“Was he in contact with anyone who might have pushed him into it?” Mildred resettled her metal-rimmed glasses on her nose as she looked over the briefing Gregory had put together.
“We’re still determining.” He looked over at me pointedly. “Whatever the case, they’ve clearly doxxed Ruth’s home address, which means anyone could have it now.”
I frowned, thinking about my pretty little condo on the water. I didn’t want to have to move. But there didn’t seem to be any way around it.
“I’ll have to sell the condo and change addresses,” I said, “and we’ll need some of my online paper trails scrubbed so that they can’t do this again.” It would cost me, especially on short notice, but I didn’t really care. My safety was more important than keeping the same address.
Besides, I had the money to make such a move, and do it without leaving a trail. The idea had probably never entered any of my “enemies” pea brains.
“If they want to find me, they can come here and end up with ten security guys on them in three seconds,” I said.
“I’ll call your real estate agent and set up some tours of new properties,” Bella said. “Do you have any preferences?” The concern in her tone was palpable, and I could tell she was worried about me. She had worked for me for years, and we’d been friends for nearly as long. She hadn’t actually taken me aside and talked to me about the situation yet, as there had been no time. But I could tell.
“Upper floor or penthouse, or a house with grounds that present a good barrier,” I said, catching Gregory nodding approvingly out of the corner of my eye. I had listened to his recommendations before and remembered them. “Preferably the second. I would rather pay for the extra security than end up with neighbors caught up in my problems.”
Or helping my would-be killer by letting him into the building.
Bella nodded and started typing again, doubtless writing herself a note. I smiled—at least I had people to help me through this. I didn’t know what I would have done without her. With the state I was in now affecting my focus and energy so badly, I needed the help a lot more than I felt comfortable letting on.
“All right, then, that’s that part.” I looked around at them. “But closing on a house can take several weeks, if not months. Where should I be in the meantime?” The hotel wouldn’t work for this either. If the board actually wanted me to leave town for a while, I wondered where they had in mind.
“It doesn’t seem right to send you so far off that you can’t sign papers or handle work remotely. The board could probably make some recommendations, if you want.”
I tried to think that over, keenly aware of how out of my depth I was right now.
“I’m not sure,” I said, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. “Maybe I should take their recommendations.” I was drawing a complete blank on where I would want to stay for over two months.
“You know, you really have been working too hard,” Mildred chided me gently, making me smile lopsidedly in response. “This could be an opportunity to get some time to yourself, even if you work remotely for some of it.”
“If you’re looking for ideas on where to go,” Bella said hesitantly, “I may have the perfect place.”
I turned to her, relief washing over me. “Where is it?”
“The Dream Acres Ranch, about fifty miles southeast of here. They invite writers and others to stay in their guest home, which is set up like a bed and breakfast. It’s on a working ranch in the middle of nowhere, but they have solid Wi-Fi and modern amenities.”
She smiled at my surprised look. “I know how much you want to spend some time on a ranch, boss. You’re not exactly shy about talking about it.”
“How did you find out about this place?” I asked, fascinated.
“Oh, um…I’ve kept a pamphlet about it for a few months with you in mind. You’re always talking about retiring to a ranch someday, so I figured you might want to have a look at it.”
“And you’re sure it’s an actual working ranch? Not one of those tourist ranches where the barnyard is basically a petting zoo?”
She beamed back at me. “I promise, boss.”
“Okay,” I said. “How about you show me that pamphlet, and I’ll check out their website. I’ll let you know later today whether to book my trip or not.”
I had a funny feeling, however, that this Dream Acres place was exactly what I needed. I still wanted to handle my responsibilities to my company…but I wanted to do it at a safe distance from all this craziness. Hopefully, it would die down before I even moved. But just in case…I knew I needed to make myself scarce for a while. And if I could do it on a ranch, all the better.
Chapter 4
Ruth
“Dream Acres? Oh yes, Adam and Nancy had their honeymoon there. I thought you knew!” My mother was on the phone again, cheerfully adding her stamp of approval to Bella’s proposal for my retreat spot.
I had to admit, I was pretty impressed myself after looking at the promotional materials. Not only was Dream Acres a working ranch sandwiched between two others, it was also fully equipped for working visitors, including having a small business center and high-speed internet in every cottage. A staff of six people, aside from the actual ranch staff, worked full-time to satisfy guest needs. Amenities included a swimming pool, and even a hot spring somewhere down in the gulch at the back of the property.
And best of all, there was an airstrip. Which we aimed to take advantage of when Gregory piloted my plane south of the city.
I had decided against driving. Cars, as Gregory had pointed out, were easy to bug, easy to follow. Not so much so with a small private plane.
Back to the phone call with my mother.
“So they liked it, Adam and Nancy?” I asked, stifling another yawn. Hopefully once we took off for my enforced vacation, I would finally be able to relax enough to sleep well.
My mother was actually gushing. “Absolutely loved it. You know that they breed draft horses there? Great big ones, very gentle. Bring some apples!”
Her voice rose with excitement for me, and I smiled. “I’ll definitely bring some snacks for the horses, Mom.”
“Good, good. Check in with us when you get settled. Love you!”
I hung up, sighing as a faint smile lingered on my face. A day after the emergency meeting, and I had finally made up my mind. I was definitely going to Dream Acres, and more than that, I was going intending to have as much fun as possible.
Two days later, having agreed to the board’s terms and Bella and Gregory’s suggestions, I looked out the window of my puddle jumper as we left Austin behind and flew out into the fields and farmlands beyond. Cattle dotted those brown landscapes, along with tiny, twisted copses hunkered around the occasional gleam of water.
I hadn’t been out here in years. I wasn’t really one for vacations or leaving town except on business. Looking down on it now, I could already feel a sense of peace and increasing safety washing over me.
“They’ve arranged for a separate cabin for me,” Gregory was reassuring needlessly. “In case there is any problem, I will ensure that this baby is cleaned up, refueled, and ready to go on short notice.”
He sounded grim despite his casual words. I knew he wanted to be home with his wife and kids, but instead he was going to spend at least a solid month keeping me safe from the outside world.
“Thank you. I’m really hoping that none of that will be necessary, though.” But better safe than sorry.
“Just remember to keep your locations off on your phone and computer, don’t mention Dream Acres on social media, and don’t post any selfies that have anything identifiable in the background. Nobody’s supposed to know where you are right now.” His tone was as firm and stern, and as underpinned with warmth, as if he spoke to one of his own daughters.
I couldn’t help but smile. “I get it. Don’t worry. I’ll be discreet.”
I was pretty sure I wanted to stay off of social media anyway. I had staff to go through my c
ontact points for the public, and they were deleting a lot of obscenities, threats and nasty comments from the peanut gallery my would-be killer had come from.
But I didn’t want to hide too much. Business as usual for the most part because I had to go on with my work, and, to some extent, my presence online. I would have to prepare some statements to be released regularly in my absence. It wasn’t entirely organic, but at least it would give me some extra time to enjoy the ranch.
That part had my stomach bubbling with anticipation in spite of the crazy situation. I doubted I could get stolid, always-on-duty Gregory to go riding with me, but I still planned to ride myself sore on any trails around the property.
If anything, the peace and quiet could help me get more done. I had two huge ad campaigns to go through and approve by the end of the week, and the clients weren’t going to wait because some salty internet fanatics were trying to destroy me.
For that reason, I had packed as much business equipment and information as I had clothes. I had everything for both campaigns, both on my laptop and extra copies on micro-SD. I had details on everything upcoming that we knew about for the next four months.
As for my clothes, aside from a few suits for video calls, it was all boots, jeans and work shirts. Granted, the jeans were designer, the boots had been made for me by a bespoke hiking gear company, and the work shirts cost half a grand apiece and were butter-soft. But even the rich-girl versions of basic ranch wear would function well for me in a place like where I was going. I hoped.
“Have you ever done any work on a ranch?” Gregory asked me gently. “It can burn through a lot of your energy.”
I smiled. “I…well, it’s been some years.” Since I had been a kid, actually. “But I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it.”
He chuckled as he steered us toward a patch of farmland off in the distance. “We’ll be setting down soon, so you had better prepare yourself.”
The runway was a dirt strip at the far end of a cornfield, with a Jeep waiting for us at the far end. The hangar was no more than an oversized shed. And beyond it, the golden and green fields spread out, the pastures dotted with sheep, huge horses, and cattle. They barely stirred from their grazing spots as the plane rumbled past overhead on its way to touchdown.
They brought up a boarding ramp for us and Gregory helped me down it, even more attentive than usual. I could see him scanning the skyline and the two attendants with the same wariness. A few moments later, a short, portly man with thin blond hair came walking out of the hangar.
“Well, hello there!” he said, his mustache smiling for his hidden lips. “I’m Jake Masterson, and this here’s my ranch. I just wanted to come introduce myself and help get you settled.” He lumbered forward and offered me a meaty hand, giving Gregory the small, nervous glance common from much shorter men.
I shook his hand firmly and stepped back. “Thank you, Mr. Masterson. I’ll let you know if I need anything, but for now I’d just like to get myself and my security head situated.” I glanced over at Gregory, who was standing there holding our bags, and he nodded once.
“Of course. Come on and hop into the Jeep. It’s just a short drive.” He opened the back for our bags and then held the door for me as I stepped inside.
It was drier outside the city, the sun beating down hard enough that I was glad for my hat. When I touched the loose strands of my hair blowing in the wind as we drove, they felt hot. Summer out in the fresh air, instead of in a terrarium-like office constantly pumped full of cooled conditioned air.
As we drove, I saw something unexpected on the other side of the fence that bordered the property: a single man, his coal-colored hair a black stripe against his white hat as he rode a black horse along the fence line. He was a big guy, not as huge as Gregory but he carried it well. The thin fabric of his shirt clung to the sweep of his back as they cantered along, and I found myself staring distractedly.
Howdy, neighbor.
The road turned to follow the fence line, and we rode parallel for a while, the man glancing over with pale, bright eyes now and again. Then he cracked a smile as bright as the sun at me and I swallowed and realized I was staring. He waved once—and then dropped back to rest his horse, leaving us to head on unaccompanied.
Oh wow. I swallowed hard, craning my neck to take that hunk in for the last time before he dwindled in the distance. There really is some nice scenery around here.
The grounds were magnificent, and mostly dedicated to the working part of the ranch, despite the cluster of rustic cabins at each corner of the property. The main house sat at the very center: a huge old farmhouse covered in a green steel roof and gleaming white clapboard.
I was a bit tired by the time we checked in and our host gave us a brief tour of the grounds and barns. The horses were even bigger in person, and more curious and friendly, almost like gigantic dogs.
The smells were…interesting. I had forgotten the organic stink of barns and mulch piles. But I hadn’t dreamed of doing this my whole life without preparing myself for the realities of working with large animals. My impression must have shown on my face, however, because when we walked out of the barn I saw the amused look in Gregory’s eyes.
Once the tour was over, Gregory got me situated in my cabin, which sat within a buffer zone of empty ones, meaning there was little chance of me being seen by fellow visitors, or from the highway that ran past in the distance. Gregory’s own cabin was located at the far end of the cluster, giving me more privacy but also within shouting distance. Once that was done, he left me to explore my cabin, which was three rooms with peeled log walls, thick glass windows with rustic frames, and light fixtures shaped like candles and lanterns.
The bed was huge and piled with comforters, even in the heat. I showered off and changed into a light sundress—sea green to match my eyes—then spread myself out on top of the comforters with a sigh. I still had my job to do, but I had to admit…I was already starting to relax.
Despite what I wanted, though, I didn’t manage to relax enough to get a nap until I had unpacked enough to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything, checked the Wi-Fi, and set up my private VPN. Once all of that was done, and I had checked my email for any work emergencies, I signed off and went to try lying down again.
My dreams weren’t great. I kept seeing the wild face of my would-be attacker, staring at me through the glass front wall of my condo’s office. But eventually something in me must have sensed that I was safe, for I fell into a deeper sleep with ridiculous, ordinary dreams in them. When someone knocked on my door hours later, I woke with images of purple cows in my head.
“Just a minute!” I called out, running my hands back over my hair and smoothing my sundress before heading out of the small bedroom for the front door. I was too sleepy to be cautious, too full of the sense of separation from my problems. Maybe I assumed it was Gregory, or our mustachioed host. I wasn’t thinking much, but I was already opening the door before I even thought to check.
To my absolute shock, the man from the next-door field stood on my doorstep, a small cooler in his hands and that dazzling smile on his face.
I blinked at him slowly, the oddness of his sudden presence forcing me to double-check whether I was dreaming. The details of the room around me stayed clear and sharp. I was awake, and my new temporary neighbor had somehow sought me out and found me on this sprawling property.
And God, he was even more overwhelming close-up. His irises were pale blue with dark rings around them, reminding me of a Malamute’s, and fixed on mine with a twinkle in them, as if he knew just how attractive he was, but didn’t plan to be an ass about it. His hair was the deepest black I had ever seen on a Caucasian guy, and carefully trimmed. The cowboy hat looked new, but the jeans were well broken in.
There was a genuine cowboy on my doorstep, smiling hello with that angel face—and he had brought beer.
“Hi!” he said cheerfully, his local accent broad and voice friendly. “You’re the new guest, right?
My name’s Dallas. I own the ranch next door. Thought I’d come over and say hello.”
“Hello there,” I said, trying not to be too flirty about it. But I knew immediately, as I looked into those big blue eyes, that I suddenly had a great big shift in my priorities for this vacation.
“I’m Ruth. Would you like to come in?”
Chapter 5
Ruth
As it turned out, Dallas had been living my dream for years. “I lived out of state for a while,” he told me as we sat together on the cottage’s small couch and sipped from the ice-crusted longnecks he had brought. “I wanted to try performing, but the truth is, you can’t really make it in Nashville without connections.”
“So you play guitar too?” I squeezed my knees together and tried to ignore that bits of ice were dropping on my dress. I didn’t actually care. In this heat they would be gone in under a minute, and their water patches on the gauze as well. And meanwhile, I noticed how sometimes his eyes followed the little, cold drips down my body as they fell.
He’s fucking perfect. And I think he likes me.
I was already dazzled and felt a little stupid about it. I was a billionaire CEO, not a star-struck teenager. I couldn’t fall for a guy just because he was incredibly hot, a cowboy, owned a working ranch, played guitar, and otherwise seemed like he could have been made for me. But my attraction was so immediate and overpowering that I was starting to feel a little dizzy—and awkward.
But in the best possible way.
“Yeah.” He gave me a cute and slightly sheepish smile. “I play pretty well, sing not so well—at least according to the recording studios. But I’ll play you a lullaby any night you like.”
Taming The Cowboy (She's in Charge Book 4) Page 3
