Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
“Hudson Carrington. It’s a pleasure, ma’am.” He’s got that old-money politeness mixed with bad boy swagger down to an art.
Grams grins wide, then waves him toward the house. “C’mon in. I’ll put on a fresh pot of coffee, or I have some whiskey if you prefer.”
“Coffee will be fine, Grams.” And just like that, the Texas billionaire becomes just a regular cowboy sitting in my grandmother’s living room.
Cole sits next to me on the best sofa nineteen-eighty had to offer while Hudson settles on the brown leather recliner facing us. Grams serves the coffee before sitting in the other recliner. “What brings you out to Montana, Mr. Carrington?”
“Please, call me Hudson. We’re pretty much family at this point.”
His words echo around my mind as Grams barks out a laugh. “Well, you’re not wrong about that, son. So, why don’t you tell us what brings you all the way here?”
Hudson shrugs. “I wanted to see Thunderbolt for myself,” he drawls. “And meet the woman who managed to steal my brother’s heart. I’ll be honest. I didn’t think there was a woman alive crazy enough to put up with him.” He side-eyes Cole, mouth twitching like he’s trying not to laugh.
Cole growls a threat to his brother. “Just wait until I get you alone, asshole.”
“Bring it on,” Hudson returns, and I swear it’s like watching two toddlers fight over the same toy. Grams just sits back, lips twitching, clearly enjoying the show like it’s the best thing she’s seen all week.
I decide to cut in. “Why don’t we head out to the barn so Hudson can see Thunderbolt?”
“Sounds like a plan to me.” Hudson stands and follows us out to the barn. My heart pounds loud enough, I swear they’re all going to hear it as we lead the way across the yard. Cole keeps his hand anchored on my lower back, fingers flexing just a little every time Hudson’s gaze cuts over to us.
Hudson doesn’t say much as he surveys the barn. I can see the gears turning behind his eyes as he takes in the paint-chipped trim, the battered office door I keep meaning to fix, and our row of ancient coffee tins lined up on the shelf. It might not be the multi-million dollar outfit he runs, but it’s mine, and I’m proud of The Rolling R Ranch.
I brace myself, ready for the judgment, but he surprises me. “Nice setup,” he says. “Not a lot of people put in the work to keep a barn like this running. You must bust your ass, Reine.”
Then Hudson stops in front of Thunderbolt’s stall. My boy flicks his ears, sizing up the newcomer, and Hudson’s expression shifts from full-on intimidation to something almost… respectful. He studies Thunderbolt like he’s a priceless piece of art, and I have to admit, it kind of throws me.
Cole stands at my side, arms crossed, smirking as his brother admires my horse.
Hudson glances at me, then at Cole, then back to me. “He’s every bit as impressive as you said,” Hudson tells his brother before turning to me. “Can we use your office to discuss business?”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
COLE
I see the way Reine’s hands are shaking and know that under all that bravado, my girl is two seconds from jumping out of her skin.
I wrap my hand around hers, squeezing just enough to anchor her. “Don’t worry, Montana,” I murmur low enough just for her, dragging my thumb over her soft skin. “It’s all good news. I promise.” At least, it had better be. Or I’ll break my brother’s goddamn neck.
She blows out the breath she’s been holding as some of the tension in her shoulders eases. That’s all I want. Just her, unafraid and sharp as ever. We walk to the barn office together, Grams leading the way and Hudson following close behind.
Once we’re inside, I pull the battered chair out for Reine, while Hudson helps Grams into the seat across from us.
After we’re all seated, my brother turns all business. “I’ll get to the point. Chet Hayes and his investment cronies are out of the picture,” Hudson says, looking straight at Reine. “They took the buyout.”
“Wait a minute,” Reine cuts in, looking back and forth between Hudson and me. “What buyout?”
“Carrington Enterprises purchased the third of The Rolling R Ranch that Chet Hayes had sold off,” Hudson explains as both women gasp. “We’re going to be silent partners. You keep running the ranch however you want, no interference. But if you need money, manpower, resources, you’ll get them. Full stop. The only thing we ask is that you keep Thunderbolt’s bloodline in the Carrington family.”
Grams whistles, low and long, but her eyes are sharp as flint. “Why the hell would you do that?” Each word drops like a stone.
Hudson shrugs like this is no big deal. “Because my brother fell hard for your granddaughter. And that makes you family.”