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Nash tried not to show how that number affected him. He never should’ve stayed long enough to hear it, but now the possibilities flooded him. With that kind of cash, he’d never have to worry about his finances again.
“That would sure set you apart from all the attention that your pretty little country star is going to get here pretty soon,” Lynch said.
Nash uneasily ignored the insinuation. Emily wasn’t the type to be bought. And still, what man didn’t want to hold his own in a relationship? Even so, there had to be a catch. “And West’s cut?”
“He said it’s all yours. Your brother stuck his neck out for you, and now I’m wondering why. He definitely didn’t mention that you’d be so hard to work with.”
With such lofty incentives, there had to be a number of applicants clamoring for the job. Nash was desperate to see what he was really getting into. “Why me?”
Lynch gave a hard laugh. “West gave me little choice in the matter. He’s been working out the details for a while. He talked to the client; seems that your family has a reputation for honesty down at Harvest Ranch. The widow on that ranch decided that she won’t do business with anyone but a Slade.” He seemed bitter about it.
Besides the fact that this came from Lynch, Nash couldn’t see anything wrong with the job. He was expected to give a fair assessment and broker a deal that both parties wanted. If this offer stemmed from anyone else, he’d jump at the opportunity.
“Or did I misunderstand what your brother was telling me?” Lynch asked after a pregnant pause. “I suppose we could go elsewhere, but I assumed that West would do anything to secure the job. I’m sticking my neck out for him, to be honest.”
“Lynch.” West walked into the room, carrying his boots. His dog was sent into spasms of joy. Once again, West looked to be on the “go” in an impeccable navy blue suit. His luxurious socks planted against the fine Persian rug as his eyes ran over Nash. His hawkish glance found Lynch next. “I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.”
Lynch shot to his feet, his face red. “I thought that you said your brother worked for you, or am I missing something?”
Nash let out a sound of disdain. “He doesn’t own me.”
Both Lynch and West spun to glare at him.
“Unbelievable,” Lynch said.
Nash’s frozen indecision was starting to thaw to a firm “no,” but hey, if the guy wanted to rage on like this, that bought him more time. Nash should just let the situation play out. He wouldn’t have to give any kind of answer.
“Our investors are ready for us to go in,” Lynch told West. “I’ve cleared the way to get us there. Please tell me that I’m not wasting my time here. You set this up, so I can’t move in on my own.”
“I could say the same thing for you,” West said with narrowed eyes.
Lynch blew out angrily. “What kind of operation are you running here, huh? I’ve had about enough of the Slades. The costs of the fire damage alone should’ve been enough for me to walk away.”
West let out a sound of disdain. “Relax, Lynch. I’m surprised you came here yourself. I told you that I’ve got this covered. I’ll take care of everything.”
“When? When? No offense, but I don’t exactly trust you not to go behind my back. We’re ready to go in now! No more waiting. I’m on my way out of town. I’ve got some personal… affairs that I need to deal with.”
Interesting way of putting things. What woman was causing Lynch difficulty now?
“Then get to youraffairs.” West’s eyes settled on Nash. “I’ve got my own personalproblems.”
Nash bristled. Obviously, West was referring to him.
“Then fix them,” Lynch said. “We have a lot riding on this… and my eyes are open for any of your tricks! You can be sure of that.”
Lynch stormed for the door, his normally calm exterior ruffled with a temper fueled by an uncontrollable fury that Nash hadn’t seen in him at his party. Something more was happening. The men sounded like they were working behind each other’s back. Was that why Lynch came to Nash first? He thought he had a fool on his hands.
As soon as the door slammed shut, West shoved a foot into one of his boots while wrestling Lizardman away from the other one. His reddened face showed that his own temper was about to explode. “What were you thinking talking to Lynch like that? I brought you here because I didn’t think that you’d be an idiot and blow off my best deals. What happened to those famous people skills of yours?”
“You’re not exactly into this either! I can tell. This whole deal feels shady.”
“Why?” West shrugged like he had no idea what Nash was talking about. “What about this is shady?”
“Lynch,” Nash said. It was the only thing he could go on.
“And?”
“I… don’t know,” Nash admitted. “You care to tell me the rest?”
