Page 9 of Montana Born

“No need. I understand. It’s your family. No matter what happens in life, to have a good family is priceless. Even mine, as crazy as they may seem, are my glue, the ones who will be there for me through thick and thin.”

Sully nodded. “True.”

“So other than that I don’t think there is anything to discuss. You don’t need to explain your reasons to me.”

“I want to know what your plan B is. If I can be of assistance, it will make me feel better about not selling.”

She seemed to soften. “Thank you, but I will handle it. I have done it a time or two.”

“I don’t mean to offend you, Miss Tyler. My business in ranching allows me to get to know many of the landowners in the area. The land you are speaking of belongs to my friend Jared Redstone. How about a ride on Saturday?”

“What?”

“Horseback riding. My horses are boarded at Jared’s while I build my own house and stables.”

She pondered his question for a moment. Her pearly top teeth bit down on her bottom lip and her brow creased. Obviously, she didn’t realize how sensual the expression was.

Sully cleared his throat. Not because he wished to hurry her in making a decision, it was to change the direction of his thoughts and stop from drooling.

“Very well.” Her reply was reluctant. “On one condition.”

“I’m listening.”

“Let me do the talking if and when the appropriate time comes up to discuss his land.”

“Deal.”

Her cell phone buzzed and she glanced down at the display. A warm smile brightened her face as she read the text. When she looked back up at him, the smile lingered, making him wish it were he who’d caused the reaction.

Without anything more to say, he stood and waited for her to do the same.

“I will see you on Saturday then.”

“Please text me directions to the stables if you don’t mind.” Although he already had it, she handed him her business card. “Have a good day Sully.”

He liked the way she said his name. “You as well Elle.”

Elle waited until she reached her car and replied to the text. Her nephew, Billy, always brightened her day. Deana’s son rarely smiled or spoke. The seven year old melted her heart with his messy mop of blond hair and askew glasses. Preferring not to touch people or be touched, on occasion he would only hug her, which peeved her other cousins to no end.

The shy boy was homeschooled by Deana since he was severely dyslexic. However Billy was gifted in creativity and always kept everyone jeweled with his hobby. He made sparkling stone bracelets.

Elle wore one every single day in her Billy chosen color of pink.

When she visited, he would inevitably check her wrists. Sometimes he’d be displeased with a design and take it back and replace it with another. Once again, she smiled down at the cell phone.

With his mother’s assistance, Billy often sent pictures of his latest creations. The picture of a soft pink bracelet along with three words, “See you soon.” Made her heart squeeze.

She replied with a smile.

Super Pretty!

I will stop by this evening at five o’clock.

I love you Billy.

Aunt Elle

Elle pushed send and looked back toward Cole’s Ranching. Sullivan Cole confused her. Dinner had been his idea. While daydreaming, she’d missed that portion of the conversation between him and Gary.

He’d admitted wanting to get to know her better, but had not elaborated nor had he flirted or asked her out again. It was very puzzling for a man not to pounce forward with a request for a date after making such a declaration. Elle couldn’t figure out if she was disappointed or intrigued.

Maybe a little of both.

Although he did invite her to riding.

Now she wondered if his offer to help by introducing him to Redstone was because he’d decided not to sell, or because he was interested in her.

The man was dangerous. With the appeal of a seven-layer chocolate cake, a dose of designer clothes and rugged good looks, it was easy to understand why he was constantly featured with a different woman in the society pages.

Underneath it all, Sully seemed to be a good man. She’d been surprised to find out how easy it was to be around him the other night.

His cousins, mother and aunt continued to gush about him every chance they got. He’d not been faking interest in her family. Had laughed until wiping tears a couple times.

Sullivan Cole was confusing and alluring.

A very dangerous combination.