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She stepped away, finding it more difficult than she thought possible. “I’ll go introduce myself to Doña Isabella.”
“I won’t be long.”
They went in opposite directions, an irony not lost on Shayne. Opening the door to Chaz’s office, she braced herself to face the Doña and whatever secret Chaz was protecting. It only took a single glance to recognize the woman as a formidable presence.
She sat perfectly erect in the chair opposite Chaz’s desk, her spine so rigidly straight, Shayne suspected it could be used as a measuring stick. She didn’t turn, but kept her attention focused on a point square in the center of the wall across from her, her hands folded in her lap, her chin set at an imperious angle. It wasn’t until Shayne came into her line of sight that the woman cast a black-eyed glance in her direction, her magnificent gaze filled with a rebellious life at direct odds with her inflexible frame. How curious.
“Doña Isabella, I’m Shayne McIntyre, Chaz’s wife. Iapologize for keeping you. We’ve only just arrived.”
“Wife?” That captured the woman’s full attention and a hint of emotion moved across sharply proud features. “So he has done as I requested. Iconfess I’m surprised.”
Instead of taking the chair behind Chaz’s desk, Shayne chose the adjoining one. It was a small gesture, but one she hoped the Doña would take as a conciliatory sign. “Why does our marriage surprise you?”
Her raven-like eyes fastened on Shayne, quick and clever and glistening with a shrewd intelligence. “I did not think he would find a woman willing to join with him.”
“I was more than willing.”
Her hooked nose was perfectly shaped to emphasize her sniff of disdain. “That does not endear you to me.”
Shayne regarded her in amusement. “Do I need to endear myself to you?”
“If you wish my cooperation, you will do everything within your powers to make me happy.”
Curiouser and curiouser. “I’ve ordered coffee. Would that be a good start?”
“No. Idrink tea.”
“A shame,” Shayne said calmly, seeing through the woman’s game and playing along. “I suspect Penny would consider it an offense to the cowboy way of life if I were to ask him to fix you some.”
A spark of laughter flickered briefly before dying an icy death. “He is a rude old man.”
“I quite like him. He struck me as someone who offers an honest opinion.”
“Offers it freely and often. Hardly an appropriate attitude for an employee.”
Shayne lifted an eyebrow. “Do you want me to speak to him about his attitude?”
“Would it do any good?”
“None.”
“Then what would be the point?”
Shayne leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Sheer wicked enjoyment.”
Doña Isabella released a snort of laughter just as the door opened behind them. Penny entered, carrying two steaming mugs of coffee.
“The coffee’s black. Don't believe in ruining a good cup o' Joe with anything but whiskey.” He thumped the heavy porcelain mugs onto the desk between the two, eyeing the women suspiciously. His grizzled brows drew together. “What? Whatcha lookin' at me that way fer?”
The two women shared a moment of pure feminine understanding. “Thank you for the coffee, Penny,” Shayne said as demurely as she could manage. “I hope it wasn’t too much trouble.”
“Yeah, it was. Not that you two give a hot da—” One glance from the Doña had him backpedaling toward the door. “Dang. Ahot dang. If the boss wants me, I’ll be out in the barn where the critters don’t look at ya funny.”
The instant the door slammed behind the foreman, Doña Isabella gave a sharp nod. “I’ve reached a decision,” she announced. “I have decided you will do.”
Shayne’s brows drew together. “Thank you, seems the appropriate response. Though I’m not quite sure why.”
“McIntyre has neglected to tell you about me, Iassume?”
