The Carsons of Mustang Creek Complete Collection by Linda Lael Miller

Author:Linda Lael Miller
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2020-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

AFTER THE RIDE, Kelly needed time to think. Without distractions.

She helped Mace put the horses in their stalls and brush them down—with a lot of instruction—and then she left, driving back to the resort. Stretches or not, her thighs ached, so she ran a hot bath, swallowed two aspirin, stripped off her clothes and soaked.

Mace Carson was as likely to change his mind about the deal as the Grand Tetons were to pick up and move to Boise; that much was clear. So why wasn’t she packing, calling the airlines, letting Dina know the mission was a bust?

There was no single answer to that, of course. For one thing, she didn’t want to leave Wyoming, not just yet, anyway.

For another, her job was essentially history, with her ex-husband taking over the company in a matter of weeks. She could ask for a transfer, maybe follow Dina to London, or spend a few years in Europe. Given her track record, she could probably work in the field, or even telecommute.

Trouble was, while she definitely enjoyed traveling abroad, she didn’t want to live there on a long-term basis. And even if she didn’t actually work in the corporate offices in LA, she would still be accountable to Alan. There would be memos, emails, staff meetings.

Could she deal with that?

Unequivocally, no, she couldn’t.

Was it plain old ego? Pride?

It did nettle her a bit that Alan, even without experience specific to the wine industry, could step into a top spot so easily. She might have suspected gender bias, if Dina hadn’t held the position first.

Then again, maybe Dina’s plum job in London wasn’t a step up. Maybe it was lateral, or even a demotion. Kelly would likely never know and, anyway, what did it matter? From an occupational perspective, she was totally screwed.

Moreover, what were the odds? Of all the corporations looking for a boy genius to spearhead their operations, Alan had to wind up in her company?

Talk about your crappy coincidence.

And Kelly knew it was a coincidence. Alan probably didn’t give a damn where she worked, and even if he did, he wouldn’t have gone to so much trouble just to mess with her head. He had a lovely family now and, besides, he wasn’t the vindictive type. Most likely, he’d go out of his way to show her there were no hard feelings, invite her over to meet his wife and kids.

She wished him well, but she had no desire to socialize.

Kelly sank deeper into the bathwater until her chin was submerged.

Everything about this sucked.

Didn’t it?

Wasn’t there the tiniest part of her that wanted to whoop for joy? To explore other options?

She wasn’t going to starve or end up sleeping on a sidewalk. She wasn’t rich, but she’d socked away some serious money over the last few years—one of the benefits of not having a life—and, thanks to several generous if well-earned bonuses, she owned her condo free and clear. It was in a desirable location by LA standards, and even in a slow real-estate market, she’d have no trouble selling it.

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