“Of course. It works out for both of us.”
I’m not so sure of that, but…I don’t say it.
I think this is going to end with me either on my back, under him, or in my car, running the hell away and quitting my job.
“Hopefully we have everything wrapped up quickly,” I say, walking over to where my bag is. I bite my lower lip, feeling really uncomfortable with all this. “Do you want me to pay per night or can I invoice it as my hours?”
Killian’s jaw tightens. Oh, boy. “I’m not charging you. Putting aside the fact that we spent hours having sex less than twenty-four hours ago, you work for me. You’re here, on my request, to help me save this damn ranch. I’m not asking for compensation—this is what I should be billed regardless.”
I didn’t expect him to react that angrily, but I’m sorry, there are a million reasons why I would think the way I do. “Take aside the sex comment, I have no idea what your contract with AnchorLight is. I’m helping out Brynlee, who is your publicist. So, if I were going on basic business principles, I would not assume you would be responsible for my lodging expenses.” I huff. “And not to mention, Mr. Thorn, it is because of the sex we had that I think we’d want a strictly contractual arrangement regarding money.”
He takes two steps closer. “I don’t have a contract with you.”
“Mycompanythen.”
Hopefully it’ll remain my company because if they ever find out about what we did, I’ll be fired.
There are strict company policies that we have to adhere to. No drugs, absolutely no discussing anything about our clients with anyone outside the company, we have morality clauses, and no sleeping with clients or anyone in the office.
Killian pinches the bridge of his nose. “I just wanted you to be comfortable, and close, in case this whole damn situation goes to shit.”
That part I understand. Today there was a reporter who called asking where Travis was because he wanted to get a quote.
I wouldn’t have been concerned since Travis is a very well-known trainer, but when I suggested he speak with me or Killian, he said he would as soon as he had the rest of his story straight.
Which means something is up.
It’s why we started to go through all the sales contracts, but there are just so many and so far, nothing has jumped out at either of us. My hope is to find a pattern, something that shows the house isn’t in order. If not, at least I can build a list of people who recently bought horses and then canceled, if I reach out to one of them, there could be an answer there.
“I appreciate it,” I say. “I need to do a little more work and it definitely will be easier here.”
Killian smiles and nods once. “I’ll let you get to it.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”
He leaves and I have to grip the pole on the bed to stop myself from collapsing. I’m exhausted and my mind is a clusterfuck.
Still, I grab my laptop and start to work. I sit on the bed, legs crossed, and go through my notes. After speaking with Thea, we agreed that putting any kind of statement out at this point is a mistake.
We don’t know anything.
Saying something could be seen as admitting to guilt.
What we need to do is find Travis, and I need to know why all these people are pulling out of the sales they’d agreed to.
I put together a list of possibilities. Sometimes it just helps to think through the scenarios.
Travis was recruited by another farm and left.
Travis stole something we haven’t uncovered and ran off.
Travis is in trouble.
The buyers were only dealing with Travis, and he was doing something nefarious, which spooked them enough to cancel.
The ranch didn’t actually produce any winners and they’re pulling out because of it.
