He doesn’t want to lose his ranch. I understand that. No one wants to lose High Ridge. But it’s obviously hitting him the hardest.
There’s another car outside when I arrive. A sleek, shiny one.
I squint at the black SUV parked next to Dakota’s car, the one with tinted windows and an air of polished importance. The kind of car that’s got “money” written all over it.
What the hell is Thomas Buck doing here?
I know Dakota was originally going to sell this place, but haven’t things changed now? Isn’t she considering staying?
Ihatethe idea that she might go.
Shit.
I shake my head, trying not to make assumptions. I don’t want to get all caught up in scenarios that aren’t even happening. I need to know for sure.
So I knock on the door.
“…yes, I understand, Thomas, I just…”
The door cracks open, and I freeze. Dakota looks frazzled, as if she’s been caught up in a whirlwind. Her hair’s a little messier than usual, and there’s a flush on her cheeks that doesn’t look joyful.
More like someone caught in a tight spot.
“Sawyer. Come in, I’m just in a meeting for a moment.”
I take a hesitant step inside, the door shutting softly behind me. But before I can get a word in, I hear Thomas’s smooth voice from the other room, the kind of voice that makes my skin crawl.
“…so, Dakota, let’s get all this paperwork signed, and then we can move forward with the sale.”
My blood runs ice cold as Dakota’s cheeks flame red. I glance at her, but she won’t meet my eyes. Her hands, nervously twisting a dish towel in front of her, betray how uneasy she is. Is she really just going?
What about Clint? Didn’t hejustlearn that Charlie is his? And what about everything that happened with all of us?
I part my lips, wanting to put a halt to all of this before it spirals out of control, but of course, this has nothing to do with me.
But I can’t seem to resist.
Her eyes flick up to meet mine, but there’s a mix of emotions in her gaze—confusion, uncertainty, guilt. She doesn’t say anything at first, and I can feel her silence settle between us.
Before she has a chance to respond, Thomas smiles like a man who’s used to getting what he wants, and it takes everything in me not to let my fists clench. He extends a hand, the one that’s been trying to get its greedy fingers on the ranch for years.
“Sawyer,” he says. “Always a pleasure.”
The smile he flashes is tight, forced. He’s trying to put me in my place without saying it outright.
I force myself to shake his hand, keeping my grip firm. “Thomas.”
“Just discussing the paperwork with Dakota. We’ve come to a mutually beneficial agreement, haven’t we, Dakota?”
His words are smooth, but the emphasis on “mutually” is a jab. He’s staking a claim.
I glance back at Dakota, whose eyes are still darting around, avoiding me. I can tell she’s uncomfortable. Hell, it’s obvious. And I can’t stand it.
“I thought you were still thinking about staying, Dakota.”
Thomas looks at me, clearly assessing the situation. “Ah, so you haven’t heard yet? Dakota’s made her decision. We’re just finishing the formalities.”
I feel a knot tighten in my stomach, a hot rush of frustration flooding my veins. My mind is racing.
