His lips split into a conspiratorial grin. “I’ve got a confession to make, Destiny.”
“What’s that?” I leaned against the big barn door and waited for his big revelation.
“I didn’t load the animals this afternoon. My brother’s in the truck. He owns the refuge, and I’m just helping out. They can’t afford to have someone spend the long weekend here since they’re short-staffed back on the farm.”
“That makes sense. I was starting to wonder.” He might be cute, but I didn’t have time to coddle a city boy who wanted to play cowboy for the weekend. “Are you sure you’re up for this? We’re expecting a big crowd, and if you’re not used to being around the animals, then?—”
He pulled himself up to his full height and looked me straight in the eyes. “I can handle it.”
Oooh, the confidence in his tone was super sexy. The way his eyes flashed with slight annoyance that I dared to question his abilities had me biting back a smile. I’d find out soon enough if he was in over his head. I just hoped he’d be man enough to admit it if he needed help.
“Okay, then. Let’s go find out what your brother sent you with, so we know where to put them.” I nudged my chin toward the truck and trailer parked in the drive. Thorne headed that way, and I got a turn to study his backside as he stalked away.
The jeans might be stiff, but they still molded to his muscular thighs and cupped his ass just right. I resisted the urge to fan myself. He might be easy on the eyes, but I was more interested in finding out if he could indeed handle himself.
I’d listened to too many hollow promises since my dad died last year and saddled my brother and me with a debt we might never get out from under. Mike felt bad about taking an assignment overseas, but the only way we’d been able to hold on to the land was because of the money he transferred into my account each month. If we wanted to keep it in the family for generations to come, we needed the festival to bring in the crowds.
I tried to press the pause button on the worry running through my head. It would be right there waiting for me as soon as I let down my guard. As we approached the truck, a man stepped around the side of the trailer. Thorne introduced me to his brother Henry, who rattled off the name of each animal they’d brought with them.
I was about to help them unload the animals and get them settled when a shiny black SUV pulled up in the drive. Unfortunately, I recognized the vehicle and the suave douchebag wearing a suit who climbed out of the backseat. He’d paid me multiple visits over the past several months.
And I’d turned him down every damn time.
Gonzo must have recognized the sound of the truck. The big mastiff was half deaf but could always tell the difference between a friendly visitor he could watch from his favorite spot on the front porch and an unwelcome intruder who might need to be run off the property. He trotted up next to me, ready to get involved if needed. He’d been my constant companion for the past eight years and I’d be totally lost without him.
“Ms. Taylor. It’s nice to see you again.” The lawyer wore a light gray suit with a starched white shirt underneath and a bolo tie wrapped around his neck. My fingers itched to pull it tight and strangle him with it.
I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at him, daring him to take one step closer. “Wish I could say the same, Mr. Dartman.”
His eyes flickered to Gonzo, who sat down at my side. “I was in the neighborhood and wanted to stop by one last time. My offer still stands. You could accept it now and save yourself a ton of work this weekend.”
I was desperate to tell him exactly where he could shove his offer. My mama always told me I could catch more flies with sugar than vinegar. When I was younger, I’d always wondered why I’d be interested in catching flies at all, but her advice had served me well over the years.
“Well, that wouldn’t be very neighborly of me at all. As you’re well aware, the bluebonnet festival brings in thousands of visitors to Hartsville every spring. I can’t imagine the disappointment everyone would feel if they showed up to find the whole festival cancelled.” My eyelashes fluttered as I tried my best imitation of a wide-eyed ingenue.
A slick smile spread across his thin lips. “Let me help you. I’ve got Shattered Souls on standby. Accept my offer and we can have them here in time to play the main stage on Saturday night. Go out with a bang and all. What do you say?”
I was a huge fan of the up-and-coming band and would give just about anything to see them play live. Anything but the deed to my family’s land.
“You heard the lady.” A deep voice came from behind me. I turned to catch Thorne crossing his arms over his massive chest and eyeing Mr. Dartman like a cockroach he was about to squash under his boot.
“I didn’t catch your name.” Mr. Dartman thrust out his hand.
“That’s because I didn’t give it to you.” Thorne didn’t budge. The lawyer’s diamond cufflinks sparkled in the sun while his hand dangled uselessly in mid-air.
A tiny part of me was glad to have back up, but a bigger part of me was pissed that a man who had no idea what was going on would interfere on my behalf. The damn lawyer didn’t take me seriously as it was. He’d be even less likely to if he thought I’d brought in a man to help me out.
“Well, any friend of Destiny’s is a friend of mine. Maybe you’ll be that good friend who can talk some sense into her.” Dartman pulled his hand back and brushed an invisible speck of dirt from his lapel.
“We’re not friends, Mr. Dartman, and I’d appreciate you leaving my private property.” I made my eyes even wider and blinked a few more times.
He shifted his gaze to Thorne and shook his head. “She’s passing up a once in a lifetime opportunity. Be that good friend, son.”
Heavy tension rolled off Thorne. Thick enough, I probably could have sliced it up like a loaf of my mama’s banana nut bread. He moved with slow precision. One second, he was standing next to me, his body as still as a marble statue. The next, he had his hands fisted in Dartman’s suit jacket and was forcing the asshole back toward his SUV.
“Let’s get a few things straight because it sounds like you’re confused. First, I’m not your son, and Destiny’s not your friend. Next, she asked you to get off her land and if you’re not gone within sixty seconds, I’ll have no choice but to view you as an intruder.”
My heart jumped. Seeing him come to my defense and manhandle Dartman had heart emojis popping up over my head. His actions also transferred some of my rage to his broad shoulders. Why couldn’t the sleazy lawyer look at me with the same fear in his eyes? I’d been trying to run him off for months, but like an annoying toenail fungus, he kept coming back.
