Matt shifted in his seat, focusing on Rafe as he stood and sauntered forward. At the table sat a slew of younger MacLarens, including spouses who worked for the company. The news would impact them the most. He prepared himself for what he knew would be dismay, confusion, and definitely anger. Glancing around, he noted Heath hadn’t taken a seat, and Jace had positioned himself at the back of the room.
“For those of you who may not remember, the executive team consists of Heath, Jace, our chief financial officer, me, plus the corporate attorney and two outside directors. The approved changes will impact every person in this room. By the end of the meeting, we hope you’ll understand why we’ve made these decisions and support the changes.” Rafe nodded at Phyllis, their executive assistant, who brought up the old and new organization charts on the screen, then passed around copies. He pointed to each.
“This is the current structure. We’ll be moving to this one. As you can see, we’re realigning and combining entities to streamline reporting and speed our decision-making.” Rafe paused a moment, letting them study the changes before signaling Phyllis to bring up the next screen.
“As you can see, the top tier is shown first. Phyllis will add to this as we move through the changes. First, Heath will continue as the chairman with all administrative services groups reporting to him. Jace will take over all aspects of cattle and horse operations, including livestock, ranch services, horse breeding, and bucking stock.
“All operations involving real estate will now fall under me, including our new Resort and Community Group. Eric will report to me, but all day-to-day operations involving all real estate and development operations will go directly to him. Sean, you’ll also report to me, but be in charge of all day-to-day operations of this new group.”
“No offense, Pop, but what the hell is that?” Sean asked, as confused as everyone else.
“We’re moving several small, one-off businesses having to do with foster children and dude ranch services into an operational unit. I’ll go over details with you and Eric after this meeting.”
Eric Sinclair, one of Heath’s stepsons, leaned forward, his brows drawing together. He’d expected to head up that division at some point. He thought he’d report to Heath when it happened and couldn’t quite hide the disappointment. Rafe noted his reaction, but moved on.
“Cam will be moving back to Fire Mountain. He’ll continue to report directly to Heath, but will be in charge of business development, marketing, and technology services for all of our groups.”
“Moving…” Cam muttered, then reigned in his reaction. Although honored to take over three groups, it was a change from being president of his own division.
“We’ll go into more detail on all this, Cam. It will work out,” Heath interjected, knowing Cam might not be happy with the change.
“Kade will be taking Mitch’s place in Crooked Tree—”
“To hell with that. He knows nothing of the bucking stock business.” Mitch’s hands fisted on his thighs, his eyes sparking at the news.
“Mitch, you’re moving to Fire Mountain. You’ll report to Jace in the cattle operations group, as will Kade, who will also retain his position as head of security. In that role, he’ll report to Heath.”
Jace moved from his spot near the wall, clasping Mitch on the shoulder. “We’ll talk after this meeting.”
The one thing keeping Mitch from commenting was the realization he and his wife, Dana, would be able to spend more time together as most of her work involved frequent trips to Fire Mountain.
“Time for questions. Whatever you’re thinking, toss it out now.” Heath and Jace joined Rafe at the front, forming what appeared to be an impenetrable wall.
Cassie glanced at Skye. They’d been silently communicating during the announcement. With both Cam and Mitch moving, neither had a clue what would come next for them, nor had they any clue as to why Matt had been included in the meeting. The longer it went without mention of his name, the more Cassie’s stomach knotted. Clearing her throat, she looked at Heath.
“Is now the time to ask why Matt is in this meeting?”
Matt’s gaze flew to Cassie. She had done her best to ignore him, forcing her attention anywhere but at him. He could only guess her reaction when Heath broke the latest news.
“Now is the perfect time. You all know Matt Garner and his extensive experience on the pro rodeo circuit and the bucking stock business. He’s been offered a position in the Bucking Stock/Horse Breeding Group, which he accepted. He’ll report directly to Kade, but will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the bucking stock segment. Skye and Cassie, you will report directly to Matt.”
Cassie froze as her mind tried to wrap itself around the bomb her father had dropped. Clamping her mouth shut, she gripped the edges of the table, her unwavering gaze never leaving Heath’s face, a feeling of betrayal coursing through her.
Heath shifted, knowing he’d have a lot to explain, hoping Cassie wouldn’t bolt and turn in her resignation. The move had been a gamble and he prayed his daughter would give it a chance.
“Welcome aboard, Matt.” Eric held out his hand. “Talk about getting thrown to the lions.”
“You don’t have to tell me,” Matt grumbled, sending Skye a bleak smile. “If nothing else, it will make for an interesting Christmas party.”
“Cassie, you and Skye will meet with Matt after we adjourn.” Heath glanced around the table, making eye contact with each person. “In fact, let’s take a break, then everyone will meet in the office of the head of their new group. Phyllis has a completed chart with your names. Grab one before you leave.”
Her legs feeling a bit shaky as she stood, Cassie took the handout from Phyllis, unable to form a coherent thought. She walked from the room, barely cognizant of Rafe leaving ahead of her, Sean next to him, with an arm around his father’s shoulders.
“Seriously, Pop. You’re putting me in charge of a dude ranch?”
Chapter Ten
Unable to think, Cassie disappeared into the employee lounge, grabbed a cup and filled it with hot coffee. Standing at the counter, she dumped in sugar and creamer, stirring absently, not noticing someone entering.
“Hey, Cassie. How’s it going?” Dana MacLaren, Mitch’s wife, filled her own cup with coffee.
“Have you seen Mitch since our meeting?”
Dana’s eyes narrowed. “No, why?”
Letting out a sigh, Cassie took a seat at a nearby table, waiting until Dana joined her.
“The brothers announced some big changes. Very big. I’ll let him tell you what’s going on.”
Dana leaned toward her. Normally cheerful with boundless energy, Cassie sounded down, almost adrift. “Are you all right?”
She shifted her gaze to Dana, blinking. “No, but I will be. I just need some time to let the changes settle in. I’ll make a decision then.”
“A decision?”
“Sorry, Dana. I don’t mean to be vague, but I can’t talk about it now. Besides, I’m supposed to meet with Kade, the new head of the bucking stock group, and the others who’ve moved under him.”
“What?” Dana gasped, pushing her chair back and standing. “I’d better go find Mitch.”
“He may already be meeting with Jace, his new boss.”
“Jace? Jeez, this just keeps getting more and more interesting. I’d better run.”
Cassie nodded as she watched Dana leave, wishing she could just get in her truck and drive away with no destination in mind. Maybe take an actual vacation and think through all the changes, deciding if staying was best or if applying at another company might be wise. The thought of leaving her family behind felt wrong, but working under Matt didn’t work for her. Not at all.
Before he’d left for the rodeo, they’d talked of taking a month off after she graduated. Maybe drive to the east coast, see the sights, and enjoy the beaches. Each figured they’d earned the chance for some time together before taking regular jobs after graduating. The idea had disintegr
ated when he’d moved on without her. Burying herself in school, then her new job had been her way to forget him. The changes would make it impossible to keep her distance now. Perhaps the time had come for Cassie to branch out and find her own way.
“I thought I’d find you in here.” Skye walked in, taking a soda from the refrigerator. “Wow, can you believe the changes?” Glancing at the clock on the wall, she laid a hand on Cassie’s shoulder, her voice softening. “It’s time to leave for our meeting.”
Cassie let out a deep breath. “You go ahead. Tell Kade I’ll catch up with him later.” Cassie stood, dumping her untouched coffee in the sink, tossing the cup in the trash.
“Hold on a minute. Do you think that’s wise? Kade’s being thrown into a new position, as is Matt. And Mitch…I don’t even want to think about what he’ll say during our meeting. Besides, I’m not going to let you throw me into the fray alone. I could use a little female support.”
Cassie’s mouth turned up at the corners. “You’re the last person who needs another woman’s support. But you’re right. I don’t want Matt to see me as a coward.”
“Come on then. We’ll take this opportunity and shove it up Matt’s…” Skye trailed off, smiling, letting Cassie’s imagination finish the thought.
“You’re on.”
******
A somber Matt sat at a neighborhood bar, nursing a double whiskey, wishing he could take back the last two weeks and start over. The meeting had gone as expected, with everyone spearing Jace with pointed questions. He’d been firm in his responses and the reasons behind the changes. Even the hard lines on Cassie’s face softened when she understood the long-term plans behind the restructure. She’d even spared him a few glances devoid of the animosity targeted at him when she first entered the room.
The problem was Matt felt like a complete outsider. After the meetings concluded, everyone had been invited to Heath and Annie’s for supper. Everyone except him. He knew it was a way for the family to reconnect after a tough day, but being excluded grated on him in a way he couldn’t quite describe.
He’d swung by Seth’s house, made sure his grandfather had taken his medication and not pushed himself too hard, then taken off. The Tavern had been a regular hangout when he and Cassie came back to town during school breaks. They’d meet friends from high school, catch up, then drive to a buddy’s house who had a spare bedroom. Most times, they wouldn’t leave until just before dawn. The memory didn’t improve his already deteriorated mood one bit.
“Where the hell did you go?”
Mitch’s rough voice pulled Matt to the present. Glancing over his shoulder, he spotted Mitch, Kade, Eric, Sean, and Cam. All pulled up chairs, gesturing for the waitress.
“You think you’re the only one who’s had a crap day?” Eric asked, grabbing a handful of peanuts from the bowl on the table.
“I don’t know what you’re complaining about. You get to take over almost all activities of the real estate group. It’s what you wanted. I have to help Lainey sell her preschool business and move back here.” Cam accepted his drink from the waitress, taking a long sip.
“Hell. You’re all wusses.” Kade tossed back his shot of whiskey. After time serving in Special Forces, then with the DEA, he’d seen things these guys could only imagine. “Suck it up, boys, and roll with it.”
“Are you telling me you’re ready to move back to Crooked Tree?” Mitch stared at his older stepbrother. They’d come a long way since Kade, the offspring of their father’s first love who’d disappeared before Rafe knew she was pregnant, had surfaced. He’d married another, having four children. The reality of Kade’s existence had changed the family dynamics, requiring everyone to make adjustments.
Kade shook his head. “You heard Jace. I won’t be required to move unless I want to, which Brooke will never agree to.” His wife, Annie’s daughter and Heath’s stepdaughter, held a position at the company not impacted by the changes. “This works out great for you, Mitch. Dana won’t have to travel as much, and Jace will give you plenty of autonomy. I’ve worked for him for a while now, and he’s great. More laid back than either Heath or Rafe. Go with it, man.” Kade shot him an evil grin and laughed.
“You may be right, but it doesn’t sit well with me that they made all these changes without talking to any of us. It’s as if they wanted us to mutiny.” Mitch tossed back his drink, letting the amber liquid burn down his throat.
“And I’d wager you would’ve been the one to start it,” Sean added, understanding Mitch’s frustration.
“I was tempted.” Mitch slammed his empty glass on the table.
“Come on, boys. Time to fill our stomachs and enjoy the family.” Eric stood, stretching his arms above his head to relieve the ache from a full day of meetings. When Matt remained seated, he shoved his shoulder. “You, too. You’re not leaving us to face Skye and Cassie by ourselves.”
Matt hesitated a moment, then shrugged. “Why the hell not?” he joked, following them to their cars, then the ranch, bracing himself for whatever Cassie might throw his way.
******
The men heard women’s laughter as they entered the ranch house. Matt paused inside the foyer, glancing around, looking for Cassie. He hoped to pull her aside for a private talk, try to air out their differences and make the most of the changes. She stood with Skye, Brooke, and Dana at the end of the long breakfast bar, holding a glass of wine, laughing. Spotting him, her expression soured before she turned her back in an attempt to block him out.
“Grab plates and fill them up. Everything is ready.” Annie and Jace’s wife, Caroline, placed the last of the serving bowls on the counter, motioning them to get started.
Matt piled on the food. He’d forgotten what a great spread Annie always prepared. Heath’s oldest, Trey, and his wife, Jesse, along with their son, Trevor, were the only ones missing. Both naval aviators, their tours would end soon. He knew Heath hoped they’d return to the ranch and work in the company.
“I’m going to need all the help I can get with the bucking stock business.” Kade set his plate next to Matt’s and took a seat between him and his wife, Brooke. “Your background is going to be a huge benefit.”
“You wouldn’t think so the way Skye and Cassie took the news.” Matt shoved a forkful of enchiladas into his mouth, chewing slowly, his gaze riveted on Cassie at the other end of the table.
“They’ll get over it. Both are professional and understand the reasons behind the moves.” Kade had noticed the shocked expressions on both women’s faces when Rafe made the announcement. He hoped each would step up and accept the changes, but something about what Cassie had left unsaid during their meeting bothered him. She’d asked questions but he never once felt she’d bought into the new structure. Listening to his gut had saved him more than once while in Special Forces and his gut knotted each time he glanced at Cassie.
“They might understand them, but Cassie is a long way from embracing them.” Setting his fork down, Matt picked up his bottle of beer, tipping it back and taking several swallows. “Can’t say as I blame her.”
“You’re going to need to have a hard talk with her about what you expect. She’s headstrong, but from what I’ve seen, she takes direction well.” Picking up his empty plate, Kade stood. “I’m going for seconds before Mitch beats me to it.”
Matt followed him, but instead of going for more food, he stopped next to Cassie. “When you’ve finished, I’d like to talk.”
Even before hearing his voice, she knew who had stopped beside her. As always, it sent a ripple of excitement through her, a response she couldn’t stop, no matter how hard she tried.
“I’ll meet you in Dad’s study in five minutes.”
He nodded, grabbing a bottle of water, bracing himself for the expected fireworks.
******
Staring at the MacLaren family pictures on the wall, Matt waited for Cassie to join him. It had been over thirty minutes, and given her usual insistence on being punctual, he had to
attribute the lag to a desire to let him stew. It didn’t faze him one bit. He’d wait her out, no matter how late it got. At some point, she’d have to face him.
“Okay, I’m here now. What do you want to discuss?” Cassie breezed into the room, not making eye contact as she lowered herself into a chair.
Matt held her gaze, uncaring of how stern his next words would sound. “Your thoughts on the changes. Specifically, if you’ll be able to accept I’m your boss and you’ll be reporting to me.”
“And if I don’t?” She lifted her chin, daring him to threaten her.
“You’ll be gone, the same as anyone else.”
Cassie blinked, knowing if she didn’t produce results, her father would agree to a termination. He’d give her no special privileges. Treating family different than regular employees wasn’t tolerated at MacLaren Enterprises. You were professional, showed respect, and did your job. No excuses. If not, you were gone.
“Fine.” She stood, turning toward the door.
“Hold on a minute, Cass.”
“What? There’s more?”
“I want to know what you mean by fine. Are you saying you’ve bought into the program and are on board? I don’t want any misunderstandings between us.” He took a step forward, then stopped when he saw her eyes narrow in frustration…or resentment…or possibly desire. He couldn’t tell which.
All she wanted was to leave. Get out the door and away from Matt. She’d made him wait for her to join him, not because of the changes, but because her traitorous heart wouldn’t stop pounding like a bass drum. Being this close to him did dangerous things to her body. Breathing became difficult, labored, the walls closing in around her. Ever since she’d spotted him coming through the front door, she’d fought the attraction so hazardous to her health. She could deal with him, but only if he kept his distance and didn’t require face time. Taking a couple steps closer, she tilted her face up, fisting her hands at her sides.
“What I’m saying is I’ll report to you and do my best to meet your expectations. But I’m warning you, Matt. If you start feeding bullcrap reports about my work to Dad and the others, there will be hell to pay!” Cassie’s face reddened as her eyes sparked.
No Getting Over You Page 9
