CHAPTER EIGHT
‘DIOS!’HEWASpacing his room at the inn like a caged animal. From having no feelings tothis?
The moment he’d seen Rose with her father, any anger he’d felt at her desertion had swung to concern for a valued member of staff. A drunken father—a drunken pilot—the connection was unavoidable. This was his worst nightmare come true.
But he wasn’t standing by helpless this time. He’d summed up the situation at the farmhouse in a glance. The old man needed more help than either Rose or her neighbours could give him, which was all the more reason for Raffa to bring forward his plans. He glanced at his watch. Rose was due shortly. The inn was close to her farm. Sleep had eluded him, but that was no fault of the warm-hearted landlady. The accommodation was more than adequate. Bed. Bathroom. Desk. What more did he need?
He’d reserved a private room downstairs for his meeting with Rose. This was no romantic tryst, but the venue for a serious talk. She couldn’t just take off whenever she felt like it. There was a process to be followed, as Rose well knew. He relied on his staff, particularly someone entrusted with one of the most vital jobs. The only reason he was prepared to cut Rose some slack was because no one understood loyalty to family better than he. Hearing a door open and close, and the murmur of voices, he headed downstairs. Rose brought the chill of morning with her, along with her familiar wildflower scent. She looked tense. He barely had a chance to say hello before the landlady he’d struck a deal with to buy the inn bustled forward.
‘I’ve prepared the room as you asked.’ She beamed. ‘Your room now, Señor Acosta. If there’s anything else I can get you?’
‘Nothing,’ he said briskly. ‘Thank you. I’m sure everything will be fine.’
He’d planned to tell Rose about his purchase of the inn at a more appropriate time. Now she looked shocked. It couldn’t be helped. In his world things moved quickly. In this instance that speed could only benefit Rose. ‘Come in,’ he invited, noting how pale she looked.
‘This isyourroom?’ Rose challenged the moment the door was shut.
He allowed himself a moment of pleasure at the fact that a fire had been lit and two battered leather armchairs, made more inviting with the addition of hand-sewn cushions, had been drawn up either side. These were good people, full of good intentions. ‘I’ll answer your questions later,’ he promised, indicating one of the seats. ‘Have you had breakfast?’
‘I don’t want to eat,’ Rose told him in a clipped tone. ‘I’d rather get this over with. If you’re going to fire me, please don’t draw it out.’
‘I’ve brought you here to discuss your future on my ranch.’
More colour drained from her cheeks.
‘Rose, listen to me before you draw any conclusions. I’m going to call for coffee, toast and eggs. You’re no good to me in pieces. I know the situation at home is hard, but you don’t have to battle through this on your own.’
‘And then you’ll fire me,’ she said confidently.
‘There’s a process to follow on my yard, as you well know. I’m not firing you. Gross misconduct would call for instant dismissal, and I hardly think leaving my bed in the early hours fits the bill.’ Rose’s jaw worked, but she said nothing. ‘You’ll get through this,’ he promised, ‘but you can’t disappear on a whim. If something important happens outside work, all the more reason to come to me and explain why you’re worried. That’s what I’m here for.’
Her green eyes turned dark with emotion. ‘So, you’re not sacking me.’
‘I just said so. This is simply a reminder that the position of Head Groom can’t be left empty for long.’
‘I don’t expect it to be. Adena will cover for me. And, please believe me, I didn’t anticipate any of this.’
‘But you must have known how sick your father was, and yet you didn’t tell me.’
‘How could I tell you under these particular circumstances, knowing I’d only add to your grief over your own parents?’
‘I think I can handle it.’
‘Can you?’
She looked so concerned, he couldn’t be angry with her. Everything she did, all she had ever done, was always for the good of other people. On that thought he called for breakfast. She looked as if she hadn’t eaten properly in days.
‘It’s been a race against time,’ she confessed. ‘Save enough money for my father’s care, or stay here to care for him without any money. Those were my choices. I foolishly thought I’d have sufficient funds in time to save him.’
‘You can’t live your life playing catch-up, Rose.’
‘Tell me about it,’ she agreed with a humourless laugh. Straightening up, she raised her chin bravely. ‘So, the pub belongs to you now?’
‘It does,’ he confirmed.
‘There’s just so much to take in. I couldn’t believe it when you arrived last night. What are you up to, Raffa?’
‘I’m here on business.’
