Page 18 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

“Seems so. But I would have thought Marcia would have moved heaven and earth to be here because, just so you know, this is a big deal in Gillette. There will be a lot of big ranchers and energy executives attending. Their expectations are going to be high.”

“No pressure, then,” Kristy said with a laugh, hoping her nerves didn’t betray her.

“Well, I guess as a state senator’s daughter, you’re used to being in high-pressure social situations.”

Kristy felt the wind had just been knocked out of her. “How did you know I was a state senator’s daughter?” She asked, but she really didn’t want to hear the answer.

“Marcia mentioned it when she pitched her company to the committee. I’m hoping he’ll be able to come. It would likely get us some media attention.”

Had Marcia traded on the connection to Kristy’s father? She could feel the heat rising in her face. But now was not the time to explore that line of inquiry. She needed to focus on the gala, now more than ever, considering Marcia’s situation. She smiled. “I’ll be back in touch when we get the vendors lined up. And we’ll need storage space for the props we’ll be using.”

“No problem. We’ve got plenty of space. Including a place to store the bales. We do a rodeo or two here, you know,” he said.

She didn’t know, but no matter. She was determined that this would be the best dang event ever held at the complex.

“Do you think your father was involved in getting this job for Marcia?” Ariel asked as they slid into the car.

“I’ve no idea, and considering Marcia’s situation, I’m not about to ask.”

“You know, I don’t consider it a bad thing. That’s how things are done. They call it networking.”

“The last thing I want to do is trade on my father’s name.”

“But you didn’t. Marcia may have.”

“Regardless. If he found out, I doubt he’d be pleased. He isn’t a fan of my moving out here, doesn’t like what I do, and wants me to come work in his office and on his campaigns.” All so he could keep an eye on Kristy. He’d been keeping an eye on her all her life. Working for Marcia was one of the ways she had broken free. Only to be wrapped back up when Dean, her father’s hand-selected husband material, had entered the picture.

Only Dean had turned out to be a weasel, and now she’d broken free of both men. And moving to Gillette next week would be a new beginning. This gala had to be a success.

Chapter 6

“I’ll never understand why you’re moving to Gillette for all of six months. And because of one event?” Her father stood in Kristy’s living area in khakis and a polo shirt, having stopped by that morning, on his way to his weekly golf game, to say goodbye. Hands on hips, a frown on his face, his disappointment was clear.

Without commenting, Kristy downed a mouthful of coffee, hoping it would keep at bay the exhaustion from packing up her small Cheyenne apartment. This had been her first apartment, having moved in right after college. Her father had co-signed the lease and helped her with rent for the first year, but eventually she had landed a job with An Affair to Remember and had taken on the costs herself… with occasional help from her father. Help she was determined not to take this time around. Sam Winslow’s help came with too many strings.

“I’m hoping it will be permanent, and we are already getting other clients.”

“What if I decide to make that run for governor? Or get a cabinet appointment? I’d want you on my team. I talked to Marcia, you know, before all this.” He waved a hand.

“You talked to Marcia?” He had no right to meddle, but when had that stopped her father.

“I called her a few weeks ago. We have a lot of events that she could bid on right here.” He pointed a finger in her direction. “That you could have bid on for her.”

Why did she suddenly feel like someone had shoved a pillow over her face? She gulped for air. “This is a big opportunity for me. Not to mention that Marcia needs all hands on deck, particularly as she’s recovering.”

“I thought I had convinced her to give someone else this Gillette venture, but now that she’s landed in the hospital…”

Perspiration broke out on her forehead, on her neck, under her arms. “You asked her to replace me? When this might mean I could be a partner in the business?” She’d told both her parents what this could mean for her.

Her father crossed his arms over his chest. “Your family, your home, your friends are all here. If she wanted you to get a piece of the business, she’d have given it to you already. She’s taking advantage of you. I’ll eat my hat if she goes through with it.”

She rubbed a temple. There was no reasoning with the man. “You had no right to say anything to her. These are my decisions. I want to go to Gillette. And I’m hoping to make it my home, so you’d better get used to it.” His attitude gave her more reasons to stay in Gillette, not fewer.

Her father came over and wrapped his arms around her. “You know I don’t mean any harm, princess. I just want to save you from making mistakes.”

She nestled against his broad chest, succumbing to fatigue. “I know you want what is best for me. But it’s time I find my own way. And it would really help if you could be supportive. But if you can’t be, can you at least fake it?”

He took a step back and looked directly at her, a smile on his face. “I’ll try. I’m not a very good actor though.”

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