AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Mason sighed. Mr. Abrams had made an offer that would be ridiculous to turn down. The money he would be getting would not only help with the ranch but also solidify another Keagan’s future.
At this point, it wouldn’t matter if Harley was bluffing or not. He didn’t need Harley’s money or the projects she’d promised. He only needed what Abrams had offered.
Mason hit the call button and brought the phone to his ear.
Abrams answered on the first ring. “Harriet? Is that you?” He cursed. “I get it. You’re an adult who can do whatever she pleases. But understand this—”
“Sir, this is Mason Keagan.”
There was a long pause. The shock coming through the speaker was palpable.
Mason cleared his throat. “I’m calling to inform you that I will be taking that job.” He gave the man a few seconds to process what he’d just said. “And I wanted you to know that Harley is with me.”
“Who?”
“Harley—Harriet. Your niece. She came to see me this morning. Apparently, she wanted me to take the job offer.”
“Why’s that?” Abrams didn’t sound as pleased as Mason had thought he would, but then again, it was still early, and the man had been worried about her. He had every right to be cranky.
“Because I thought about what you said. I think it would be wise of me to take this opportunity and run with it.”
“You misunderstand. Why did my niece want you to take the job?”
Mason shifted uncomfortably even though he knew the man couldn’t see him. “She said… she wanted the buffer between you.”
Abrams grunted. “And you believe her.”
“I don’t have any reason not to, sir.”
There was another long pause. “I wouldn’t take anything she says at face value. My niece can be one of the most manipulative people there is. If she wants you to take this job, I’d watch my back if I were you. Mark my words. She’s got a plan.”
“Sir?”
“I don’t know what she has to gain from it, but she’s thinking of something.”
Mason turned to the window, watching Harley chow down on the breakfast her body desperately needed. “With all due respect, sir, I think I will be making my own judgments on the matter.”
“As you should.” There was some shuffling on the other end of the phone call. “When are you available to come over and sign some paperwork?”
“I’m not sure. But the earliest day I can start will be tomorrow. I need to have a conversation with my family first.”
“I understand.” The shuffling on the other end of the line resumed. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Before Mason could hang up, Mr. Abrams spoke again. “When can I expect to have my niece home? She’s got chores she needs to complete.”
“I’ll have her home within the hour, sir.”
Another grunt, and then Mr. Abrams hung up the phone.
Mason still watched Harley from where he stood outside. She had finished nearly half of her food. All of her bacon was gone, and he watched in veiled horror as she reached across the table and plucked the last remaining piece of bacon from his plate.
He shoved his phone in his pocket with a shake of his head and hurried inside before she decided to commandeer his last sausage link, too.
After they were done eating and had pulled up in front of Abrams’ house, Mason glanced at Harley out of the corner of his eye. Never in a million years would he have believed it if someone had told him he’d be taking a job away from his family and to help a girl he couldn’t stand. Harley was barely tolerable, and he attributed the small part that was tolerable to her looks. He still couldn’t believe someone like her existed.
She reached for the door handle, then stopped and her eyes locked with his. “Thanks for breakfast.”
He nodded sharply.
“I don’t know what my uncle has in store for me, but if I’m missing when you get here tomorrow, he should be the prime suspect.” She smiled. It wasn’t the cocky grin he was used to. Nor was it the kind of smile that demeaned him. This one was different from all the others he’d seen. It sent a chill down his spine that he wasn’t prepared for.
