Wilde Fire (The Brothers of Wilde, Nevada 2)

“What do you like about her?”

“Everything. She’s like no one I’ve ever met before. When I’m not with her, I can’t stop thinking about her.”

“Sounds like love to me. Do you think she’ll be open to marrying you boys? It’s a lot to take in for an outsider, I know. It was for me.”

“I’m not sure what Jessie will think when she finds out the truth, Mom. But if she won’t have the rest but will have me, I’m going to marry her.”

She grabbed his hand. “You’d let go of your share in the mine?”

“Yes.”

Phoenix felt his mother squeeze his hand. “Son, you don’t need to think about what it is you feel for Ms. Greene any longer. Listen to your mom. You’re a man in love from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.”

“You’re right. I am.”

* * * *

“Jessica, thank you for agreeing to have dinner with me.” Malcolm Winters, Wilde’s local bank president, smiled at Jessie. He was very handsome, but out of place in rural Nevada. Mr. Winters was way too put together and stylish for the town. He could’ve been a male cover model. Most men here were rough around the edges and wore boots, jeans, and cowboy hats. That didn’t fit Mr. Winters at all.

She’d hesitated to join him but had relented when he said that he had information about the mine she might find useful.

“Thank you for the invitation. This is a nice place.” She looked around the Chinese restaurant with its many statues of dragons and large fish tank by the cash register. Only four tables had customers sitting at them, and that included theirs. “One question.”

“Yes?”

“Why are we eating in Elko and not Wilde?”

“Wilde doesn’t have Asian food, which I’m a big fan of. And I want to be away from prying eyes and eavesdropping ears.”

“You said you have some information for me.”

“Yes, I did. But before I turn it over, will you tell me what you’ve found so far in your investigation.”

“Nothing I can share with you, Mr. Winters.”

“Please. Call me Malcolm.” He sat down his chopsticks and motioned a waiter to come over.

“Fine. Malcolm, my investigation is confidential. Once I report back to the agency, it may or may not be available for the public to review.”

The waiter stepped up.

Malcolm turned to the man. “More hot tea, please.”

“Yes, sir. Very good.” The waiter bowed then walked through a swinging door into the restaurant’s kitchen.

“I’m so much more than John Q. Public in Wilde, Jessica.”

“That may be true, but I’m not at liberty to share anything with you.”

“I see.”

“So, will you be sharing something with me or not?”

“Of course. I only ask because I’m very interested in the mine’s state. It is an integral part of the community.”

“I agree. That’s why I take my job very seriously.”

“I believe that. And I’m sure the time that you’re spending with the Wilde brothers is strictly professional. But unfortunately, there are others who aren’t as discerning as I.”