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“This better be good.”
“Is Dakota there?”
He pauses. “She’s at the resort with Sarah.”
“Don’t go losing your shit, but this Alpine Energy is bigger than we thought. I’m in Edgemere, where they have one of their headquarters.”
“You’re . . .” He stops and breathes out loudly. “I thought they weren’t national.”
“I’m telling you, Lawson, they’re bigger than what we thought.”
“You think they’ll be trouble?”
“We’re ironclad on the will front, and Dakota’s not going to sell. Even if they buy up all the land around, it won’t get them what they want.”
He snorts. “No one’s gonna fucking sell. And she inherited five hundred acres. Who do I need to arrest and shoot?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “No one, you idiot.” I knew that would be his response. When it comes to Dakota, Lawson’s protective instinct kicks in overdrive.
“This sure sounds like one of those situations. No one will blame me. Shit, the town would probably cheer me on.”
He’s worried. It’s in his voice, but it’s a waste of time until we know what to worry about. Just like telling him not to worry is.
“Just be on the lookout for people coming about. Tell Dakota to send anyone who does to my office. From now on, she doesn’t speak to anyone who comes sniffing around without me being there.”
I’m exhausted when I get back to town. But it’s straight to work. By the time I finish with calls, paperwork, and filing documents, I’m about ready to kick back with a beer or a bourbon and watchthe game at home, but Lawson and the guys are meeting at the brewery, so I head there.
When I walk in, our table’s full, and I fist bump Isaac, Mack, and wave to the others as I make my way to the bar where Lawson’s getting a pitcher.
“What’s your poison?”
“Bourbon.”
“That bad or good in old Edgemere?” he asks.
I lean against the bar, as a cheer goes up. “Not sure yet. It was . . . interesting. I didn’t learn anything much, but what I did isn’t anything that holds up on paper.”
His eyes narrow. “Yet. You’d think these fuckers would get the message. My woman isn’t going to sell.”
“They don’t know the stubbornness of the Downs family, and I’m sure you’re aware Dakota is probably the most stubborn of all.”
He sighs. “Yeah, I know. I’m a lucky man.”
I mutter something about being pussy whipped, but honestly, I’m pleased for him. They’re a great couple.
What isn’t great is Willa. She’s drunk in a dress three sizes too small, and while she’s got a great figure, I’m not touching that even if I was attracted. None of us would. Willa’s the type looking to get her hooks in deep, and while I don’t care she’s been around the block more than a few times—so have I—I do care she’s looking for a husband with a capital H.
Anyone will do.
“Leland,” she says as she practically grinds against me, “you’re just the hot drink I’m looking for.”
Hot drink? The girl’s gotta work on her lines and her approach. “This hot drink is not for sale.”
Her fingers are sliding into my shirt, and I grab her wrist, pulling her away and then I give her a gentle shove. “You’re drunk. Go home.”
“Do not drive.” Lawson pats her on the head as he walks off.
With that, I grab the bourbon my buddy got me, lay some money down on the bar as a tip, and join the others.
