A Riverbend Christmas by Jennifer Ashley

Author:Jennifer Ashley [Ashley, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JA / AG Publishing

“You’re a genius, Sam Farrell.” Karen pressed her well-groomed hands together in what passed in her for excitement. “Do we race down the hall and tell them?”

Chapter Seven

Sam shook his head at Karen’s question. “No. Not yet.”

The plan he’d formulated as he’d lain awake last night in his room at the B&B could work, or it could flop like a dead fish.

“Too many contingencies,” he said. “I don’t want Olivia to get her hopes up.”

“I see.” Karen sounded disappointed. “Sorry, but canny business deals exhilarate me. In your scenario, everyone wins. More or less.”

“More or less.” The inkling of what to do had come to Sam after Vince had been such a dickhead about selling the land. Sam’s plan would appeal to Vince’s greed as well as his distaste for Campbells.

Karen straightened the holly leaf pin that adorned the collar of her red plaid dress. “I’m thinking you want to seal the deal and then present it to Olivia on a platter,” she said with her usual shrewdness.

Sam felt his face heat. “Something like that.”

“I see.”

“Do you?” Sam grew irritated at Karen’s knowing tone. “Olivia and I have been friends for decades. I want her to hear all this from me.”

“Oh, I understand.” Karen’s teeth flashed in another smile. “I think it’s wonderful that you and Olivia have found each other.”

Sam barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes. “We haven’t found each other. She’s a sweet woman, and she’s been through a lot. She deserves some happiness of her own.”

“I totally agree,” Karen said briskly. “Olivia is one of the hardest working women I’ve ever met. She built up the ranch’s business stone by stone and raised five sons who turned out to be fine human beings. I’ve had such fun watching them be married off one by one.”

Sam softened a bit, and he had to chuckle. “I’ve watched you try to round them up for yourself—but you didn’t have a chance with Grant against my niece.”

“Christina?” Karen appeared surprised Sam thought she’d tried to compete. “Heavens no. Once I saw the way Grant looked at her, I knew there was only one woman for him. Besides, I was only after a little fun. I am not the settling down type. Tried it with three husbands. I’m done with that.”

“Are you?” Sam asked her.

He had the pleasure of watching Karen blush. The flush started at her neck where the pin was and worked its way to her forehead.

“I most certainly am.” Karen came out of her relaxed pose and grabbed a stack of folders that lay on her desk. “Now, my window is closing. I have things to do. Let me know how you want to proceed.”

“Gotcha.” Sam heaved himself out of the chair. “Good day to you, Ms. Marvin. And thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Farrell,” Karen unbent enough to say. “Merry Christmas.”

“To you as well.” Sam raised a hand goodbye as he left her office.

Struck a nerve, Sam thought as he strode down the hall. She has it bad for Jack Hillman.

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