If this goes through, if she sells now, after everything, then what does that mean for Clint? For Charlie?
What the hell kind of future can they have if she moves away?
But I can’t let it show. I can’t let them see how much this is shaking me.
“I didn’t know she’d decided yet,” I manage to say, trying to stay calm. “You sure about all this, Dakota?”
She hesitates, her lips pressed together. “I’m trying to work things out.”
I want to believe her. I really do. But something in her expression is making it hard. She looks torn. There’s a piece of her that’s already left, already given up on this place.
Before I can press her further, Thomas interjects again, laced with condescension. “Well, it’s been a long time coming. I’m sure Dakota knows what’s best for her and her son. A fresh start somewhere else might be just what she needs.”
I grit my teeth, but I don’t let it show. I know what Thomas is doing.
He’s trying to manipulate her, trying to convince her this is the right choice.
But what really gets under my skin is the way he’s saying it. He thinks it’s already a done deal. He’s already won.
“I’m not so sure about that,” I say.
I glance at Dakota, but she’s still looking away, her hands clutching the towel as a lifeline.
Thomas gives a small laugh, his eyes glinting with something darker. He leans closer to Dakota, his voice lowering to a more intimate tone, and I start to feel a real sense of panic building in me.
“Once we get this all squared away, Dakota, you’ll see how much easier life can be without this stress. No more worrying about this building, no more headaches.”
I can practically feel his words pressing down on her. The way he’s playing the game, manipulating her weaknesses.
Dakota isn’t the same woman she was when she first got here, though. She’s stronger than this. She has to be.
But then he says something that makes my blood turn cold.
“Maybe you need to set up a meeting with me and Clint as well, Sawyer.” Thomas pauses for effect, his gaze shifting to me,waiting for a reaction. “The ranch is worth more to me than you guys, I’m sure.”
It’s a punch to the gut. My mind flashes back to the signs of damage around the ranch. The slow destruction of everything Clint and the others are trying to keep afloat.
And now, hearing those words from Thomas, I can’t help but wonder if he’s somehow involved.
I take a breath, doing my best to keep it together. But inside, I’m a storm, every instinct telling me something is wrong.
“I think you’ve already done enough damage, Thomas,” I snap. “You’ve been trying to buy this place for years. Don’t pretend you have everyone’s best interests at heart.”
The tension in the room thickens, but I’m not backing down. I’ll be damned if I let him take what’s not his to take.
Dakota straightens up, takes a slow breath, and I can almost see the resolve settle over her like a heavy cloak.
“Thomas, I think that’s enough for today,” she says. “I’ll finish going over the paperwork in the office when I’m ready.”
Thomas’s smile falters, a flicker of surprise passing through his eyes, but he quickly masks it with that insufferable smirk of his.
“Of course,” he barks coldly. “Take your time. I’ll be here when you’re ready to move forward.”
He straightens up, dusting off his suit as if he’s ready to leave, but before he goes, he gives me one more glance. One that feels more like a warning than anything else.
“And Sawyer, when you’re ready to set up a meeting, I’ll be more than happy to do so.”
Asshole.
