Page 96 of Impossible Love

“Repeat what you said about the value of the ranch,” Cal says, his words sharp.

“Yosemite Ranch is severely undervalued,” I say. “If something were to happen, like a natural disaster, I’m afraid you wouldn’t be adequately insured.”

“That can’t be right,” Finn says.

“I’m never wrong about protecting what’s most valuable,” I say, forcing myself not to look at Cal. “Not only that, but your balance sheets and profit and loss statements have been completely out of whack for at least eighteen years. You didn’t get all the tax credits you’ve been entitled to, and your ranch assets have gone underutilized.”

“So…” Special K looks around the room. “She’s not trying to rip us off?”

“Ugh! I’m done.” I’m more than done. I’m exhausted and haven’t put anything in my stomach except coffee for almost twenty-four hours. “I’ll write up a report of my recommendations and leave it with Evander before I take off. Please put everything back in Arlo’s office exactly the way you found it.”

“You think Arlo is doing us dirty?”

I stand and gather my stuff, along with my thoughts, before I answer Cal. “It’s extremely important that you keep your suspicions to yourselves for now. No shit, gentlemen—don’t share a word of what we discussed here. I need to talk to your dad before I do anything else.”

“Damn. I thought this was some kind of hostile takeover shit,” Special K says.

“Sorry to disappoint.” I watch as the MacLaines start repacking the banker’s boxes, and then I head for the door.

“Wait.”

I ignore Cal. There’s nothing left to say.

“Victoria.”

I keep walking.

“Hey. Come on. Talk to me.”

I open Cal’s back door and go straight into his kitchen. I make a salad with cherry tomatoes and leftover steak, tossing it with olive oil and vinegar. Cal causally leans against the counter with arms over his chest, like he’s expecting pleasant chitchat.

Not happening. I do take time to chat with Sarah and Ripley, however, and give them each a bite of steak.

Then I walk past him and head for my room.

“Please.”

I spin around. “Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to eat this salad because I’m starving. Then I’m going to take a nap and grab a shower. After that, I’m going to write my report and go talk to your dad. I don’t have time for any more of your self-righteous mind games.”

“At least tell me what’s up with Arlo.”

I turn my back to him. I place my salad on the side table and toss my computer and notes to the bed. I know he’s followed me all the way down the hall. I can feel him behind me. I can smell him, a combination of dust, leather, and warm male skin that brings back memories of… us. The rush of pleasure. The slide of his hot flesh on mine. How good it feels to sleep in his arms.

I don’t want these memories, but I have no defense against them. Maybe one day I will.

I wish I’d never laid eyes on Cal MacLaine. I wish I’d never let down my guard. I wish I’d never come to Yosemite Ranch. But despite all that, maybe he deserves one last opportunity to make it right before I leave.

“Let’s make a deal.” I face him again. I stand on the threshold with my hand grasping the edge of the heavy oak bedroom door. “I’ll tell you what I think is going on after you tell me something first.”

He takes a step closer. I step back.

“You want me to apologize?” He smirks, like I’m some sort of overly emotional female who just can’t help herself. “What for?”

“For thinking the worst of me. For not knowing me. For not seeing who I really am.”

“Oh, come on. I had every reason to think the worst of you. I saw with my own eyes how —”

“You needed to look with your heart, not your eyes.”

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