AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Spit out the truth, girl,” he said, as though he were privy to her thoughts. “Lies won’t help either of us.”
She glanced up, finding Cord standing next to the pickup, speaking with Mrs. Sanchez. Glad he was distracted, she stepped into her room. She left the door open so there wouldn’t be any need for Cord to come checking on her, thinking she’d changed her mind about going to the ranch with him. The last thing she needed was for him to overhear her conversation with her father. Or for her father to overhear Cord fussing over her.
She had enough problems already.
“I don’t have the papers signed because the seller has a deep sentimental attachment to the ghost town.”
“Why should we care? Are you going soft? Or does this Mr. Lawson have you thinking about things other than work—”
“Father,” she said indignantly. Her cheeks flamed with heat as her father’s words hit far too close to the truth. “I can’t twist his arm to sign.”
Not feeling too swift, Alexis sat down on the edge of the bed. The throbbing in her temples increased. She didn’t know if it was due to her run-in with the scorpion or the stress of dealing with her father. But if he would just back off and let her handle things, she’d finalize the deal and save the company. One way or another.
“Alexis, I don’t understand. If Mr. Lawson is so gung ho about keeping his land, why’d he go and put it up for sale?”
“It was a mistake by the realty office.” Her voice grew softer as the fight went out of her. All she wanted now was some peace and quiet. “The ghost town was never supposed to be listed.”
“Alexis, are you all right?”
No way was she telling her father about her encounter with a scorpion, or the fact she was spending the night with Cord—erm…staying at his house.
“Yes, I’m fine. I just got distracted.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.” She hoped her voice sounded reassuring.
Her father hesitated, as though trying to decide if he believed her. “Okay. Now how are you going to convince this sentimental cowboy to sell?”
“I overheard him say that he doesn’t have the money to make the balloon payment on his mortgage. If he doesn’t sell, the bank will foreclose on his entire ranch.”
“So what’s your next step?”
“Convince Cord that retaining part of the Brazen H is better than none of it.”
“And if that doesn’t work?”
“I got a phone call from the Realtor in Albuquerque. He’s located a ghost town in Arizona that’s about to hit the market. I should know more soon.”
“That isn’t going to work. We’d have to start back at the beginning with this project.”
He had a point. It would take longer to move their plans for the resort to Arizona, but it’d be worth it if she could find a way to help Cord. “I’m doing what I can.”
“I’ve heard from the investors, and they’re getting nervous. We have to move on this before we lose their support. Give me the name of the Realtor.”
“Why?” She didn’t trust her father to take care of himself. He always had to be involved—even when he was under doctor’s orders to rest.
“Alexis, don’t be difficult. I just have a few questions for him.” He expelled a resigned sigh. “I promise not to interfere with your deal.”
What could it hurt? Maybe if her father felt included, he’d quit worrying so much. She read off the Realtor’s information.
“With Arizona being a long shot, I expect you to push Mr. Lawson,” her father said. “Make sure he understands our offer is his only viable option.”
“I’m working on it, but I don’t think strong-arming Cord is the right approach.”
“Sounds like you’ve gotten close to this man. I’ve never known you to get personally invested in a project. Is there something going on between you two?”
Did the outlandish desire to follow up that most amazing kiss with another one—a far more intense one—constitute a relationship? Not that she’d ever let that happen. Once her business in Whistle Stop was concluded, she’d be on the first plane back to New York. “Nothing’s going on.”
