Page 139 of The Guy Who Stole My Ranch

He raised his eyebrows.

“I also want you to know that I won’t give up the downtown deal.”

Matthew’s lips spread into a wide smile, as if I’d just given him everything he’d always desired.

My stomach twisted. Had he just played me?

“Then I guess we’re in for a long day of negotiations tomorrow.” Matthew clapped me on the back again as he strode away.

It had been a trap, and I’d walked right into it.

I wasn’t used to having to deal with my emotions like that. It was something I’d need to train for.

My eyes drifted to where Brooke was coming toward me. With purpose. I wanted to hope that purpose was a kiss, holding hands, and maybe walking the gardens, but the look on her beautiful face told me otherwise.

When I saw my mother and sister walking away from the table where I’d left Brooke, I understood Brooke’s body language. I hadn’t anticipated they would come at her as a team. As soon as I apologized, I’d call Patrick, and we’d get out of here.

Even though Brooke was coming toward me like a bullet train, I couldn’t help but admire her. The dress brought out every good feature about her body, her hair and makeup looked as if she’d had it done professionally, and the shoes were killing me.

I had a soft spot for sandals and had no idea Brooke would ever consider wearing them. I’d only ever seen her in cowboy boots, sneakers, and the ankle boots from the other morning. This was a new part of the woman I was falling for, and I wanted to find many, many more.

Matthew had distracted me from Todd’s message, and when it came back to me, some of my elation diminished.

Why hadn’t she told me?

Of course I’d give up the sale, but that would mean there was no reason for me to be in Texas. Perhaps one of her neighbors was willing to sell. Although, the Shaw’s had the best swath of land for a good fifteen miles.

As Brooke got closer, I noticed that she wasn’t smiling. Her expression was dark, and like mine had been, her fingers were curled into fists.

“What did they do this time?” I wondered about my sister and mother aloud. I’d have to resolve that before I asked her about the property.

I moved to meet Brooke, but she stopped short of me. For the first time, I felt the chill in the air, and I wondered if some of it came from Brooke.

“What did they do?” I asked her.

“Who?” Brooke folded her arms across her chest. Never a good sign.

“My sister and my mother.”

Brooke waved a hand. “Nothing. Your mother doesn’t think I’m good enough for you, and your sister is fighting with her own demons. They’ve both been drinking.”

None of this was a surprise, but the anger on Brooke’s face didn’t fade as she spoke. There was something else going on. “What’s wrong?” I stepped forward, but she stepped back.

“Did you get a call from my brother?” Brooke asked.

“I did. He left a message.”

“And?”

The depth of danger that a single word could hold had never been more apparent to me. She was likely angry about Todd’s interference.

Perhaps she didn’t think I would give the ranch up. If that was the case, I could alleviate her fears. “And I’m going to withdraw my offer to your father.”

Her eyes flashed. “Why?”

Chapter 37

-Brooke-

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