Round-the-Clock Temptation by Michelle Celmer Read Free Book Online Page B

half-closed they were the brightest he’d ever seen. “How do you figure?”
    â€œIf you can advertise that you have a state-of-the-art security system, that would eliminate the threat of having the horses harmed. You could very well get back the business you lost.”
    Nita shook her head, her mouth in a grim line.
    â€œWhat’s the matter?”
    â€œThis is so wrong. Five years ago, we would have never even considered needing an alarm to keep the animals safe. It’s the Devlins doing this.”
    â€œYou don’t know that.”
    â€œYes, I do.”
    Nothing he said, no argument he could make, would convince her otherwise. “At least try to keep an open mind until we get some proof.”
    â€œAnd when is that going to happen? It feels like all we’re doing now is sitting around waiting for the next attack.”
    â€œPeople are working on it.”
    â€œThe Cattleman’s Club,” she said, and he only looked at her.
    â€œShould I make the call?”
    She hesitated for a second, then shrugged. “What the heck. I guess it can’t hurt to hear what the man has to say.”
    He pulled out his cell phone and dialed. When Clint’s secretary answered, she told him Clint would be out of town a couple of days, but would get back to Connor as soon as possible.
    He relayed the message to Nita. “I’ll let you know when he calls me.”
    They continued toward the stable when Nita heard a car engine, and turned to see a dark BMW pulling up the driveway.
    â€œWho is that?” Connor asked, stepping slightly in front of her, something she was sure he did automatically, from being in the military.
    â€œThat would be Gretchen Halifax.”
    â€œGretchen Halifax? What does she want?”
    It was pretty obvious Connor didn’t like the woman, not a big surprise considering she was running against his brother for mayor. “Probably to see her horse. We board him for her.”
    â€œThat bitch-on-wheels has a horse? What for?”
    â€œHow should I know? It’s business. She’s one of the few boarders I have who didn’t pull out after the feed was poisoned. I may not like her, either, but her money is as good as anyone else’s.”
    Gretchen parked close to the house and got out of her car. She was dressed in a business suit and high-heeled pumps, and her hair was professionally sculpted into an indestructible shell. The woman reeked of old money. “Hello, Nita,” she called.
    â€œHello, Gretchen.” Nita walked over to meet her and noticed that Connor hung back, his Stetson pulled low. She took in Gretchen’s designer outfit. “Guess you’re not here to take Silver Dollar for a ride.”
    Gretchen smiled that phony, politician’s smile of hers. The one that made Nita’s skin crawl. “Not this time. I just happened to be in the area and I wanted to come by to tell you how sorry I am that your father was hurt. Is he going to be all right?”
    â€œHe’ll be good as new in no time. Thanks for asking. Gretchen, have you met Mr. Thorne?”
    Nita waved Connor over knowing that with his hat on Gretchen could easily mistake him for Jake, which, considering the fleeting look of distaste on her face, she had.
    â€œConnor Thorne,” Nita added. “Jake’s brother.”
    â€œWhat a pleasure.” The plastic smile slid into place and she held out a hand for him to shake.
    With a slight hesitation, Connor shook it. “Ms. Halifax.”
    When Gretchen turned to Nita, Connor wiped his hand on his pant leg.
    â€œI’m not one to listen to rumors,” Gretchen said. “But I’ve heard you’ve fallen into hard times. Is there anything I can do to help?”
    How about you throw on a pair of boots and muck a stall, Nita was tempted to say, but held her tongue. “We’re okay, Gretchen, thanks for asking.”
    â€œI’ve always admired your