Cougar in Texas (Rugged and Risque 3)

“It all fell into place. The house is well suited for it. In fact, that might have been the previous owner’s intention. You’ll have to come see the property. It’ll be as stunning as it is productive when we’re finished. Even Sam fell in love with it right off the bat.”

With a smile, his brother said, “I’m going to help with the horses.”

“Samuel,” their mother all but hissed.

Suddenly a tall, sturdy man turned his attention on them. “What’s this?”

“Dad,” Caleb said as he extended a hand. They shook, then he added, “This is Reese Middleton.”

She accepted his hand, though he was highly intimidating. She could see from where the Bennett brothers got their height, mass and rugged looks.

“Very nice to meet you, sir.”

He also visually assessed her, but apparently couldn’t find fault with her appearance. In fact, he kissed the back of her hand and grinned at her, his pale-blue eyes crinkling at the corners the way Caleb’s did. The three men were devilishly handsome in their designer tuxedos and Reese was momentarily distracted by the lovely image this family created.

But in the back of her mind, a little voice reminded her to tread lightly. She’d succeeded in fitting their ideal of how she ought to look at their ridiculously ostentatious soiree. Yet that was only step one.

“Call me Jake.”

“If you’re done fawning,” Judith cut in, her voice clipped. “What on earth are you talking about, Samuel? Working on a ranch as a hired hand? We absolutely will not stand for that.”

“Actually,” Caleb said, “we’re business partners. Legal papers signed and all. I’ll manage the med facility and he’ll take care of the stables and corrals. And, of course, Reese will run the inn.”

Jake cleared his throat. “We should discuss this, boys.”

Judith took Reese’s bare elbow and said, “Why don’t I introduce you around?” As she guided her away, the older woman added, “Beautiful dress, by the way. Valentino?”

Hitching her chin, she said, “Yes, I borrowed it from a friend.”

“Borrowed?” She seemed to have trouble getting the word out.

“Wilder’s not exactly known for its social engagements. Although that might change with Caleb’s inn.”

“About the inn. Have you become a partner as well?”

“Certainly not,” she said. “I was shocked Caleb asked me to manage the inn—but also thrilled. I have a list of ideas. And experience. Caleb and Sam will be able to focus solely on their respective responsibilities, not having to worry about the inn. I’ll be an employee.” She felt compelled to point that out, lest Judith think she was trying to get a slice of the Bennett pie as a partner.

“What do you plan to do with the bed and breakfast?”

“I’ve run it for eleven years. I really need a greater challenge—and to be a part of something I’m not just doing on my own. I want to work with people. The entire concept Caleb has for the ranch… It’s so impressive and inspiring. He truly is a humanitarian. And the fact Sam instantly jumped on board says so much about Caleb’s character. And Sam’s.”

Judith seemed to mull this over, then bluntly asked, “You’re romantically involved with Caleb?”

Taking Liza’s advice, Reese looked her straight in the eye. “Yes, I am.”

The other woman’s lips pressed together for a moment. Then she said, “You’re a bit older than him, aren’t you?”

Reese forced her teeth not to grind together. “By five years. But, as everyone seems to know about Caleb, he’s very mature for his age.”

“Hmm.” Judith deposited her empty glass on the tray of a passing waiter. She lifted a fresh crystal flute and handed it to Reese before selecting her own. She sipped as the waiter wandered off to attend to the other guests.

The tension suddenly hovering between them unnerved Reese but she held her head high. “Caleb is a very special man. You and Jake must be extremely proud of him.”

“Well,” she said with a dismissive wave of a heavily bejeweled hand. “He always did go his own way. So did Samuel. But I’m not sure this business venture is suitable or even plausible. My hope is that their father talks them both out of it.”

Reese glanced over her shoulder to find the three men in an intense huddle. Her stomach coiled. She knew how it felt to have someone squash dreams. She only hoped both Caleb and Sam stood their ground, for their own sake. Though, of course, she hated the thought of plans for the inn vanishing into thin air as well.

But the brothers were already fully engaged with the project. She suspected they were much too committed at this point to back out. No matter what Jake or Judith Bennett had to say about it.