“She didn’t agree to your nonsense, did she?” Alex felt his stomach drop.
“She did,” Peggy said proudly. “Who do you think dolled her up for that charity dinner?”
He stared at her, overcome with emotion. “You’re telling me Brenne agreed to the idea?”
Peggy nodded. “She did, and she’s doing great. That Gavin guy will be eating out of her hand, mark my words.”
Alex laid his head against the kitchen table and let out a groan. “What?” Peggy cried. “What’s wrong with you?”
“I’ve about had it with goddamn Gavin Jeffries. The next time you hatch some plan to save the town, leave the MacAllens out of it.” He stood and tossed the rest of his sandwich in the trash. He aimed a finger at her before he left, his tone laden with anger. “You’re about to have a title for one of your essays: Hero Veterinarian Saves the Town.”
Peggy stared at him like he’d grown another head. Alex gave her a sharp nod, then departed.
CHAPTER 34
BRENNE
“I have reservations at a bistro in Amarillo. The helicopter will touch down in the east field in about an hour.” She watched him double-check his ridiculously expensive watch. “Do you think you’ll have time to finish up and change?”
They were in the stables, and Brenne was doing her daily duties, feeding and watering the horses as well as making sure their stalls were tidy. “I have to change?” Brenne said in a fake whine. “Don’t they like straw-covered jeans and a dirty T-shirt soaked in sweat?”
He blinked at her, not realizing she was making a joke. “Well, generally people wear more formal clothing.”
“Won’t they make an exception? You are a billionaire. Maybe they’ve heard of you.” Brenne couldn’t help herself. Gavin was the ultimate straight man. He’d been a tech wizard since he was a teen and the owner of the fastest growing startup by twenty-five. Brenne doubted he’d been exposed to much teasing, which was why she couldn’t stop joshing him.
He looked at the ground as he attempted to formulate a response. “In all probability, they may choose to ignore your attire because you’re part of my party, but you might feel more comfortable not standing out in such fashion.”
Brenne held her straight face for as long as she could, then collapsed into giggles. “My goodness, G-Man. Most times you’re smart as a hooty-owl, but they didn’t program you with a sense of humor, did they?”
Gavin started, then shook his head in chagrin. “No one keeps me on my toes like you do, Brenne. You’re one of the most interesting people I’ve had the good fortune to meet.”
“You’re pretty interesting yourself,” she said as she filled up the feed buckets she’d collected from the stalls. Gavin followed her around as she replaced the feed buckets in the empty stalls. The horses were in the corral outside, enjoying a little exercise and making it easier for her to make her rounds.
Cleaning the water containers was next. Gavin stood politely to the side, his expensive suit looking out of place. Part of her felt like putting a big smear of mud down the back, just for fun. She didn’t, of course, as he had no change of clothes with him. Brenne watched him out of the corner of her eye. He kept fidgeting, with his watch, with his phone, with the cufflinks he was wearing.
Cufflinks? Dang, how dolled up am I gonna have to get for this place? Brenne enjoyed trying new things, but she was a simple country girl at heart, and she felt uncomfortable when forced to wear fancy feminine things. She’d rather have dinner at the saloon. Johnnie’s reopened establishment had a change in philosophy, thankfully, after the fire. Her brother stopped experimenting with inedible dishes of his own design and stuck to tried and true Texas favorites. I could really go for a pulled pork sandwich, she thought. Instead I’m gonna have to figure out what the littlest fork of the three is for.
When she caught Gavin checking his watch again, she sighed. “What is going on with you today? You’ve been chewing your bit since you got here. You want to tell me what’s on your mind?”
Gavin froze, a rare look of indecision on his face. He inhaled, then fixed her with a look of intensity that made her nervous. “Miss Brenne. I know we haven’t known each other long, but the time we’ve spent together has been meaningful. You have a refreshing personality, and I admire your spirit.”
As the speech rolled off his tongue, Brenne felt like she was being fitted for a bridle. Don’t be silly. This is what you wanted. He’s on the hook. Just reel him in.
“I hope that you feel like I do. I was going to wait until dinner to say this, but I want to spend some time with you. Selfishly, I want more privacy than your ranch currently affords.”
“Are you going to ask me to go to New York with you again?” she asked and then cursed herself for the fear that leaked into her voice.
“Well, no, not exactly.” His shoulders slumped, but he persevered. “I bought a farm that borders yours. I thought we could spend some time there.”
He bought a farm near the ranch. Oh Lord, my brothers are going to have a field day with that piece of information when they find out.
“Gavin, this is all happening so fast.” I can’t, her mind cried out. She felt cornered, like she was the one caught in the trap and not him. I don’t know why on Earth I thought I would be okay with manipulating this man. Even to save the town, I can’t go through with it. It’s just not right. “I’m afraid I’m not ready.”
“Because you’re in love with someone else.”
Brenne looked up, startled by his words. “How did you know?”
“I had my suspicions. You’ve always been friendly, but you never pushed for anything. I was shocked when you invited me to the charity dinner. That’s the only date you’ve asked me on.” He straightened his collar, lifting his chin. “Forgive me for my lack of humility, but I’m used to being pursued by women.”
Brenne smiled. “It’s because you’re pretty as a peach.”
“I’m sure my wealth and prestige have something to do with it as well,” he said modestly, and Brenne had to cover her mouth to hide her smile. “But I know you’re not after my money. If anything, it’s a strike against me because of what my company could do to your town.”
Brenne was surprised at how open Gavin was being. There was no artifice, no attempted manipulation. She appreciated how uniquely perceptive he was. “You put your finger on it there, G-Man.”
“I know there are challenges to a relationship between us, but I’m willing to meet you halfway. The farm was a way of saying I’m invested, that I’ll meet you on your turf. Home field advantage, I believe your brother Mark called it.”
“Gavin, I’m not saying I don’t appreciate your efforts, and in another life, I might just take you up on your offer, but the truth is, my heart belongs to someone else. I’ve tried to put him behind me, but I’m not over him yet. And to agree to stay with you, I’d be doing us both a disservice. You deserve better than that.”
She didn’t like knowing she was hurting him, but saving his feelings now would only lead to more pain in the future. “I think the world of you, Gavin, but I don’t feel that way about you. You’re a friend. A good one. But I can’t offer you more than that.”