Page 7 of Montana Born

“Aunt Janet doesn’t need help, she’s in very good shape,” Elle told Sully.

“My knee has been acting up lately,” Aunt Janet interjected and waited for him to take her elbow and assist her to stand.

“Thank you dear,” she actually blushed and smiled up at him. “You’re a good boy.”

“Can it get any deeper in here,” Elle muttered only to be shushed by her mother.

They finally called it a night after Lori's false eyelash plopped into her margarita and everyone shuffled to the door. It was like a dysfunctional parade with Aunt Janet leading a crew that included a limping Sandy clinging to Sully’s arm while her mother, of all people, clutched the other.

Elle shuffled behind everyone hoping zombies waited outside and she wouldn’t have to deal with whatever her client would do next.

After overly exaggerated goodbyes and too-long hugs, finally, everyone left. Her aunt scurried to wait for her in the car after Elle announced to the group that she and Sully hadn’t had time to talk business.

Once again, the challenge twinkled in his eyes and he studied her. “This was one of the most enjoyable evenings I’ve had in a long time. Thank you so much for arranging it.”

“I’d honestly forgotten about it being family girl’s night,” she replied looking him square in the eye. She attempted to lift a brow but, unfortunately, she had never been able to accomplish the task no matter how much she practiced in the mirror.

“I’ve learned that when someone reinforces a statement with ‘honestly’, ‘truly’ or ‘I swear’, they are usually stretching the truth.”

Elle gasped. “Are you calling me a liar?”

“No, truly I’m not.”

She took a long breath. If the man were to change his mind about the land deal, which she doubted, it was not in her best interest to insult him. He was too powerful of a businessman to not have as an ally.

“I believe our business is pretty much over, Mr. Cole. I will contact you in three business days to confirm you will not sign the deal. That should give you time to discuss the matter with your family.”

The jingle of his keys was followed by the curve of his lips, which of course, made Elle wonder how it would feel to be kissed by him.

“Goodnight, Miss Tyler. I will see you tomorrow at nine o’clock sharp. My office.” He strolled off, leaving her without a choice but to study his well-formed back end.

The roar of a motorcycle shook Elle out of her trance as Sullivan Cole rode off straddling a shiny black Harley.

Could the damn guy get any sexier? He had to be Lucifer, so she did not trust him one bit.

If she was to be truthful, it was herself she didn’t trust around him. Silly, of course, since it was doubtful the most eligible man in the state would lower himself to be interested in her.

After letting out a long sigh, she trudged to her car. Aunt Janet laughed. “He’s somethin’ else, huh? Hard to look away from those firm buns. What a nice butt.”

“Really? I didn’t notice,” Elle quipped refusing to look her aunt in the eye.