Cowboy Control [Carnal Cowboys 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 3

  He snorted instead of accepting her handshake then pivoted around and strode out the door. She followed him as far as the window and watched him head toward his rusty pickup.

  “Why do you want the land, Ms. Ronnell?”

  Mr. Zucker was stopped halfway to his truck by none other than Hale and Clint Yager.

  Interesting. The shit’s about to hit the fan.

  “Ms. Ronnell? Did you hear me?”

  The men closed in on Zucker. Judging by the change of their expressions, they didn’t like what Zucker had to tell them. She couldn’t hear them, but she didn’t need to. The Yager men were angry. Zucker, however, acted as though they were no more than gnats hovering around his head.

  “Call me Raven.” She craned her head around toward Martin. “After all, we’re going to be neighbors.” Although not for long.

  “But, Ms. Ronnell— I mean, Raven—”

  “My father’s company plans on putting up an outlet mall. The biggest one in the entire country.”

  “Here? In Garner?

  “That’s right.” She took his hand and pumped it. “I’ll talk with you soon, Martin.” She’d switched to his first name on purpose. People were friendlier when called by their first name. “See you soon.”

  She pulled open the door at the same time Zucker stalked away from the Yager brothers. They stood where they were as though too stunned to follow the man.

  “Hi, guys.”

  They whipped around to face her.

  If there are two sexier men on the face of the planet, I’d sure like to meet them.

  Clothes had never made the man in her eyes before, but the way their worn jeans and denim shirts fit their bodies had her mouth watering. Sex was sex, and business was business. She’d mixed the two before, but something about the Yager men had her wondering if playing with them might prove dangerous.

  “It’s Clint and Hale, right?”

  What’s the saying? If looks could kill?

  “What the hell are you doing buying Zucker’s ranch?”

  She pretended to be surprised at Clint’s vehemence. He was the more aggressive of the two. Probably—she’d guessed—he was the older brother. Hale’s face was dark, too, but he’d let Clint take the lead.

  “I’m sorry, but is it against the law for the man to sell his own property?”

  “You know damn well what I mean. What does your father want with land out in the middle of nowhere?”

  Why did men always assume a woman was doing a man’s bidding? Granted, she was carrying out her father’s orders, but not as his daughter. Any employee had to do as he told them.

  She tried not to let it get to her. After all, she should be used to it by now. “First of all, my father didn’t buy the ranch. I did. Or is it my being a woman that’s got you all riled up?” Maybe it bugged her more than she’d thought.

  “Don’t go playing the gender card.” Hale stepped forward, his hands clenched. “You know what we’re talking about.”

  No doubt they knew what she was up to. “I bought the land with my money, not my father’s or his company’s. What I do with it after that isn’t your business.” Again, she was struck with the question of why she’d used her own money. Still, she was used to following her gut instinct.

  “It is when it affects Garner and our friends,” added Clint.

  They were so sexy, especially when they were angry. Heat sprang between her legs, and for the first time in far too long, she wanted to forget about business and be treated as a woman. Just a woman and nothing more. Her fantasy, one she’d played over and over in her mind for several years, swept over her.

  Two men and just me.

  Two virile, tell-me-what-to-do men all for my little lonesome self.

  If she had the chance, would she let them have control? Could she let them have control? At least in the bedroom?

  She’d yearned for men who could stand beside her throughout life. Strong, commanding men who wouldn’t be intimidated by her father’s power. Amazing men who would take her and make her bend to their will in the bedroom. She hadn’t believed that even one man like that existed, but here were two men who could fulfill her fantasy.

  Not one but two. Oh, hell yeah.

  “Okay, here’s the deal. Normally, I might try to play it off and keep my cards face down until the dust clears. But with you two?” She moved close enough to make them blink. “I get the impression that you’re not the kind of men who like to play games.” She smiled a sultry one. “At least not those kinds of games.”

  “Then tell us.”

  She could get off on the sound of Clint’s voice. Yet she had to wonder. Why weren’t they showing her any interest? Annoyed, she pulled herself straighter and adopted a stern expression.

  “I’m going to buy as many of the ranches surrounding Garner as I can. I’m going to build the biggest outlet mall in the country. An outlet mall that’ll draw hundreds, thousands of people from all over the world to spend money in shops I’ll have stock in. Then I’m going to put money into this little town and bring it into the present day. It’ll grow and thrive. Ranching will give way to other industries, providing more jobs than all the ranches together could ever make.”

  Hale’s jaw dropped just enough for her to see the tip of his tongue. She wondered what it would feel like sliding over her bare skin. Clint’s eyes narrowed but although irritation glinted there, she saw no anger. The heat came from a different kind of heat. If he looked at her like that when he put his face between her legs, she’d never stop squirming.

  Maybe they’re interested, after all.

  “A fucking mall?” Clint’s words were barely a whisper, but the power in his tone could’ve knocked over a grizzly bear.

  “Yes, Clint. A fucking mall.” She took his collar and rubbed the material between her fingers. “So tell me? How much will it take to buy your ranch? It’s called the Silver Sagebrush Ranch, right?”

  He grabbed her hand, no doubt to tug it away. Yet, instead of taking her hand away, he held it. It was a simple touch, but it felt like so much more. “We’re not selling. Not at any price.”

  Hale moved behind her. She felt his body warmth radiating into hers. “And no one else will, either. Zucker’s an old fool who never cared what happened to the people of Garner. Other folk around here do.”

  His breath flowed over her. He didn’t have to stand so close to her. That alone told her a lot. She moved so that the tips of her breasts brushed against Clint’s chest. He glanced down but stayed where he was.

  Uh-huh. They want me as much as I want them. They just don’t want to admit it. But the body shows what the body knows.

  “I guess we’ll just have to see.”

  Being shorter than the average woman, she’d always had to look up at men. She’s often found it irritating. Looking up at Clint was different, intoxicating. He bent over, just the slightest, but it was enough to give her more encouragement. She got onto her tiptoes and stretched her body. Her lips touched his, sweet and light. He jolted but didn’t pull away.

  She’d challenged him and again come out the winner.

  “What the hell was that for?”

  “Because I wanted to.”

  The sound of her car pulling up was right on time.

  She dropped back onto her heels. Clint’s pupils were enlarged, giving her yet another encouraging sign. “In the meantime, if you two would like to share a drink, I’m up for it.”

  “You’re kidding.” And yet Hale’s gaze morphed to include hunger of a primal kind.

  “There’s no reason why we can’t have a little fun and do business, too. Is there?” She didn’t expect them to take her up on it, but what if they did? Wouldn’t that be fun?

  Clint and Hale glanced at each other, and both came up silent.

  “No? How about I give you a chance to think about it? Sleep on it.” If you can. “I’ll see you around, cowboys.”

  Loving the drama of it all, she slipped out from between them and strode
toward her car.

  * * * *

  “Did she just ask us out for a drink?” Hale couldn’t take his attention off the car speeding out of town. The woman inside it was one of a kind. She was tough, sexy, intelligent, and a damn fine shot, too. Everything they wanted in a woman.

  If she wasn’t out to ruin Garner and their way of life, she’d be perfect.

  “Not sure if she was asking us out or into bed.” Clint took off his hat and creased the brim, even though it didn’t need it.

  “So she’s ready to have sex? With the both of us?” Hale wanted to be downright furious. He wanted to dislike her more than he’d ever disliked anyone before. Instead, he found himself infatuated and, God help him, filled with lust. If Clint had answered with a solid yes, he would’ve been boots all in. As it was, she’d left them scratching their heads and, at least in his case, needing to take his cock in hand later.

  “That’s how I took it.” Clint was as confused as he was.

  “You boys hanging around for a reason?”

  If Martin Herant hadn’t come outside at that moment, they might’ve stood there staring in the direction the car had gone for several more minutes.

  “What’s going on, Martin? Is it true? Did Zucker sell?”

  The bite in Clint’s voice had Martin going on guard. Martin wasn’t the type to stand up to aggression. He’d rather avoid confrontation if he could.

  “He has the right to sell his place if he wants.”

  “Yeah, but did you even try to stop him?”

  Hale placed his hand on his brother’s arm. “Easy, man. He’s not to blame.”

  Clint let out a ragged breath. “I know, and I’m sorry. But it would’ve been nice to get a heads-up on this.”

  “You know I can’t talk about my clients and their business. Besides, this happened real fast.”

  It didn’t take a genius for Hale to realize Martin hadn’t liked the idea of being a part of the sale. Still, the man was in the business of banking and real estate. With times as hard as they were, neither was doing very well.

  “She said she’s planning on buying everyone out and building a damn outlet shopping mall.” Hale watched Martin’s reaction. He already knew.

  Martin took a step back. “Look, guys, I know this isn’t what you want, but I’ve got to admit, the land and as close as we are to the main highway makes it a prime location for a mall.” He lifted his palms outward. “I’m only saying it’s a prime location, not that I want it to happen.”

  Hale had to find the silver lining, but the damn thing was hiding behind dark clouds. “Yeah, we get it.”

  A little ways down the street, Mitch slid out of his truck in front of the Pig and Poke Market, the town’s one grocery. Hale gave Mitch a short wave. “Maybe we’re getting our noses bent out of shape over nothing.”

  “You think having a mega mall taking over the land is nothing?”

  “’Course not, Clint, but Zucker’s the only one who’s going to sell. Folks care about their homes more than they do money. Can you imagine Mitch or the other men selling out?”

  Several of the men, including the Wilsons, were longstanding friends who shared their time on the rodeo circuit as well as ranching. They were a brotherhood, men who would stand together no matter what.

  “No. I guess you’re right.” Relief flashed over Clint’s face. “Yeah, sure you’re right. No one else is going to sell. Zucker’s land alone isn’t enough to build a mall.”

  Martin stuck his hands in his pockets. “I wouldn’t be so sure.”

  The twist in Hale’s stomach tightened even more. “What do you mean?”

  “She’s offering a shitload of money. Twice what the ranches are worth. And with times being what they are…” He shrugged. “People have debt and families to take care of. Sometimes money can override being part of a community.”

  “If there’s someone who needs help, we help them. Garner folks have always pitched in whenever things got rough, and they’ll do it again,” argued Clint.

  “They have, and they will again. But when she’s offering a lot of money, enough money for some of the older folks like Zucker to retire, then it’ll be hard to turn down.”

  “She won’t get the Wilson or the Hill ranches. Those boys are doing fine when they add in their rodeo earnings.”

  Hale took the argument in and heard both sides. Yet Martin’s expression worried him. “Spit it out, Martin. You know something you’re not saying.”

  “You and the rodeo guys will hang on to your ranches. For a while, at least. But other people have already decided to sell.”

  “You’re shitting me.”

  As incredulous as Clint was, Hale could see how others might choose the money. The best a rancher or farmer could hope for was to leave his land to a family member who wanted to carry on the tradition. If they had a family member who wanted to live the hard life of a rancher. If not, then the chance for a real retirement, one where money wouldn’t be a worry, could seem very appealing.

  “Who else is selling out?”

  “Come on, Clint. I can’t give you my clients’ information.”

  “Don’t take this personally.” Hale cringed as soon as the words were out. It was stupid to think it was anything but personal. Their home, their way of life was at stake.

  “This is personal. Garner’s our home. I thought we could trust the people here.” Clint pulled out his phone. “We need to call a town meeting. Once we make everyone understand what she’s trying to do, they’ll stick together.” He lifted a finger, warding off what Hale was about to say. “Hey, Mitch, we need to talk.”

  Clint stalked away, talking a mile a minute. Town meetings in Garner were held at Kat’s restaurant and could be called by any citizen as long as he or she had a good reason.

  “Think he can pull it off?”

  If anyone could, it was Clint. “Sure. Why not?”

  “I hope so. I’m making insane money on the commissions, but it still sucks.”

  “Then why not refuse to do the deal, Martin?”

  “Because if I don’t, Harry Norse over in Whistler will.”

  He couldn’t ask Martin not to do his job, but there had to be another way. He had to do whatever he could to keep Garner safe. “I get that you don’t want to turn down business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the transactions take longer than they should. Zucker sure sold out fast. Couldn’t you have stalled him?”

  “The deal’s not done yet. It’s got to go through all the usual hoops before a closing date is set. Hell, I tried to get him to think it over more, but you know how he is. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on all that money.” Martin skimmed a hand along the back of his neck. “Still, I’ll do what I can with the others. That’s as much as I can promise.”

  “Do the best you can. We’re all in this together.” He shook Martin’s hand then headed for the P & P Market.

  * * * *

  “So how are things going? Where are you staying anyway?”

  “I’m at a friend’s house.” What else could Raven say? That she was staying with her driver’s sister in a three-bedroom frame house that would’ve fit into her bedroom in the Ronnell family house? Not that she was ashamed, but she didn’t want Kristin’s reaction booming through her phone. Kristen wouldn’t care where she stayed. Instead, she’d probably have a good laugh.

  On second thought, no one would hear her.

  Until the kids went to bed, the house was a chaotic symphony of voices, laughter, television, and music. The Merriweather family didn’t have a tenth of her wealth and possessions, but they were happier than any group of people she’d ever met. A lot happier than her family. Her father was a billionaire tycoon, and while her mother was more down-to-earth than her father, she enjoyed the luxuries her husband afforded her.

  A stuffed animal bounced off her head. She tossed it back to the cute blonde girl who’d thrown it.

  Staying with Richard’s sister wasn’t up to her usual standard of hotel
suites and champagne flutes, but it wasn’t bad, either. May Merriweather had greeted her with open arms and a huge hug. The jovial woman had pulled her into the cluttered living room and introduced her to not only her husband, Fred, and their four kids, Mayla, Maya, Freddy, and Rupert, but also to several aunts and uncles. After the initial awkwardness while watching May push the boys out of their bedroom, Raven had settled in, determined to make the best of the situation.

  “A friend’s house? What friend? You don’t have any friends. Except for me, of course.”

  “Hey, I do, too.” Okay, maybe not.

  “You know what I mean. You don’t know anyone in that town.”

  “Richard did, so we’re staying with his sister.”

  “Wow. Seriously?”

  May let out a squeal when her husband grabbed her around the waist and lifted her into the air. Raven couldn’t help but smile. Fred’s constant good mood and laughter was contagious.

  “Yeah. They’re really nice.” And happy. Really, honestly happy.

  As she had many times before, she compared their home and family to hers. Her parents loved her, but they’d always seem distant, too preoccupied with business and social events to be with her every night. The Merriweathers, on the other hand, made it a point to include their children in everything they did. Richard, too, fit in, giving her new insight into the man. She’d never seen him laugh so much.

  “O-kay. So how’s the buying going?”

  Kristin tried to hide it, but Raven still picked up on the disdain in her friend’s voice.

  “Just one so far, but I’ve got more in the works. I haven’t been here long, you know.” She’d used the same argument with her father when talking with him earlier.

  “I’m not judging you, Raven. I’m not your father.”

  “I know.” She held back a giggle as ten-year-old Maya smacked a stuffed bunny against eleven-year-old Freddy’s head. Freddy snatched it away from her intent on paying his sister back, but his father yanked it away without missing a beat while talking to Uncle Ned.