Daddy's Little Cowgirl by CHARLOTTE MACLAY

Author:CHARLOTTE MACLAY [Charlotte Maclay]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781459250093
Publisher: Harlequin Treasury
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

David rose in greeting. “Good afternoon, Ann. This is a pleasant surprise.”

It wouldn’t be if she dumped the vase of flowers decorating his desk into his lap. Which she was sorely tempted to do if he’d been the one to call in Reed’s loan.

“I’d like to discuss a foreclosure the bank is planning.”

His expression barely changed as he gestured for her to take the upholstered chair in front of his desk. In that regard, David reminded her of Reed—a man who was totally, frustratingly in control at all times.

“Are you interested in purchasing the property?” he asked with the same mild expression.

“Not likely. I already own it, in a manner of speaking.” Though the prenuptial agreement she’d signed would mean she’d have no part of the ranch if she and Reed divorced. “I’m referring to Reed Drummond’s place.”

The hint of a blush darkened David’s complexion, and he removed his glasses, polishing them vigorously with a clean, white handkerchief. “Yes, I understand best wishes are in order on your wedding. Last week when we dined with your parents, I was unaware you were…involved with anyone.”

“I wasn’t then. I am now, and I want to know exactly who ordered Reed’s loan called in.”

He replaced his glasses, adjusting them behind his ears with great care. “As you might imagine, I haven’t yet had an opportunity to learn the details of all of the properties in which we have an interest. If you’ll allow me a moment, I’ll—”

“You weren’t the one who foreclosed?”

“Not personally, no.”

A frown tugged at her forehead. “I was sure my father had ordered you to call the loan because I married Reed against his wishes.”

“Mrs. Drummond…Ann,” he corrected, leaning forward. “I make banking decisions based on the best interests of our depositors, not the concerns of a father about his grown daughter’s marital status. However much I may respect your father’s experience and position here at the bank, I reach my decisions independently, and I can assure you, Mr. Forrester made no effort to influence me in this case. Nor would I have allowed it”

Chalk one up for David’s integrity, Ann thought, her anger dissipating somewhat. “If not you, then who?”

“Let me see if I can get to the bottom of this.”

He left her sitting at his desk while he went off to consult with his staff. Ann waited impatiently. She knew one of the tellers working behind the counter. The girl had been in Ann’s eighth—grade math class the first year she’d started teaching. Now the young woman was obviously pregnant. Somehow that made Ann feel both old and envious.

David returned some time later with a thick file folder. He took his seat opposite her.

“It seems there was a general review of our loan portfolio. Our senior loan officer in San Luis Obispo concluded the credit line we had extended to Mr. Drummond was not justified. Therefore, the bank, in effect, has withdrawn the loan.”

“And just who is the senior loan officer?”

He flipped through several pages. “Roger Clarke signed the papers.

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