The Maverick Meets His Match (Hearts of Wyoming Book 2)(9)

If he didn’t assert authority immediately with Mandy, he knew it would only get worse between them. “So, when we get back to the office, you will meet with me, you will show me the plans for this weekend’s rodeo, what stock we’re pulling and why, cost estimates, and profit potential. And just so you know, I’ve already had Karen book me a room at Greenville since I will be overseeing the operation, as I will all the rodeos going forward.”

She looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. “Don’t think I’m going to train you.”

“If you want me to release the money for the event, I need to review your plans.” She needed to understand who was boss. He could almost see the wheels turning in her head as she struggled with his edict. She had to know he’d bench her if she balked at his requests. If she was smart, she wouldn’t test him.

“I still need to clarify a few things about the terms of the will,” Brian said. “For one, cohabitation means not only living under one roof, but sleeping in the same room whether on the road or in the ranch house, and you can’t be away from each other for more than twenty-four hours at a time. Essentially, he wants you together during those six months.” Brian looked from Mandy to Ty. “Not that it matters, since you both seem set on not doing this.”

“Does he dictate where we take our meals and how many showers we must take together?” Mandy said in a voice filled with fury, though Ty kind of liked the shower image.

“No,” Brian answered.

“That was a rhetorical question, Brian.” She shook her head, and it seemed as though some of the steam had come out of her as she sighed. “I don’t know what got into JM at the end, but thinking Ty and I are in any way a match is just too ludicrous to contemplate. I don’t have to wait until Tuesday. You have my answer now.”

With her large purse slung over her shoulder, she moved toward the door, ready to escape.

The whole scene would have been pretty entertaining if his bachelor status wasn’t part of the ante. Still, it was kind of ironic that all these years he’d avoided Mandy out of deference to her being JM’s granddaughter, and here JM was giving his blessings for what could be six months of guilt-free sex.

“I can’t accept it until Tuesday. So you both should plan to be back in the office at two o’clock on that day.” Brian nodded. “And I’ll have a judge and the license ready. You both need to take a blood test today, which I’ve arranged at the clinic around the corner.” He looked at his watch. “At three o’clock. Plenty of time to make it.”

“But I said no.” Mandy waved her hand. Ty couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. She reminded him of a caged animal that had been pacing far too long and not getting anywhere.

“I can’t accept your answer now, as I said. And if you don’t want to jeopardize that outright grant of shares equal to twenty-percent of the company, Mandy, you must satisfy these simple requests for getting a blood test and giving me your answer on Tuesday.” Brian strode toward her and handed her what appeared to be a copy of the will. He held out one for Ty to take. Ty grabbed it, interested to read it for himself.

“You can have another lawyer look it over,” Brian continued. “But I advise you to do now what is outlined in the will, Mandy. And that means getting a blood test. I’ve already done the paperwork for the license. You both need to sign before you leave.” Brian held out a silver pen.

Mandy froze as if a doe in the sight of a hunter’s gun. She probably felt like she’d been a target lately, what with her grandfather’s passing, Ty taking over, and now this ridiculous provision. And Ty hadn’t exactly made it any easier by pulling rank. But he was responsible for the company now. He took the responsibility seriously.

“Mandy,” Ty said, using the same low, controlled voice he would use with a spirited horse. “Let’s just sign and get the blood tests. We both know it’s not going to happen, but there’s nothing to getting a blood test.” Ty took the pen and signed the paper Brian held. He handed the pen to Mandy.

“Ever pragmatic, aren’t you, Ty?” She nabbed the pen from his hand, and her fingers swept over his in a delicate brush. An odd jolt ricocheted through him. What was that about? Too much thinking about having sex with her, no doubt.

Mandy took a minute to read over the papers before she signed and handed them back to Brian. Straightening, she whipped her hair over her shoulder in defiance. She looked stunning, even when she was mad—especially when she was mad. Her curvy chest heaved under her black top, drawing his attention to a spot he’d no business looking at. Of course, if they were married…he gave a mental shake.

This would get him nowhere fast. JM’s proposition was unacceptable. Working with Mandy a full year in a “no touch” zone would be difficult enough. Six months living together would be torture if she held out for no sex. Of course, if he could convince her otherwise…maybe. As long as they both agreed to a divorce at the end.

“Fine, blood tests. I go first.”

Ty stepped to pull open the door to the hallway. “Then my office for our first meeting since I got here two weeks ago.”

“Or what?” she challenged.

“Or he can fire you, Mandy,” Brian called from behind.

“He can’t. I’m a shareholder.”