“Argh!” Rock yelled as he pulled.
The feeling of slow motion was kicking my ass as men crowded on both sides, pulling us both from the precipice.
With a last pull, Dante was brought over the edge and dropped on top of me.
“Woof,” I huffed, the wind knocked out of me. Rolling over, I took gasping breaths.
“Let’s not do that again,” Rock chided.
Dante groaned, finally lifting his head while the others clapped.
“Would you get the hell off me,” I snarled.
His grin had returned, the moment of fear gone. “Sure thing. But I get that introduction with your girl.”
“She’s not my girl.”
“Even better.”
CHAPTER 14
Kenzie
Secrets.
As a young girl, I’d kept them, whispering details only to my best friends.
As a woman involved in the workforce, I’d used tactics of discovery in a court of law to my benefit. The element of surprise was an excellent tactic at winning a case.
As a girlfriend to David, telling little white lies and keeping secrets had been part of home life. There’d been no reason for him to know I’d spent money on myself. I’d maintained my own bank accounts and made as much money as he had. I’d contributed to the household so the treats I purchased for myself were allowed.
Too bad for him if he disagreed.
However, there was something about Wade hoping if not demanding I keep the secret of whatever he wanted to show me that caught me off guard. Maybe because he seemed so stressed.
I was considering shutting down all emotions and walking away. My sense of loyalty to my mother was the only reason I was allowing Wade to take me somewhere.
My father’s ranch was located on the outskirts of town. Several ranchers owned thousands of acres, but through the years, many had sold portions of their properties for money, making up for their loss in profits.
Given the length of time since I’d been home, I was shocked to see how many housing and commercial developments there were spread over hundreds of acres. I stared out the passenger window, uncertain how I felt about trees being removed and the landscaping destroyed. “Let me guess. Dad is involved in one of those.” I turned my head to look at him. When I did, Wade shrugged.
“Not the big communities. A resort.”
With the pristine mountains, lakes, and rivers, Missoula had always been on the cusp of development. While certain members of the city council had been for more urban development, those who’d lived in Missoula their entire lives, raised families and had roots stemming for generations were none too pleased at the changes. That much I’d kept up with.
“A resort. Out here?”
“Well,” Wade threw out as he made a turn, “there’s a main attraction other than the outdoor activities and anticipated corporate usage.”
The long road had obviously been sectioned off as commercial. However, the landscaping created small town ranch appeal, the trees and the picket fences welcoming. The road twisted around and suddenly various corrals came into view, alongside modernized barns and training facilities.
“What is this place?”
“You’ll see. Just up ahead.” After another mile or so, another building came into view, a stadium of sorts.
“What is that?”
“What is that phrase? Seeing is believing? Come on.”
