Gambling on a Secret Read Online Free PDF

Cole Cartwright, after the Civil War. Much of the art is my mother’s. She’s an art collector. In fact, she left for Greece yesterday for an auction.”
    She sipped more coffee. After the initial swallow, the rich brew did ease her nerves a bit. “Does she live here with you?”
    “No, she moved to Dallas after my stepfather died.” He leaned over his long legs and cranked up the intimacy of the meeting.
    Okay, the nervousness was back, but in a different way. Leon was a handsome man. “This is a big house for only one person.”
    He laughed and held her gaze. “Yes, it is. I could say the same about the house on your ranch.”
    Heat of a blush prickled her cheeks, and she looked down into her cup. “I suppose it is.”
    “I know how daunting starting a business is. When I took over my grandfather’s oil company, it was teetering on bankruptcy. I know how important it is to have the right help from the beginning. I’m willing to subcontract one of my foremen over to you to help manage the ranch.”
    He provided the answer to her manager problem. But should she take him up on his offer? She pushed a loose lock of hair behind her ears. Her chin came up, and she met his gaze. No, Dylan was perfect for the job. “Thanks, but I’ve found someone for the job.”
    “Of course.” He leaned back, and for a split second, something cold hardened his eyes. “May I inquire who you’re considering? I may be able to provide a reference.”
    “Your nephew.” She crossed her legs and sipped the coffee.
    “Dylan?”
    Dylan had warned her about Leon; was Leon now going to warn her about Dylan? God, she hated all this family feuding crap. “Yes. He has an impressive resume.”
    “He worked here before he went to college and joined the military. His mother is my sister. Though, I guess, stepsister would be more accurate.”
    “What can you tell me about him, as a ranch hand?” She set her cup and saucer on the table.
    “May I be blunt, Miss Monroe?”
    Here came the bullshit about why she shouldn’t hire him. She rested her elbow on her knee and stared him in the eye. “I should hope you’d be honest.”
    Shifting in his seat, Leon finished off his coffee. “Dylan came back from the war a changed man.”
    “He was injured and now has PTSD, I’m assuming. I was always under the impression multiple deployments like his didn’t happen.”
    “I believe Dylan volunteered for the last two. He was wounded during the last one. His team was ambushed in a roadside bombing where four of his men were killed and the rest were injured.” He shook his head and looked down at his folded hands. Regret? Had she misread him? “I hate to admit I didn’t follow the war that closely, only its effect on the price of oil until then. We almost lost Dylan.”
    She folded her arms around her middle as a chill ran through her. “I’m guilty of not following the war, either. However, I’m discovering Forest County is very patriotic.”
    “Yes, it is. Another way we stick together.” He sighed and averted his eyes. A regretful-sounding huskiness deepened his voice. “I offered him a job, but he refused it. Sadly, we don’t see eye to eye. I hope he can turn his life around soon. He lives with his sister in Colton. I know Tracy is at her wits’ end concerning him.”
    That sealed the deal. If Hank hadn’t helped her when she came home after running away, she’d probably be dead. “I think he’ll work out fine. I should be going. I can imagine how busy you are.” She uncrossed her legs and stood. Holding out her hand, she smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Ferguson.”
    Leon took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he sidestepped the low table and bent over her hand, a real Southern gentleman. As he touched the back of it with his lips, she shivered. His gaze locked with hers, and her heart skipped a beat.
    “Please, Charli, call me Leon. After all, we are neighbors and soon-to-be business partners. I hope we can also be