When Violet leaves to hug and kiss someone else, Noelle decides that we must get champagne and mingle. What that means is talk to people we don’t know and pretend we do, and laugh at dumb jokes that ain’t funny, not even after two fingers of bourbon.
Where the fuck is that gun?
It isn’t until we’re about to be seated for dinner that I spot a familiar face.
Kaz. He doesn’t look out of place like I feel.
What is that son of a bitch doing here?
“Cade.”
We shake hands.
“This is Madison.” He introduces me to his companion, a sharp-eyed woman in a dress that looks like it’s been painted on her. She has a nice pair of tits, and at least one of her legs, the one hanging out of the slit in her dress, looks like it goes all the way to her armpits. “She’s a prominent developer. Madison, this is Cade Mercer.”
Madison laughs. “Landon Mercer’s brother! I’ve been dyin’ to meet you, Cade.” She has a Texan twang.
Noelle nudges me, so I make the introduction. Madison barely spares her a glance before locking on to me like a coyote sizing up supper.
It’s not a good feeling.
“I hear a lot about Blue Rock Ranch.” She puts her manicured hand on my arm.
I step away, not caring how obvious it is that I don’t like her familiar manner.
If she notices, I can’t see it. Kaz does notice and smirks.
“You know, Cade, Otis…you know, Senator Jessup?” Madison continues.
I nod but don’t say anything. I don’tknowthe man. I knowofhim.
I’m a fucking cattle rancher. How would I know a senator?
I’m not Mav or Duke; they have big fucking ranches, and they hobnob with politicians. I’m just trying to make a living.
“Well, Senator Jessup and I are working on an exciting land deal in Wildflower Canyon.”
“Are you?” I tug at my tie. I want the fucking thing gone. I’m getting a rash on my neck thanks to it.
“Yes.” She looks me in the eyes. “Don’t you think Wildflower Canyon needs an airport?”
Actually, any kind of gun will do? In fact, a hammer would be fine. I can knock myself out with it.
“I think Wildflower Canyon needs better irrigation channels and support from FEMA to fix the damn floodplain,” I shoot back dryly. “Nobody’s complainin’ about an airport, ma’am. They’re complaining about losing calves in the spring thaw.”
Her smile doesn’t waver. If anything, it sharpens.
“That’s a narrow view, Cade.” She says my name huskily as if we’re in bed.Jesus! “You’ve got land sitting on untapped value. Resorts, golf, an airstrip….”
“Can you imagine that?” Noelle puts a hand to her heart. “You know, Madison, my father owns Dunn Ranch and?—”
“We need a larger piece of land than that.” Madison doesn’t even look at Noelle. She’s got her eye on me.
Fucking hell!
Kaz swirls the whiskey in his glass, his grin just this side of amused. He’s letting Madison do the talking, but I can feel his eyes on me, waiting to see how I’ll react.
“Wildflower Canyon could be the next Jackson Hole,” Madison adds, her eyebrow arched.
