Redneck Romeo (Rough Riders 15)

That startled her. “That’s how Dillon introduced himself?”

“He said he was Dillon Doland, assistant director for the Wyoming State Parks and he used to work with you. Then he chuckled and mentioned he’d been engaged to you.”

“I find it weird he’d say that.”

Glennis’s gaze sharpened behind her glasses. “Know what I find weird? That Dillon has more than a passing similarity to Dalton. Tall, dark-haired, blue eyes. Charming.”

“Which describes half the men in the world,” she retorted.

Glennis shook her finger. “Maybe you didn’t realize at the time you’d started something with Dillon because he reminded you of Dalton.”

“Bullshit.”

“I know you and Dalton have a history, Rory.”

“How?” she demanded.

“Because of your familiarity the first day he sauntered in here. And sweetie, I am a Sundance native. I’ve got a grasp of geography and I know you grew up practically next door to his family’s ranch.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Does Dalton have any idea that you almost married a man who looks like him?”

“No.”

“What do you think he’ll do when he finds out?”

Rory stared at the door after Glennis left. She was wrong. Her attraction to Dillon had nothing to do with his looks and that he had some of the same physical characteristics as Dalton.

Did it?

And besides, didn’t all women have a type that appealed to them? Tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed men did it for her.

Putting it out of her mind, she got back to work.

Dillon was waiting by the hostess stand at the Twin Pines when Rory arrived.

He pulled her in for a hug and brushed a kiss on her cheek. “Rory. You look beautiful.”

She’d put extra effort into her appearance, wearing a form-fitting dress in dark pink, topping it with an iridescent shawl she’d crocheted herself and finishing her bohemian look with bone-colored riding boots.

“You look stylish, as usual.” He’d worn a navy suit jacket, blue and white striped shirt, jeans and loafers. One thing about Dillon; he was always impeccably put together. Even after spending all day out inspecting parks land on horseback, he’d return to the office in the same condition he’d left.

“Hey, Rory.” Naomi the manager looked between her and Dillon with a frown. As if she’d expected to see her with Dalton.

Rory bristled. She could have a business dinner with whoever she wanted. And the only reason she was here was because Dillon might have a lead on a job or two for her.

Naomi led them to a table in the middle of the restaurant. “I know you prefer a booth, but this is all I’ve got at last minute. As you can see we’re swamped tonight.”

Dillon pulled out her chair. “Thanks.” To Naomi she said, “What’s going on?”

“The Wyoming Wildfire band is playing on the club side. That gets people out on a Thursday night. Enjoy.”

“I take it that’s a popular band around here?” Dillon asked.

“Hugely popular. They only do one-night gigs, so they always play to packed houses.”

“Makes good business sense. The band I played in in college should’ve done that.”

“You were in a band?”

“Cover tunes only. I played bass.”

“You never mentioned that.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me. If you don’t mind, I’d like to head over after dinner and listen.”

Rory agreed only because Dillon didn’t dance. She checked to see who was bartending before deciding on a cosmopolitan.

After they ordered and the drinks were delivered, Rory got right to the point. “I call bullshit on you just being in the neighborhood, Dil.”

“I am on WSP business. Headed to Buffalo and Sheridan to discuss a more detailed operating plan for the summer season. Part of the plan is to integrate the new with the old since two positions will be opening up. Fulltime positions. Habitat management in Sheridan and assistant park services manager in Buffalo.”

“Are they new positions? Or vacancies?”

“New position in Sheridan. In Buffalo the park services manager is retiring, his assistant is moving up to fill the position so we’re hiring outside the office for a replacement.” Dillon sipped his drink. “Do either of those sound like something you’d be interested in?”

“Both, actually. When will the openings be listed?”

“Now. Final selection in roughly six weeks.”

That would work out perfectly. She’d be done with the special project. “What else?”

“What do you mean?”

Rory poked his forearm. “There’s something you’re not telling me. So spill it.”

“You’re right, but it’s not about either of those jobs. Strictly between us, there will be an opening in the Cody BLM office. Fulltime in Ag management.”

BLM usually hired and promoted from within the organization before they opened up outside applications. “Why?”

“The guy is retiring. The only catch…this position is pretty much universally hated by everyone in the community.”

“Is that why the guy is getting out?”

“No, but it is why no one in that branch office has applied for the job and why the BLM is listing the position on the job boards next week.”

Rory drummed her fingers on the table. “Think the locals’ attitudes would be worse if a woman took over the BLM job?”

“Any woman besides you? Yes. But I’ve seen you in action, Rory. You can be coy and forceful. Most people don’t realize they’ve given you exactly what you want until they walk away.”

“That’s not always a good thing.”

“It’ll make those good old boys believe they can ‘manage’ you right from the start. We both know better. Bob Buckman who heads that office can really use your skills.”

“Starting salary?”

“Fifteen grand higher than the standard because of the extra bullshit with the position. Possible yearly bonus.”

“I’m very interested in that one.”

He smiled. “Thought you might be. I already sent the paperwork to your home address with all the pertinent information for the Wyoming Parks jobs. Along with three letters of recommendation from me.”

“That’s…above and beyond, Dil. Thanks.” Rory should’ve left it at that, but she didn’t. “But I have to know what’s in it for you to share all the info about available positions?”