Page 125 of Branded Betrayal

“Exactly,” she says, jumping out of the chair. “It’s time to get you back on the horse.” She giggles. “Right, because ranches have horses. Isn’t that punny?”

I chuckle. “Yes, well done.”

She flips her hair over one shoulder and winks at me. “I try. Oh, and good luck at your meeting. I know you’re going to crush it. I can’t wait to hear all about it at lunch.”

“Thanks,” I say. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

I look back at my screen. I really am so grateful that we met. Alyssa is a real firecracker. Everybody loves her, and she’s the type of person who just makes you want to smile all the time. It’s also nice to feel comfortable opening up to someone again.

But even with all the distractions, I can’t stop thinking about what I left behind. Red Rock, Blaze, all of it. The ranch has a new owner. Kent emailed me earlier this week to let me know the auction is complete. I didn’t ask who bought it. I don’t want to know, or so I tell myself.

That chapter of my life is closed.

I’m working on the next one here in Denver.

And maybe that guy Luke might be part of it.

I let out a deep sigh and gather my presentation materials together.

It doesn’t matter that my heart is still screaming Blaze’s name. He hurt me. Deceived me. Betrayed me.

And it’s high time my heart learned another name.

With my laptop and notes in one arm, I push open the door to my office and step into the hallway. Tom and Caroline stand next to the conference room where the client meeting will be held. Their heads are bent together, and my pulse picks up speed as I’m hit with a wave of déjà vu.

Something feels off. Again.

Dammit, I don’t want to think about the last presentation I gave here. Not now. I have to focus on the promotion still up for grabs. I want it, and I will have it.

I just need to—

“Savannah.”

I stop short, clutching my laptop to my chest before I slowly turn around.

No. Not here. Not now.

My chest burns with each shallow gasp. “Blaze,” I choke out.

His face is worn, eyes bleary. And in his flannel, jeans, and boots, he looks like a fish out of water in this corporate space.

Alyssa walks out of her nearby cubicle, her jaw nearly hitting the floor as she looks from me to Blaze and then back again.

“What are you doing here?” I ask in a low voice.

He steps forward, a folder in his hand. “I needed to see you. To tell you something.”

I jerk my head left and right. The client group just arrived, and they are talking to Tom and Caroline, who are suddenly very interested in the tall, gorgeous, road-worn cowboy standing in the reception area.

“I have a meeting in literally five minutes—” I start to say.

“Conference room,” Alyssa hisses at me, nodding toward an open door.

“Savannah?” Ryan, one of the team members, waves me over. “We’re almost ready to begin.”

I force a smile. “Can you give me two minutes? I’ll be right there.”

Ryan looks at Blaze with interest and then nods. “Sure, I’ll hold them off,” he murmurs with a wink.