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In addition to the vehicles, several horse trailers were parked to the side. While he watched, one of the ranch hands led a striking mare down the ramp of the trailer to be taken into the barn and for its own weekend of pampering by people who knew horses.
The impressive mare held her head high and proud, as though daring anyone to handle her in a manner that was less than queenly. He had to chuckle at the animal. While he grew up with working horses, he’d seen his share of ones like that.
Yeah, Declan could get into this life. Having the best of his two favorite worlds touching made for one hell of a dream job.
In the time since he’d been in the big barn, it had been completely transformed into a winter wonderland cocktail party. Snow-white tablecloths covered the long tables and chairs sported white bows and sprigs of pine on the backs. Candles in glass jars flickered at regular intervals down the center of the tables.
He looked around to locate his teammates and spotted two positioned near the bar. Catching one’s eye, he gave a nod before heading that way to get a drink into his hand. His instructions were to mingle, to blend.
And to keep his eyes and ears peeled for danger.
A five-piece band was already playing a classic Christmas tune in the instrumental acoustic style that complemented a party of this caliber. Guests were already mingling and talking.
At his approach, the pretty bartender recognized him as security and poured him a soda water. When he reached for the glass, she smiled at him. “You must be Declan.”
His brow arched. “Do I know you?”
She leaned across the bar and whispered, “No, but I heard about your op.”
Christ.Did everyone employed by the Wyntons know about that?
“Ross wanted me to tell you that he wants your presence here tonight, but you’re not on duty.”
Hm, that was new.
“Why?” he asked her.
“I think as a reward for that op.”
Curling his fingers around the glass, he gave her a nod of thanks before moving through the quickly growing crowd.
A few couples drifted to the dancefloor. Most hung out in groups sipping drinks and picking at hors d’oeuvres. He meandered through the maze of people, keeping one ear trained on what was happening in the comms device in his ear. Since it was the first party of the long weekend, he doubted any trouble would arise.
He swung around to glance at the exit. Then he saw her.
A striking brunette standing in front of what he could only describe as a power couple. The man and woman were overdressed for the event, but somehow their overdone appearance made the brunette look more regal.
Her shoulders were drawn back, her head held high.
Declan cut his gaze over the simple fitted green dress that hugged her curves…and ended at her fist balled at her side.
At that moment, she twisted, spotted him and gestured wildly for him to come over.
He took off across the room without even thinking. When he reached her side, she cast a glance at him—then shook herself a little as if he surprised her.
Suddenly, she locked her arm around his back, her fingers digging slightly into his ribs. “Oh, there you are! This is my date—” She gave him a moony look and sported a big, sappy smile.
Without hesitation, he supplied the name she was searching for. Extending a hand to the female of the duo in front of him, he said, “I’m Declan.”
She didn’t clasp his hand but pinched her fingers around his as though calluses gave her an STD. Her smile was far from genuine. Maybe even a little off. But he’d seen women eye him that way before. Many times, in fact.
Pivoting to the guy, Declan offered him a hand.
The tall guy had the build of an athlete and the cocky attitude to go with it. He crushed Declan’s fingers and his eye contact could only be called an intimidation tactic.
“Hi, Declan.”
He gripped the guy’s hand hard enough to feel the bones of his hand grind together. “Any friend of this beautiful woman is a friend of mine.”
