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“No.” Phoenix downed a tequila shot. “He’ll never go for the likes of Jessie. Not with what he likes in the bedroom.”
The truth Phoenix shared sunk Jackson’s hope. Austin visited BDSM clubs in Reno, Vegas, and even L.A. on a regular basis. Hell, he’d built a playroom in his house complete with a bench, straps, paddles, whips, and more.
“Jackson, you really want her?” Denver asked.
“With all my heart.”
“Okay. I think I have an idea that could win Austin over, but it is going to take awhile. In the meantime, I suggest each of us get to know Miss Greene better.”
Denver had restored Jackson’s faith in the possible. No matter what means it took to win Jessie’s heart, that’s what he would do.
* * * *
Jessica exited the car, holding the bottle of wine she’d gotten from Carlotta. She headed for the front door of the Hotel Cactus, anxious for a bath and alone time.
A man walked up to her. He didn’t wear the typical dress for men in Wilde. Instead, he wore a suit and tie and carried a large case. He could’ve easily fit right into Manhattan’s mainstream as one of its stylish, good-looking males. In this remote town, he looked out of place. “Miss Greene.” His smile was broad and inviting.
“Yes?” She tensed. This was Wilde, Nevada after all.
“I’m Malcolm Winters.” He extended his hand to her.
She shook his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Winters.”
“Malcolm, please. I have something for you.” He opened his case and produced something she was thrilled to see.
“My laptop! Thank you.” She took it from him. “You work at the mine?”
“Oh, no.” His eyebrow shot up. “I’m president of the bank. One of my security guards also works at the mine from time to time. He found it and brought it to me.”
That puzzled her. “Why didn’t he just turn it in to a supervisor at the mine?”
“The man is a little off. He trusts me. Anyway, it’s back in its proper owner’s hands. No fault. No foul.”
Jessie sighed. She wouldn’t have to call the boss now. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am, Malcolm.”
“No need. I know your job is a hard one. I heard about your accident at the mine.”
“Word travels fast around here. I’m fine.”
“But you could’ve been really hurt. What a shame about Paul’s heart condition.”
“Paul?”
“The driver that almost hit you. It was his heart, apparently.”
“Is he all right?”
“He is. With rest and rehab, he’ll be good as new.” Mr. Winters motioned to the front of the hotel. “May I escort you inside the hotel to the lobby?”
“Certainly.” His formal manner didn’t put her off, but instead eased her anxiety. “I’m so glad the driver is going to be okay.”
“Aren’t you sweet. Maybe too sweet, I’m afraid.”
She tensed. “What do you mean?”
“We citizens of Wilde believe in our mine, Miss Greene. The last thing we want is for another accident to occur due to carelessness and oversight.”
Jessie bristled. “I can assure you, Mr. Winters, I am a professional. I’m here to make sure Wilde Mine is safe.”
