Sharp Shootin' Cowboy (Hot Cowboy Nights, #3)(69)

“It doesn’t have to be one or the other,” Reid insisted.

“Not to you and me perhaps, but based on Krista’s reaction, your family is going to force a choice upon you whether you like it or not. I don’t think I can live with that.” She turned away unable to look him in the face. “I have to go now. Don’t you see?”

“Please don’t,” Reid said.

“I’m sorry, Reid,” she said in a choked voice, “but I think we both knew this couldn’t work. I’ll be back in a few days with a team to set traps.”





Chapter 19


Haley left the ranch feeling heartsick but resolved that she’d done the right thing. She’d briefly fantasized that they might be able to work through their differences, but Krista’s parting words had shattered that illusion.

She drove first to her rented condo, where she showered and changed clothes, then headed to the office to write up her reports on the horse depredation and the grizzly kill. She opened the door to find Jeffrey sitting behind her desk. “Jeffrey? What are you doing here?”

“Trying to track you down. You haven’t answered any of my calls.”

“I didn’t get any. Then again, I’ve been in an area with no signal.” She added dryly, “Cell phones always seem to work around here until you really need them.”

“I was told you went out to investigate an alleged wolf depredation. What happened?”

“That was an adventure and a half. We went looking for a missing horse and had an unpleasant encounter with a grizzly.”

“Really?” He rose, his eyes wide with concern. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I’m all right, thanks to Reid.”

His gaze narrowed. “Who’s Reid?”

“The rancher. He’s also a hunting guide. He had to shoot the grizzly.”

“He killed it?”

“Yes, but he had no choice.”

His expression darkened. “The hell he didn’t. Don’t you carry bear spray?”

“Of course I do! But have you ever tried to use it when a grizzly is charging? I panicked, Jeffrey. I couldn’t think. Let alone move. That bear would have killed me.”

“You know very well what to do in the case of a bear attack.”

“Sure, I know in theory, but it’s quite different when faced with the reality of eight hundred pounds of grizzly bearing down on you. Have you ever been attacked?”

“No. I always make it a point to give them a wide berth. Had you done the same, it probably wouldn’t have happened. The bear would have left you alone once he knew you weren’t a threat.”

“He was protecting a kill. You know that changes all the rules.”

“Did you document it?” he asked.

“Yeah. I took photos. Here. See for yourself.” She dug into her purse for her phone, but came up empty. “Damn! I’ve lost it again!”

“Again?”

“Yes. I dropped my phone when the bear charged me. I finally found it and took pictures, but then must have left it behind at the ranch. I’ll call Reid later and ask if he’s seen it. What brings you to Wyoming anyway?”

“An emergency meeting of the board of directors. We flew into Jackson last night.”

“The entire board?”

“Yes, along with a few key donors. We’ve leased a retreat here in Jackson Hole. We’re taking them into Grand Teton tomorrow for some wolf watching. You should join us.”

“A corporate retreat? Isn’t that a bit extravagant?” She was vividly reminded of all the times he’d denied her project funding.

“Not when our biggest donors want to see the wolves they sponsor. Sometimes it takes money to get money. And we are in serious need of money.”

“Again? Why’s that?”

“We’re about to file another suit against the state of Idaho. We just got word that they’ve allowed the elk hunters to establish a bounty program for wolf kills.”

“That’s unconscionable!” Haley exclaimed.

“It gets worse,” he said. “The state is not only in bed with the hunters, but they’re even talking about bringing in a team of professionals to exterminate two entire packs in the Frank Church Wilderness.”

“That’s tantamount to hiring hit men.”

“And precisely why I need you to help us stop it.”

“Me? What can I do?”

“Come with us as a private guide. You can help us raise funds for the legal fees. I’ve said it before. No one can inspire donations like you can. Besides that, I’ve missed you.” His hand came down on hers. “I’m going to be here for a few weeks. We can use it to catch up on lost time.”

“Time, once lost, can never be recouped,” she echoed Reid’s words and pulled her hand away. “Why this sudden about-face, Jeffrey? I tried to talk you into taking a weekend together for the past year.”

“Maybe it just took me a while to realize what I’ve been missing.” He cupped her face, his brown eyes searching hers and then drifting down to her mouth. Shit. He was going to kiss her. She recognized the signs with a surge of panic.

“Am I interrupting something?”