The Maverick Meets His Match (Hearts of Wyoming Book 2)(23)

Slim Matthews stepped forward. “Who are we taking orders from? You or Ty?”

Mandy opened her mouth to speak, but from behind her came Ty’s voice.

“Both of us. I am not expecting Mandy and I to have any conflicts,” Ty said.

She turned around to face him and fought not to roll her eyes as Ty rose off his stool.

“You a rodeo operator?” Doug McClane asked.

Ty pushed up his rolled-up sleeves, and his posture went ramrod straight, almost as if he was readying for a fight. His smile had vanished, and his eyes had narrowed. “No. I’ve worked cattle before, but I’m a lawyer by training. And the one JM asked to lead this company while Mandy comes up to speed.”

A murmur went through the gathering. Lawyers were about as respected as used-car salesmen in these parts.

“Any other questions?” Ty didn’t look eager to entertain any more, and the men must have gotten the message, as a number of heads shook.

Harold stepped forward. “This rodeo is being dedicated to JM, so in his honor, let’s put on the best rodeo these people have ever seen.” With that the crew departed quickly, as if someone had yelled fire and Harold ushered Sheila out of the tent. Mandy breathed a silent sigh of relief while she sorted her papers, trying to ignore Ty, who was standing mere inches from her. The meeting hadn’t gone as smoothly as she’d wanted, but it was over, and the difficult facts of JM’s will had been announced, though not by her.

Relief was short lived when she noted Stan hanging by the entrance as if he wanted to talk to her. Hopefully he wouldn’t have the poor taste to bring up the topic of buying the company in front of Ty.

“Ty, you got a minute?” Stan asked, crossing his arms over his barreled belly.

Mandy held her breath.

“Sure, what’s up?” Ty said, not moving from his spot behind her.

Stan shrugged. “Just wondering if we can meet at the bar tonight. Thought I might be able to give you some rodeo insight, you know.”

“Appreciate it, Stan. But can I take a rain check? I’ve promised Mandy I’d buy her a drink tonight. First rodeo since JM passed, and all.”

“Sure. Understand.” Stan’s cool gaze settled on Mandy. “I know this must be rough for you, it all being so recent.” He gave a nod as if he’d done his duty by acknowledging her. “I’ll catch you, Ty, tomorrow night.” Stan edged his bulky frame through the entryway and escaped into the forming crowd.

“I’m just curious. What did I say when you promised to buy me a drink?”

“Yes, of course.”

She shook her head. No way did she want to spend any more time with Ty than was absolutely necessary. “I’ve got a rodeo to put on. I’ll be dead on my feet after I see that the animals are all fed and bedded down for the night. It will be late. Thanks but no thanks.”

She turned to leave and felt Ty’s firm fingers grasp her elbow. “Wait.”

She spun back to look into his eyes. She couldn’t guess what he had to say to her or what he thought would change her mind.

“We’ve got some decisions to make before Tuesday, Mandy. We need time to talk.”

“I already made my decision.” Though she hadn’t been able to rid her mind of the question.

Every time she looked into Ty’s dark, dangerous eyes, she couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to wed the man. What would it be like to finally feel all the power of his body against hers? Heck, what would it be like just to feel those demanding lips again?

Though he’d only been nineteen during that fateful summer, he’d been far more experienced than she in the loving department. There had been nothing tentative or na?ve about his kisses. Or his touch. And with her, he’d found ample opportunity and an eager partner. But that was then. She was older, and hopefully wiser, and a lot more demanding in her own right.

She just wished she didn’t feel an electric zing ping through her when he was in sight. If there wasn’t that ludicrous provision, and the fact he was ready to sell her company, things might have even happened naturally in the one-night-stand department. But only one night. Just to see.

“There’s no decision until Tuesday. And I think we owe it to JM—and ourselves—to give it the weekend. Once we make a choice, there’s no going back. Don’t tell me you’re afraid to have a drink together.”

She shrugged out of his grasp, hoping to break that potent spell that wrapped around her whenever he was near.

“Not afraid. Just not interested.”

“Most women I know would be interested.”

“I’m not most women.”

“Not often someone offers you a company in return for a six-month relationship.” He stood there, sleeves rolled up, arms crossed over his chest and an amused expression on his face, like this was some game. Fine hair dusted his forearms, and a five o’clock shadow outlined his jaw. She should be appalled at his arrogance, but instead she was rattled by the fact he actually wanted to get married.

“Why do you want to discuss it? To get more company shares? Is that what you want from this?” There had to be a money angle to this self-proclaimed bachelor’s sudden interest in getting married.

He didn’t answer right away. Instead he stared at her as if he expected her to guess the answer to that question and leaned forward so his lips were a whisper from hers. The heat of his breath teased across her mouth, causing a little shiver of recognition. She resisted the urge to step back even as her pulse ticked at her temple like a time bomb’s clock on a short fuse.