pulled out the chair opposite him for her. “Um … hi. You look beau—” He stopped in horror, getting a good look at her.

  She was wearing a white smock covered in guacamole. Not so beautiful. “It’s good to see you again.” He fixed his tie out of nervous habit. “Um … do you want to change?”

  “What? Don’t like my Guac Olé uniform?” she asked but reached behind her and pulled it off. “Sorry, we had a situation in the factory. I didn’t have time to run home.”

  Or put a brush through her wild, wavy hair, but for some reason, Grayson imagined running his fingers through her messy locks. He shoved those hands in his pockets and fisted them. “I’ll go order you a drink. Would you like a glass of wine?”

  “I’ll take a Corona with lime.”

/>   “Sure thing.” He sauntered up to the bar, glad he had a few minutes to get a handle on his heart’s rapid beating. Was he having a heart attack? He was not going toes-up in a place where there were peanuts on the floor. “Hey, Scott. Can I get a Corona?”

  “You got it, bud. Here’s your gin and tonic, too.” Scott glanced over at Becca, his eyes crinkled in amusement. “So, the rumor is true.”

  Grayson picked up his glass and swallowed. “Just a business meeting,” he said through gritted teeth. What was he going to have to do to prove to this town that he wasn’t interested in Becca?

  “Well, don’t break her heart. Becca’s one of my favorite customers.”

  “Really? Are you two dating?” Grayson asked, not sure why that question flew out like it did.

  “Nah, she shoots me down every single time.” He grabbed a Corona bottle, sliding a lime wedge halfway in, and handed it to Grayson. “She spends a lot of time with her mother.”

  Grayson raised a curious eyebrow at that news.

  Scott shrugged. “Not sure what the story is,” he said before heading over to the woman at the end of the bar who’d called him over.

  Grayson grabbed the beer bottle with one hand and his mixed drink in the other and returned to the table. Becca had tossed her dirty smock around her chair, showing off her pretty yellow sundress.

  “One Corona for you.” Grayson set the beer down in front of Becca and took his seat.

  “Here you go.” Meg set a huge plate of cheesy nachos and a large side bowl of guacamole between them. “You two, enjoy.” She winked at Grayson.

  Becca picked up her beer, pushed down the lime, and took a sip.

  “I’m sorry.” Grayson pointed to the guacamole. “You probably don’t want this after working all day in it …”

  “It’s fine.” She took a chip and stirred it into the mixture. “Hmm ... not as good as ours.”

  “Of course not.” He tried the dip and easily agreed, taking in her bright smile, which caused him to forget for a few seconds what he was here to do. “How long have you been with the company?” he asked, already knowing the answer. Eleanor had pulled her record from human resources. Yah, his father had willed the shares to a college dropout.

  “Seven years.”

  “That’s impressive.”

  “Yeah, time flies,” she said and looked down at her dress.

  He’d been on a few first dates to know that when the conversation became awkward, to keep asking questions—not that this was a date. “What do you like about it?”

  “About what?” She looked up.

  “Working for Guac Olé.”

  She took another chip and swirled it in the chunky green guacamole before answering. “See this?”

  “The dip?”

  She shook her head. “It’s more than a dip. It’s an experience. The majority of our customers are probably doing something enjoyable while eating our dip, savoring the simple moments.” She took a bite and closed her eyes for the briefest of seconds. “That’s why I love it. It makes people happy.”

  “Happy,” he repeated. He had an MBA. Branding and customer experience had been drilled into him, but there was something smart in the way Becca broke it down to savoring simple moments. “And are you happy right now?” he asked.

  She smirked and sipped her beer. “It’s not our dip.”

  Touché. Grayson leaned back, taking in Becca’s pretty caramel eyes. Surely, she would understand that he was the person to own the company to keep giving consumers that happy experience. This conversation was going to be easier than he realized, and after she accepted his generous offer, he could go back to the office and call his lawyer, Rodney, to draw up the paperwork. “So, speaking of savoring the moment,” he started.

  She blinked but didn’t say a word.

  “I’d like to make you an offer I think you’re going to like.”

  Setting her beer down, she pulled her wavy brown hair to the side and leaned forward. “Go on.”

  He smiled widely. Women couldn’t resist his dimples. At least, that’s what all his past flings had said. Sure, he wasn’t trying to bed Becca, but one could make the argument he was attempting to screw her in a different way. He shook off the fleeting moment of guilt passing through him and picked up the notecard.

  “Another one,” she said sarcastically. “What is up with all the notes?”

  “Just my way of doing business.” He handed her the card.

  “Did you learn that at Wharton?”

  It was his turn to blink. She knew where he’d gotten his MBA. Impressive. Although, anyone could read his executive bio on the company website. “My dad was into notes.” He sighed and shook his head. “Even left me a final one in his will.”

  “I’m really sorry about your loss. Jack was a great leader,” she said, her tone losing its earlier edge.

  “Yes, he was. I learned from the best.” His throat tightened. Picking up his gin and tonic, he took a long drink. Now was not the time to get emotional. He needed to focus. “Becca, I want to buy your shares effective immediately.” Nodding to the card, he added, “Inside you’ll find my more than generous offer.”

  She opened it, staring down without a reaction. “That’s a lot of money you’re offering me, Mr. Cooper.”

  “You’ll be set for life. Could even quit the factory if you’d like. Hang out more with your mother?”

  Becca looked up, her eyebrows knitted. “What do you know about my mother?”

  “Nothing. Scott mentioned earlier you spend a lot of your time with her.”

  She cast a look of disdain in the bartender’s direction. Turning to face Grayson, she handed him back his offer. “Thank you, but I decline.” She stood and grabbed her purse. “Thanks for the drink. I think we’re done here.”

  “Ms. Nash, you can’t be serious.” He pushed back his chair and stood. Did this woman really turn down his offer? Yeah, the shares were worth so much more, but she couldn’t know that.

  “I am serious. Your father gave me the shares.” She crossed her arms. “He wanted me to have them.”

  The hairs on his back began to bristle at mention of his dad’s intentions. “About that. Why on earth would my father give them to you? Can you explain that to me?”

  She ran her hands through her hair, conceding, “I don’t know.”

  “You don’t know,” he repeated, his eyes narrowed.

  “There has to be a reason why he gave someone working in the plant shares intended for me. I’m sure you do a fine job running the production line, but you don’t have any corporate management experience. You’ll be in way over your head. There’s no way you can contribute at that high level.”

  “Why, you arrogant, cocky son of a—” She stopped the name-calling and adjusted her purse strap along her bare shoulder. “I don’t need this.”

  “Neither do I.”

  She started to leave but then spun on her boots. Coming right up to him, she ran her finger up and down his tie. That act sent a signal to his lower region. He gulped.

  What was happening? The woman had looked like she was about to slap him only seconds ago. Now her hand was on him—definitely no pain involved. “Becca …”

  “I can make important decisions, and I think my first act as the new shareholder with the majority vote is to get rid of these.” She patted his tie and then brought her fingers to her mouth, letting out a loud whistle. “Gentlemen,” she called out around her. “This man is wearing something that clearly violates the Silver Spurs’ dress code and it needs to be removed immediately.”

  The crowd erupted in a chant. Shit. He’d forgotten to take off his tie. Grayson shook his head as Scott came over with the infamous scissors.

  “I warned you, man.”

  Grayson gazed at Becca, cocking his head. “Get it over with.” He smirked at his opponent to show her that cutting off his tie didn’t symbolize anything. Those shares belonged to him.

  As Scott sliced into the satin fabric, the crowd
erupted in applause and a couple of young cowboys came up to give Becca a high five. He sat back down and finished his drink, watching as she flirted with one of the fellas, trying on his cowboy hat and laughing all the while.

  Why, Dad, would you leave this simple woman your shares? How did she talk you into it?

  He stood and walked over to her, touching her arm. Their conversation was not finished.

  “You’re still here?” she asked. Her tone had a hint of boredom.

  “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.