Jane chuckled at Reese’s back, and Reese straightened. What had he missed?
Bo gave him a hard look before staring pointedly at his boots on the edge of the desk.
Dropping them unceremoniously, Reese glanced to his brother, who was still grumbling.
“It’s going to take some time to get things sorted out with this company. But I want to be prepared for anything. Sagebrush’sname is linked to this program, and I don’t want it to fail.” Bo glanced at Jane. “Remind me. I thought you said that Kat Jerris was the one who reached out to you. But she’s not the CEO of the company?”
Jane nodded. “She did. It’s her father’s company. She reached out on his behalf.”
“And they’ve invited representatives to go to New York… for what purpose exactly?”
Leo groaned again. “You’re sending me, and you don’t even know why?”
Bo shot him a sharp look. “We just got the invitation.” He turned his focus to Jane again. “Why wouldn’t they just come out to us? Don’t they want to see the place?”
“Of course they do. But there’re a lot of things logistically speaking that need to be taken care of before they can come. That’s why they want us to come visit. I just need a couple of guys—besides Noah, of course.” Her eyes strayed to where Leo sat. “And if you’re set on Leo being the liaison for the ranch?—”
“I am.”
Leo cursed under his breath.
Reese bit back a smile. He had a feeling that if he wasn’t already involved in teaching Serenity’s kids how to ride, then Noah would have suggested he take the spot. But seeing as both Noah and Jane were present at this meeting, he had a feeling choosing Leo had more to do with what Jane preferred over what Bo wanted. The latter was here simply to ensure Leo knew who was calling the shots.
“It’ll only be a weekend trip,” Jane insisted, apology written all over her face—not that Leo saw any of it. He wasn’t looking in her direction at all.
“So…” Reese drawled. “Why am I here? If Jane only needs one person?—”
It was Noah who answered his question. “You have experience with teaching kids how to ride. The equine therapy program will include children, and we need you to be ready to head that part of the program.”
Reese stiffened. He couldn’t possibly be suggesting that they wanted him to attend this trip as well.
“We’re currently looking into various programs that could get you certified for something like that. Until that point, we need you just as involved in this project as Leo. He’ll be helping out with the project overall. You’ll be fine-tuning the interpersonal stuff. They want to meet you in New York.”
An argument clung to the tip of his tongue. He wanted to tell them that under no circumstances would he be leaving right now. He was helping Serenity and her kids. How could they ask this of him?
But then the ridiculousness of the situation hit him over the head. Jane had said it herself. It was only for a weekend. He wouldn’t be expected to stay away for long. And if he brought up Serenity as his reason for wanting to stay, there was no way they wouldn’t catch on to… what? That he already had feelings for her? That he was hopelessly smitten by not only her but by her kids as well?
He clamped his mouth shut, opting not to say anything at all. Instead, he gave a curt nod.
On the one hand, it would be like a dream come true to have this sort of change in his life. He could work with kids. Not only that, he’d be making a difference for children who needed help.
There was a different kind of warmth spreading through his chest, and he almost felt bad for Leo and his irritation over what he was being asked to do. He glanced at Leo out of the corner of his eye every so often throughout the meeting. His brother remained stoic at best, with arms folded and stiff muscles. When they were finally allowed to leave, he stormed toward the barn without another word.
Noah clapped Reese on the shoulder before he had a chance to chase after him. Turning, Reese came face to face with Jane and Noah. Both of them were smiling, at least. If they knew he had a crush on Serenity, they didn’t show it. Noah offered an easy smile. “We’ve been watching how well you are doing with our nephews. I told Jane we should utilize your talents. I hope that was okay.”
Reese nodded. “Of course. I’m not sure why I’d need to attend that meeting in New York, though?—”
“People who invest a lot of money into projects like this one aren’t doing it just out of the goodness of their hearts.” There was a sort of flatness to Noah’s tone, like he’d had his share of bad experiences when it came to people in his financial disposition. “They’re still a business who wants to show they can be productive and successful in all of their endeavors, including charitable work.”
“That makes sense, I guess,” Reese said.
“And you’d be asked to come because you’d be the face for the youth side of things. They need someone they can put a face anda name to. Everything will go far smoother if you’re there, and you can tell them your vision.”
He all but choked on the words. “My vision? Noah, I really appreciate the opportunity you’re trying to give me, but I have no idea what?—”
“Jane will work with you on the finer details, but for the most part, you probably have the answers without even realizing it.”
Gaping at the two people standing in front of him, Reese couldn’t find the words he needed to express just how much bigger this felt.
