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I do not want to think about how that last one was achieved with my usually uptight older brother.
“Sure, what’s up?”
“I was thinking we should start a new tradition on the ranch since Jesse’s getting older.” I’d planned this particular conversation no less than five different times and decided that using my nephew in this instance was my best shot at Cormac’s agreement.
“What kind of tradition?”
“The End of Summer Ranch Bash,” I say with flair. “Ranch Bash for short.”
Cormac’s brows hit his hairline as he removes his hat to scrub at his forehead. “A party? For the entire ranch? That’s financially responsible when we’ve only turned profitable the past few years?”
As Chief Financial Officer, I’m usually the one shutting down exorbitant expenses, but hell, I need some way to get Hailey on the property again—need a way to get her close, so I have another shot at winning her over.
Hiring her business while providing some fun for our staff is a win-win.
“The positives outweigh the potential hit to the bank accounts. Though, to be clear, we’re fine. I wouldn’t suggest anything that would harm our family or the ranch.” I’m not completely gone in the head.
No, just in the heart for a certain curvy caterer.
Cormac scratches his bearded jaw as I sweat under the summer sun beating down on us. It feels like an interrogation light directed at my head, seeking to burn through my skin and straight to the truth.
“Honestly, this sounds like something Davie would be more interested in. If it’s okay with her, then it’s fine by me,” he finally says.
“Thanks, brother, and don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything. This won’t be extra work for you.”
He waves me off, and I head to the main house to find Davie, who naturally loves the idea of a summer party for everyone.
Which just leaves roping Hailey into my plan.
Locked away in my office, I hit the call button on her contact information, then wait for one, two, three—
“Hello?” A cacophony of sounds erupts in the background before dimming to a mild buzz. She must be on another job, or maybe preparing for her next event in her home kitchen?
“Hey, Hailey. This is Connor Madsen.”
“Oh! Connor, hi.” Her voice warms a few degrees from cool professionalism. “What’s up?”
My office chair creaks as I lean back and spin side to side. The cowboy motif is strong here with framed paintings of horses and mountain landscapes—left over from our dad who used this study before I took over after his death.
“The ranch is hosting an end of summer party, and we’d like you to cater the event,” I spit out. As if speaking faster will stop her from interrupting to tell me to fuck off. There’s no reason for her to shut me down so hard, but memories from high school linger in the back of my mind.
Hailey hums over the line, then quietly says, “If this is a pity job for old times’ sake, I appreciate it, but—”
“It’s not. Come on, Hails… Pretty please? We really need your help. Fancy doesn’t need the stress of cooking for so many people on a day meant to celebrate our ranch employees.” I lay it on thick, praying it’s enough to convince her to say yes.
“You really want me? I mean… us?” She’s flustered. Good. Maybe that means I’m not alone in this inescapable draw to each other.
“Yes, I do.”
“Alright, let’s schedule a consultation meeting. We'll see if we're a match for your party needs.”
Fuck, yeah! Step one in claiming my girl—complete.
CHAPTER FIVE
HAILEY
Gravel crunches beneath my car’s tires as I pull onto the long driveway leading to the Rocking M Ranch’s main house. At this point, the ranch is becoming my second home with how often I’ve been here over the last eight weeks.
