Page 3 of Montana Born

Sully drove slowly for a few minutes, purposely allowing them to look around at their leisure. With Regina Cole’s permission, they'd been there several times already to scope it out. He had to know that. However, whatever the purpose of this tour was, she’d wait and see what he’d say.

Gary, of course, could not remain silent. “Mr. Cole...err, Sully, Elle and I have been out here several times with your cousin Regina’s permission, of course. Have to say, the beauty of this property impresses me. Although there is plenty of land out here in these parts, none compare to yours.” Her partner launched into the practiced speech they'd written with her interjecting information every so often.

The silence of the man in the seat next to her was intriguing. Relaxing back into the seat, she lowered her sunglasses to get a better look at a field of blue flowers.

Following her line of vision, Sully stopped and looked through the windshield. “My relatives, dating back to 1820s are buried there.” He paused before continuing. “Not sure why the flowers always bloom here, but they have for over a hundred years. There are references about them in old journals.”

He removed his sunglasses and slid them into his front chest pocket. His gaze was fixed on the tombstones. “I came out here yesterday on horseback just to be sure I was making the right decision. I have not agreed with the sale of this property since the beginning. I am not sure why my cousin and brother agreed to a meeting. I can’t sell this land to you. I'll buy my brother and my cousin out before I allow it to be ruined.”

“With all due respect,” Gary blurted, “we’re talking about a lot of money. Ten million. A development of the size we’re talking about is monumental. It has never been done.” Unfortunately, Gary’s voice had reached the high pitch of desperation, so Elle cut in.

“Sully, I understand your attachment to your land. I don’t foresee a problem working around this portion. I can assure you that your ancestor’s remains won’t be disturbed.”

His astonishing eyes met hers. “No you can’t. Once the deal is signed, there is little you can assure me of, Miss Tyler.”

Unable to keep eye contact, she looked to the field. There had to be a way around it. Unfortunately, the property project had to include this portion, as it was located almost in dead center of the planned development.

“You’re right, I can’t. But I can assure you, I will work hard to find a solution.”

One brow lifted. “Do you always make so many assurances?”

Unable to keep from it, she smiled. “Only when I mean it.”

Feeling left out, Gary scooted forward. “Of course we can find a way around it. Elle and I are good together. Once we get our minds set on something, we find a way to work it out.”

“Good to hear,” Sully replied. “But I’m not going to change my mind. Sorry to waste your time.”

The engine came back to life and he drove back toward where they’d parked. Gary talked the entire time, making promises, throwing out numbers and plans so fast Elle wanted to slap him silent. However, she could see Sully was listening, his dark head moving up and down every so often.

He was a smart businessman. Sullivan Cole was a wealthy entrepreneur who worked hard to maintain his family business prominent in Montana and all over the country.

Although she hoped he would accept their offer, somehow she got the feeling that once he made up his mind, it would take a great deal to change it. The brother and cousin would no doubt follow his lead since they'd sent him to represent the trio of owners.

“So, dinner then?”

Elle blinked and looked from one man to the other. “Excuse me?”

Gary’s eyes rounded at her lack of focus during this crucial time. “Mr. Cole has requested to discuss our proposition over dinner with you.”

“Yes, of course. I’m sorry. I was admiring the view and became lost in thought.”

Since Sully turned to look to where she’d directed her gaze, Gary rolled his eyes and gave her a pointed “don’t screw this up” look.

Annoyed at why she was chosen to go to dinner and not Gary, she turned back to the scenery in front of them. With mountains in the background, the expanse of land and aged buildings resembled a beautiful painting. The bright blue sky was almost as breathtaking as the man’s eyes. She let out a long sigh. “I could stare at that view all day.”

“Let’s give Mr. Cole time to think.” Gary had appeared at the passenger door and opened it. He took her elbow to assist her from the vehicle.

Seeming deep in thought, his brow furrowed, Sully walked to stand at the front of his vehicle and leaned on it, his arms crossed over wide chest while waiting for them to exit the vehicle. He was the perfect picture of an all American cowboy with brown Stetson, faded jeans and dusty boots.

“See you this evening, Miss Tyler.” He shook both their hands and met her gaze. “I’ll pick you up at your office at five.”

“Why don’t you meet me? I’ll text the info.”

“Sure.”

Once they were settled into the truck that Gary had insisted on renting, she jabbed at him with her index finger. “What the hell did you set me up to do?”

“I told him you would gladly meet with him over dinner to discuss any further details. Hey, it's a Hail Mary. The man is not budging unless we do something drastic.”

Elle narrowed her eyes. “So you think pimping me out to a client will work, huh?”

“What? No! Of course not. Its just dinner.”

“You’re darn right. That’s all he’ll get, too.”

She huffed with irritation. Men were so dense. Did Gary think Sullivan Cole didn’t see through the ploy? Did Sully think she met potential clients for intimate dinners on a regular basis and think he was in for a “good time”?

Besides it was her family girl's night out and she hated to cancel dinner with the crazy bunch of women who lifted her spirits every time they got together.

Realizing she already had plans with some very interesting people who would definitely teach the rancher a lesson, her lips curved into a smile. Sullivan Cole was in for an experience like no other.

“I’m looking forward to this evening. It will definitely be unforgettable.”

“Don’t do anything stupid,” Gary said.

Elle crossed her fingers. "Of course not."