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1
Tyson Donovan knocked back the last of the whiskey in his glass, then lowered it to the high top with a thunk. He let his gaze drift around the casino rooftop bar littered with women wearing sequins and diamonds, mixed with men not nearly dressed as well.
The laid-back Arizona style at parties ranged from suits to jeans for men, depending on the event. Tyson was in the latter category. Western dress shirt, a new pair of Wranglers, a nice pair of boots, and a black Stetson, and he was good to go.
A tour company had thrown this shindig to go along with the three-day country music festival being held in Phoenix. Major country stars headlined the event, including Kade Fields and Jessie London.
Tyson looked up from his drink as Henry Goldman returned to the table, his hazel eyes bright with enjoyment. Tyson knew the old man loved a good party.
“Let’s get you another whiskey.” Henry signaled to the closest server, who swept in to take their order before slipping back into the crowd.
The beefy elderly cowboy turned jerky tycoon focused on Tyson. “I’m glad you made it tonight, son. You did me a favor when you helped me fulfill that big order, and I want to show you my appreciation.”
Tyson gave a nod. “Thanks for the invite.” Crowds and fancy events weren’t his thing, but his longtime friend had been determined to get him here.
“I want you to meet my nephew.” Henry moved his whiskey glass aside. “He has a penthouse suite and is throwing a little shindig tonight. Some kind of celebration.”
Tyson held back a sigh. Last thing he wanted was another party. He’d be glad when he returned to his ranch, where he could kick back in his socked feet in front of his TV with his dogs and a beer. “Looking forward to meeting your nephew.” He nodded to the far corner of the lounge. “I’ve got to hit the head.”
He made his way through the chattering and laughing crowd, past people who used an overabundance of cologne and perfume that clogged his senses, and into the restroom. When the door fell shut behind him, the quiet was a welcome break.
The door swung open as he relieved himself in one of the urinals that lined one wall. From his peripheral vision, he saw two men stumble through. Due to his years as a Military Police Officer in the service, Tyson always remained aware of his surroundings and anyone infringing on them.
It was an unsaid rule that men didn’t make eye contact when standing at the urinals, but that didn’t mean Tyson wasn’t conscious of who might be next to him.
“I’ve got dibs on that blonde babe.” A tall, redheaded man undid his zipper. “She’ll be on my mattress ‘til dawn.”
The other man snorted as he joined the first. “I bet I can get her in bed before you can.”
The redhead laughed. “Hey, we can even both share her tonight.”
“She won’t know what hit her.” The second man chuckled.
Tyson zipped up and turned away, disgusted. He hated the idea of any woman being taken advantage of—if he saw who the men were talking about, he could step in and warn her.
From the time he was a kid, he’d always felt the need to protect others. It came from not being able to protect his mom from her sickness. He hadn’t been able to help her, but he could help others.
He washed and dried his hands, shoved open the door, and left the restroom. He returned to the table where Henry waited with their drinks. Tyson took his seat, and the whiskey Henry handed him.
“I invited you tonight for more than just a thank you.” Henry set his drink on the tabletop. “I’ve got something important I want to discuss with you.”
Tyson studied the man who’d taken on a serious expression. “Shoot.”
“I’m eighty-five, and it’s time I retire.” Henry tapped his thick fingers on the tabletop. “I’ve been considering who could take over my company and maintain the quality and integrity of my product and reputation.”
Tyson braced his forearms on the table as Henry spoke. “You are the best at what you do, no doubt about it.”
Henry focused on Tyson. “I want to sell Dutchman’s Gold Jerky to you.”
Well, that came out of nowhere. Tyson settled back in his chair. “Henry, I’m honored you’d consider me to take over your mantle.” He shook his head. “But I’m a rancher and not interested in owning another business.”
Henry leaned forward, an intent look on his usually jovial features. “I’m dead serious, son. I know you’re the man who can take my company to the next level. You’re a fine, successful businessman, you’re well-respected, you’ve got a good head on your shoulders, and you’ve got integrity. You’ve got everything it takes to succeed.”
Tyson gripped his glass, the cold chilling his fingers. Before he could decline again, Henry said, “You don’t have to give me an answer now. Best you think on it.”
After a moment, Tyson gave a slow nod. “All right. I’m not changing my mind, but I’ll give it some consideration.”
“That’s all I ask.” Henry grinned. “For now.”
