AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She seethed, biting her lip.
“I’m sorry. But it had to be said,” he told her, putting an arm around her. “I’m only telling you for your own good. I’d hate to see you lose your job because the management suspected that your heart wasn’t in it.”
Her whole body stiffened with indignant anger. “I didn’t say that,” she protested. “All I said was that people should be able to have Christmas Day off work. I know there are lots of professions where that’s not possible, but where it is I think it’s important to uphold that tradition.”
A nagging thought was calling to her from the back of her mind – and my heart isn’t in that horrid job.
He nodded. “Right.”
She managed to pull from his grip and quickly wiped the pot he’d brought the food over in. “Here.” She handed it to him. “Thanks again for the food. I’m going to get an early night now, if you don’t mind. I’ve got lots to think about.”
“And packing to do,” he added quickly. “Right, I’ll be off then. I’ll pick you up in the morning. Make sure you’re ready on time, we don’t want anything to jeopardize you keeping that job, now, do we?”
A familiar lump settled in her stomach. “I’ll let you know about that,” she told him quickly. “I’ll call you in the morning if I need a ride.”
He sneered. “I don’t see how else you’re going to get there,” he told her. “Brannagh’s old truck sure won’t make it down the mountain. It’s nothing but a heap of rust. I saw it outside earlier; looks like it couldn’t even make it across the yard and over to his place. What use is that?” He scowled, pulling on his coat. “That pile of junk’s just like the guy himself – no good to anyone.”
* * * *
Tyler was pleased to see that Adam had ensured that all the horses had enough feed and water, and plenty of hay to keep them warm. He’d put thick blankets on them all and they seemed quite settled in the heated, but well-ventilated stalls.
Adam was a good worker and Tyler was determined to keep him and Darrel employed as long as he possibly could.
It was going to cost a small fortune to rent the land to keep the cattle and horses here, but he really couldn’t see himself anywhere other than Mile End. This had been his home for over ten years, and he’d do anything to keep it that way.
He sighed, recalling the conversations he’d had today at the bank. Mr. Hendrickson had been sure that the ranch would survive as long as he continued to run things the way he had, and he reckoned it would yield an even better income in time.
Mr. Brown, the deputy manager, had spent a lot of time frowning at his computer screen, though, when they went to another room to discuss Tyler’s ability to pay for everything. He’d eventually agreed to a hefty loan which would tide Tyler over until the ranch’s income increased.
It wasn’t just the cost of renting the land from Chloé; he had to consider staff wages, veterinary bills, the cost of feed and hay, as well as heating for this place, which was only going to rise at this time of year. He’d also need to discuss with Chloé the use of the large trucks to transport the animals; something he hadn’t really considered before.
Would she want to keep the extra horse-boxes and wagons when she had no need of them? The sensible solution would be for him to buy them off her, but he just couldn’t afford to do that right now.
He looked over to the ranch house, wondering if it would be a good time to go back and ask Chloé about her plans, but noticed Bill Simmons walking up the steps to her front door. He held something in his arms, which looked like a large cooking pot. Damn! The fucker was taking her supper again.
From this distance he couldn’t hear their conversation, but he watched Chloé open the door and invite him inside. He seethed. Bill was clearly going to try to encourage Chloé to go back to Atlanta, but that was the last thing Tyler wanted. And what about Chloé? From what she’d told Maisie earlier it seemed she might not be quite as keen on the idea of returning as they’d all assumed.
He made himself busy polishing tack and tidying the feed-store while he waited impatiently for Bill to leave again. Luckily, he didn’t have to wait too long; the guy was there less than an hour. At first he hoped that it was a sign that they’d had a row; perhaps he should go over and make sure Chloé was okay? They both seemed quite friendly as he left, though, and he’d swear the bastard tried to kiss Chloé as he passed her in the doorway. He was glad to see that she’d moved quickly, though, and thwarted his chance.
Although it seemed churlish for him to go back and see Chloé right now – she’d think he’d been spying on her – he badly wanted to find out what was going on. He watched Bill reach the gate that joined the two ranches, and followed him. Perhaps it was time they had a proper talk, man to man?
The lights were on in Bill’s home and Tyler frowned when he saw the front door open as Bill headed up the path. A young woman stood on the doorstep waiting for him.
“Did it work?” she asked, excitedly as Bill got nearer.
“Like a dream.” Bill sounded pleased. “She’s over there right now packing her stuff. She’s heading home to Atlanta first thing in the morning and I’ll be taking over her affairs back here. I’ve got her eating out of the palm of my hand.”
The snow deadened the sound of Tyler’s footprints and the dark bushes hid him from view as he followed Bill up to the house, being careful to avoid the light that streamed from the open door.
“You’re getting the ranch?” The woman seemed ecstatic.
“Not yet, but I’ll soon convince her it’s her best option. Then Brannagh will be forced to sell to me, too – at a rock-down price, of course. I’ll soon own more than half the land in Marville County. People will have to sit up and take notice of me then.”
They both laughed as Bill reached her, put his arm around the woman and gave her a long kiss before closing the door.
Tyler’s mind raced. Bill Simmons had always been full of his own self-importance, which was why he’d never had anything to do with the fucker. He’d be unbearable if he owned even more land – especially if that included Mile End Ranch.
He made his way home, becoming more despondent with every footstep. Simmons had this all planned out, and there seemed nothing he could do to stop it.
