“You mentioned the arson around the old mill. Right?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“Well, it’s close to a land development mecca. Do you know if the old mill is for sale?”
His laugh was followed by a snort. “Until it burned down it wasn’t.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning the property was listed as a historical site.”
I chewed on my bottom lip, pacing the area. “So if it burned, the building wouldn’t need to be rebuilt the way it was.”
“I don’t know that for certain, but you’re probably right. What are you thinking?”
“I don’t have a map, but I’ll bet you a million bucks that if you looked at the location of the old mill, the stadium, and my father’s ranch, the proximity to the existing new development would be startling.”
“You’re thinking insurance fraud.” He lifted his eyebrows.
“Possibly. I don’t want to jump to any conclusions though. I’d need to see if there’s any proposed plans submitted to the zoning department.”
“I doubt you’d find anything. Not until the land was for sale or had changed hands. I know a couple guys in planning and zoning I could talk to. They might have heard something.”
“Mmm… You’d do that for me?” I grabbed his shirt, leaning in. I’d also see if I could find out how much insurance the owners of the old mill received. And if there was any connection to the other players.
Sadly, including my father.
“Maybe. If you’re a good girl.”
“Never.” My smile faded.
His eyes narrowed. “You’re worried your dad is involved.”
“I don’t want to think that way, but he’s on the verge of losing it all. But there’s a lot more pieces to be put together.” The mare nudged me, a tiny reminder both she and my guest were waiting.
“She has your personality,” Axe said, grinning when he did.
“How so?”
“Pushy.”
He spun me around, both of us laughed. Meanwhile, the gorgeous mare was studying us, even whinnying to my silly cries.
“You owe me, Palomino Girl.”
“I do, huh?” I was already breathless.
He stopped moving, other than a slight shift with his hips. “Yeah, you do. You better have something in mind.”
With his lips dangerously close, I was already breathless, daring to drag the tip of my tongue across my bottom lip. “I might have something in mind.” Tilting my head, our lips were almost touching. I crawled one hand over his shoulder, tangling my fingers in his hair. When he slipped his hands under my bottom,lifting me off my feet, I was forced to wrap my legs around him for a second time.
This time, I wasn’t letting go.
“Then why don’t you give me a preview?” His voice was husky, dripping with innuendoes.
“A preview, huh?” We remained where we were, his lips brushing across mine.
“Yeah. So I know if the payment is worthwhile.”
