Clashing Hearts - Nicky James Page 0,14
about to knock.
We both flinched.
His gaze skipped down my body, noting my checkered button-down, worn Levi’s, and cowboy boots. When those sharp green eyes returned upward, he stared a second at my hat. I didn’t know if he was more stunned at finding me at the door or finding me dressed down after the previous night.
“What are you doin’ here, Lachlan. How the hell do you know where I live?” I asked, drawing him from his inspection.
His frown deepened as he scanned the property once before meeting my eyes. “Your name is Campbell?”
“Yeah. So?”
“Easton Campbell of Campbell’s Stables and Riding School?”
“I said, yeah. What’re you doin’ here?” I asked again.
“I have a meeting with the landowner, Erwin Campbell. I assume there’s a relation?”
“He’s my father, but these here are my stables and my land. What’s this meetin’ about anyway?”
“Do you always talk like that?”
I scowled and crossed my arms, taking up the entire doorframe.
“Never mind. Forget I asked. I made the appointment with Erwin Campbell. Is he available?”
I narrowed my eyes. Like the previous night, Lachlan was dressed in a tailored suit and fine Italian loafers that probably cost him a fortune. His near-black hair was styled to precision, and his attitude screamed arrogance and power. There was nothing left of the flirty man who’d tried to lure me into his bed. He was all business this morning, and there was something in his demeanor that raised red flags.
Whereas I’d felt a strong pull of attraction toward him the previous night, the crisp morning air was like a bucket of ice water on my once flaming libido.
“How ’bout you tell me what this is regarding?”
“Look. I’m here to present an offer to the landowner. The deed claims this property belongs to Erwin Campbell, not you. Is my information incorrect?”
“It will be in a matter of about a week. We’ve signed papers and transferred everything to my name. So, in essence, you’re talking to the landowner, and I have no interest in whatever offer you think you wanna make. So, if that’s all, then kindly see yourself off my property, Lachlan… I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your last name or who you work for.”
Lachlan pinched his lips together as he considered every angle of my face. There was no hiding his annoyance. I remained impassive, refusing to give him an ounce of emotion or let him see how off-balance his statement had thrown me. Offer? What the hell was going on? Why hadn’t Dad told me what this was about?
“Montgomery. Lachlan Montgomery of Montgomery Developing.” When he held out his hand, I refused to shake it. Montgomery Developing was a name I’d heard before. Alarm bells rang. “I think you’ll want to hear what I have to say.”
“I think you’re wrong. I’m very busy today. I got a wedding and family coming this afternoon. I ain’t got time to stand here and argue with you. Whatever your offer is, the answer is no. You’re wastin’ both our time. This meeting’s canceled.”
“But I arranged the meeting—”
“With my father. I understand. He’s no longer available. Have a nice day.”
Irritation burned behind Lachlan’s eyes. “It wouldn’t be wise to turn me away. I know how badly in debt you are. I know that if you don’t turn your financial situation around in the next few months, you’ll lose it all anyway. Maybe to a bank. You’ll be forced to sell, and I guarantee you’ll regret not talking to me.”
A fire burned in my blood. I leaned closer, invading his space and lowering my voice. “Get off my property before I have you escorted off.”
Lachlan hitched a brow but refused to be intimidated. “Was that a threat?”
I let out a sharp whistle through my teeth, startling my company. Lachlan spun around as Logan came barreling from the north barn, barking his standard welcoming bark, but Lachlan didn’t know that. To him, I imagined it sounded daunting.
Lachlan’s eyes widened, and all he saw was my two-hundred-and-ten pound dog racing toward him at top speed.
Lachlan stumbled backward, almost crashing into me. “What the hell is that?”
“Your escort. He weighs more than you, city boy. I suggest you take a hike before he decides you ain’t a friendly.”
The worst Logan would do was tackle Lachlan to the ground and lick his face. Part of me would have like to see the sleek businessman in the mud, but as Logan closed in, I took pity.
“Heel,” I commanded.
Logan skidded to a halt, tail wagging wildly.
“C’mere.”
Logan butted against my side as