He whistles softly. “She had mock-ups, schedules, vendor lists, sponsorship proposals … hell, she even planned a two-step class for those of us who want to bring our wives along.”
A slow grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. “I like her. Enthusiastic. Relentless. She definitely doesn’t believe in doing anything half-assed.”
He leans a little closer. “And somehow,” he says, lowering his voice, “that little firecracker managed to finagle another five-year contract and deposit out of me.”
My head jerks back. “Five years?”
“That’s right.”
I let out a low whistle. “Well, damn.”
He nods. “You’ve got yourself a hell of a negotiator.”
I stare past him for a second, processing.
Harleigh’s been on staff just a few short weeks.
And she just secured a five-year contract with the largest cattle organization in the state.
That’s more than impressive.
Jaxon claps me on the shoulder. “Your old man would like her.”
I nod slowly. “Yeah,” I say. “I’m sure he would.”
Jaxon glances at his watch. “Well, I’d better get rolling. Long drive back.”
We shake hands again.
“Good seeing you, Porter.”
“You too.”
He heads for the revolving doors, leaving me standing in the middle of the lobby with a strange feeling of pride and a growing curiosity about the young woman currently shaking things up at my hotel.
I stop at the front desk and inform Mabree that I’m leaving for the evening but that I can be reached on my cell should anything urgent arise. Then I head for the side exit, pushing through the glass doors into the crisp Wyoming air.
The mountains rise beyond the property like a painted backdrop. Dressed in every color under the sun.
The employee parking lot stretches out ahead of me, scattered with pickup trucks, SUVs, and the occasional sedan.
And right in the middle of it, I catch the sight of a blonde ponytail.
She’s walking toward a vehicle near the far row, a slim burgundy blazer hugging her shoulders and a messenger bag slung across her body.
Even from this distance, I can see the bounce in her step.
I call out, “Miss Storm.”
She turns.
And the smile that spreads across her face could power the entire damn hotel.
“Yes?”
I pick up my pace as I make my way toward her.
“Hi,” I say as I stop by her side.
