Chapter 1
Tyson Donovan knocked back the last of the whiskey in his glass, then lowered it to the high top with a thunk. He let his gaze drift around the casino rooftop bar littered with women wearing sequins and diamonds, mixed with men not nearly dressed as well.
The laid-back Arizona style at parties ranged from suits to jeans for men, depending on the event. Tyson was in the latter category. Western dress shirt, a new pair of Wranglers, a nice pair of boots, and a black Stetson, and he was good to go.
A tour company had thrown this shindig to go along with the three-day country music festival being held in Phoenix. Major country stars headlined the event, including Kade Fields and Jessie London.
Tyson looked up from his drink as Henry Goldman returned to the table, his hazel eyes bright with enjoyment. Tyson knew the old man loved a good party.
“Let’s get you another whiskey.” Henry signaled to the closest server, who swept in to take their order before slipping back into the crowd.
The beefy elderly cowboy turned jerky tycoon focused on Tyson. “I’m glad you made it tonight, son. You did me a favor when you helped me fulfill that big order, and I want to show you my appreciation.”
Tyson gave a nod. “Thanks for the invite.” Crowds and fancy events weren’t his thing, but his longtime friend had been determined to get him here.
“I want you to meet my nephew.” Henry moved his whiskey glass aside. “He has a penthouse suite and is throwing a little shindig tonight. Some kind of celebration.”
Tyson held back a sigh. Last thing he wanted was another party. He’d be glad when he returned to his ranch, where he could kick back in his socked feet in front of his TV with his dogs and a beer. “Looking forward to meeting your nephew.” He nodded to the far corner of the lounge. “I’ve got to hit the head.”
He made his way through the chattering and laughing crowd, past people who used an overabundance of cologne and perfume that clogged his senses, and into the restroom. When the door fell shut behind him, the quiet was a welcome break.
The door swung open as he relieved himself in one of the urinals that lined one wall. From his peripheral vision, he saw two men stumble through. Due to his years as a Military Police Officer in the service, Tyson always remained aware of his surroundings and anyone infringing on them.
It was an unsaid rule that men didn’t make eye contact when standing at the urinals, but that didn’t mean Tyson wasn’t conscious of who might be next to him.
“I’ve got dibs on that blonde babe.” A tall, redheaded man undid his zipper. “She’ll be on my mattress ‘til dawn.”
The other man snorted as he joined the first. “I bet I can get her in bed before you can.”
The redhead laughed. “Hey, we can even both share her tonight.”
“She won’t know what hit her.” The second man chuckled.
Tyson zipped up and turned away, disgusted. He hated the idea of any woman being taken advantage of—if he saw who the men were talking about, he could step in and warn her.
From the time he was a kid, he’d always felt the need to protect others. It came from not being able to protect his mom from her sickness. He hadn’t been able to help her, but he could help others.
He washed and dried his hands, shoved open the door, and left the restroom. He returned to the table where Henry waited with their drinks. Tyson took his seat, and the whiskey Henry handed him.
“I invited you tonight for more than just a thank you.” Henry set his drink on the tabletop. “I’ve got something important I want to discuss with you.”
Tyson studied the man who’d taken on a serious expression. “Shoot.”
“I’m eighty-five, and it’s time I retire.” Henry tapped his thick fingers on the tabletop. “I’ve been considering who could take over my company and maintain the quality and integrity of my product and reputation.”
Tyson braced his forearms on the table as Henry spoke. “You are the best at what you do, no doubt about it.”
Henry focused on Tyson. “I want to sell Dutchman’s Gold Jerky to you.”
Well, that came out of nowhere. Tyson settled back in his chair. “Henry, I’m honored you’d consider me to take over your mantle.” He shook his head. “But I’m a rancher and not interested in owning another business.”
Henry leaned forward, an intent look on his usually jovial features. “I’m dead serious, son. I know you’re the man who can take my company to the next level. You’re a fine, successful businessman, you’re well-respected, you’ve got a good head on your shoulders, and you’ve got integrity. You’ve got everything it takes to succeed.”
Tyson gripped his glass, the cold chilling his fingers. Before he could decline again, Henry said, “You don’t have to give me an answer now. Best you think on it.”
After a moment, Tyson gave a slow nod. “All right. I’m not changing my mind, but I’ll give it some consideration.”
“That’s all I ask.” Henry grinned. “For now.”
Tyson caught sight of the two men from the restroom and narrowed his gaze. They were crowding a cute blonde in a little black dress near one of the high-tops, but she didn’t seem bothered and was smiling.
He gritted his teeth. The woman looked familiar—it was Haylee McLeod.
Tyson stood abruptly and pushed back his chair. “Pardon me a moment, Henry. I’ll be right back.”
His attention was laser-focused as he pushed his way through the crowd. He set his jaw and had to fight to keep from clenching his hands into fists when he stopped beside the trio.
The redhead caught sight of Tyson glowering at them. “What do you want?”
Tyson kept his tone low and controlled. “I want you and your friend to leave the lady alone.”
Haylee’s jaw dropped, her eyes widening.
“Beat it.” The redhead waved him away. “We were here first.”
At that, Haylee’s gaze shot to the redhead.
Tyson did ball his hands into fists, then. “Let’s take this outside right now.”
“You can’t take us both on,” the second man said.
Tyson gave him a cold smile. “Try me.”
“Stop it right this minute.” Haylee put her hands on her hips and glared from Tyson to each of the other two men. “All of you get lost. I don’t want anything to do with any of you.”
The redhead and his friend scowled at Tyson before disappearing into the crowd.
Tyson didn’t move, and Haylee whirled on him, her brown eyes sparking fire.
“Who do you think you are?” She removed a hand from her hip and put her finger in his face. “What right do you have butting into my business?”
He remained grim. “Those men had none too good intentions.”
Color rose to her face. “I have five older brothers, Tyson Donovan, and I don’t need another. I can take care of myself.”
She spun away from him and marched toward the bar. He watched her as she joined a brunette and kept her back to him. He could practically see the smoke curling from her ears.
Damn, she was beautiful. He’d never noticed just how gorgeous until this very moment.
“What’s going on, son?” Henry’s firm voice came from behind him, and Tyson turned to face him. “What’s got Haylee so upset?”
Tyson blew out his breath and explained what he’d overheard. “When I saw them with Haylee, I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.”
Henry slapped him on the shoulder. “You did the right thing, young man. One day, she’ll see that.”
Tyson looked in the direction where Haylee had last been, but she was gone now. He looked back at Henry. “Maybe.”
“Lord knows you never can tell with women.” The old man smiled. “Come on, now. I’ll introduce you to my nephew.”
Haylee was so ticked at Tyson that her ears still burned. Who did he think he was? As if she wasn’t capable of taking care of herself.
“You’ll love him.” Jen chattered as they walked through the casino’s upper-tier bar, and Haylee shot her friend a look, thinking she meant Tyson.
Oh, she meant Kade Fields. Haylee hitched up the evening bag strap of gold links on her shoulder, then pushed open the glass doors leading out to the elevator’s bank. “I’ve heard he’s a nice guy.”
Jen’s brown waves bounced as she nodded while they walked to the elevator to the penthouse and other upper-floor suites. “Down-to-earth country boy.”
“It’s always nice to be told things like that.” Haylee punched the button. “I hate to hear when stars are jerks.”
Jen used a card that allowed her to select the penthouse, and then the elevator began moving.
Haylee glanced at her friend, who, at five-ten, stood at least five inches taller. “How did you meet him?”
“An old college friend introduced us.” The elevator car stopped at the penthouse suite floor and opened into a large foyer where an enormous vase of fresh flowers graced a circular table.
A doorman stood at the entrance, and Jen showed him her ID. He checked his electronic device and let them into the suite.
It was beautiful. Mostly creams and taupes with vases of flowers everywhere.
About fifteen or so people mingled, and Haylee was surprised at the laid-back vibe in the suite, far different than the party they had just come from.
“There he is.” Jen guided her over to the easily recognizable country music superstar.
Haylee tried not to look at him like a starstruck teenager when they reached him. She was a little starstruck, so it wasn’t easy.
“How are you, Jen?” Kade enveloped her in a hug. “It’s darn good to see you.”
He turned to Haylee and held out his hand. “I’m Kade Fields.”
“Haylee McLeod.” She liked his firm grip. He was so incredibly good-looking, with brown hair and blue eyes. “I hope you don’t mind me crashing your party.”
He grinned. “The more the merrier.” He glanced over her shoulder. “I’ll introduce you both to my uncle.”
Jen and Haylee turned to face the entrance. Haylee tried not to scowl when she saw Tyson standing next to Henry Goldman. The elderly man was a close friend of her family’s.
Kade strode toward the men. “Meet my Uncle Henry.” He, in turn, introduced Haylee and Jen.
“I’m well acquainted with this young lady.” Henry smiled kindly at Haylee.
She kissed his cheek. “Hello, Henry,”
Henry greeted Jen then introduced Tyson to Kade.
After introductions, Kade said, “The party’s winding down. I know you just got here, but I’m starving. Would anyone care to have dinner with me and Uncle Henry in the Atrium Restaurant?”
“I wish I could, but I’m going out for a bite with my boyfriend.” Jen looked apologetic. “Haylee’s free. I’m sure she’d love to go.” She turned to Henry. “Would you mind taking her home?”
“Of course, I’ll take good care of the young lady.” Henry gave her a nod and a smile.
Haylee could have kicked Jen. Instead, she smiled and said, “Thank you, Henry.” She turned to the country music star. “I’d love to go to dinner with you, Kade.”
“How about you, Tyson?” Kade asked.
Say no, say no, say no, Haylee pleaded in her mind.
“Mighty kind of you to ask.” Tyson gave a nod. “I’d be delighted.”
Mentally, Haylee groaned but thought she did a great job of smiling on the outside. She intended to enjoy herself despite Tyson’s presence.
Jen hugged Haylee, blew kisses at everyone, and sailed out of the suite.
Kade took Haylee’s arm and escorted her from the penthouse to the restaurant, Henry and Tyson walking behind them. Once they were shown to their table, Kade seated her, and she found herself between him and Tyson. Both were exceedingly handsome men, but for some darn reason, she was more aware of Tyson next to her than Kade. But she did her best to focus on the entertainer.
Kade was enjoyable to talk with, down-to-earth and personable. She figured everyone wanted to know about his life as a superstar, so she asked him if he had a dog and where he grew up. Kade answered her questions and asked some of his own. He included Tyson in the conversation, as well as Henry.
Haylee enjoyed herself at dinner despite Tyson being there. By night’s end, though, she wasn’t quite as ticked at him as earlier. She could never stay too mad for long. Still, she’d be glad to see the last of him, at least for now. She’d be bound to run into him in a town as small as King Creek.
As they left the restaurant, Henry took a call and walked away for a few moments. When he returned, he wore a serious expression. “My sister up in Prescott has hurt her leg, and I’ve got to go check on things for her.” He looked to Tyson. “Mind taking Haylee home?”
Haylee did groan this time, but fortunately, Tyson was speaking, so she didn’t think any of the men had heard her.
“Not a problem.” Tyson turned his intense blue gaze on her, and the corner of his mouth curved into a devastatingly sensual smile that made her shiver despite everything. “I’d be happy to,” he added in his deep, sexy voice.
Haylee swallowed and concentrated on her irritation with the man. She did not want to be in a car with him for a whole hour. She did understand Henry’s situation, but it didn’t make her like it any better.
They said goodbye to Kade outside the elevators, and he gave Haylee a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He was a good man, a real good man.
Henry and Tyson talked in the elevator on the way down, and Haylee tuned them out, her mind on her showing at the Scottsdale art gallery tomorrow evening. She had so much to do to prepare.
The doorman held open the tall brass and glass doors as they walked out of the casino into the October Phoenix night. Haylee shifted her purse strap on her shoulder then rubbed her bare arms with her palms. It was barely in the low sixties, but she’d forgotten to bring a light sweater, and the breeze felt cool on her flesh.
Henry gave his ticket to the valet, who took off to retrieve his truck.
“I’m parked in the south lot.” Tyson inclined his head in that direction. “Thanks for inviting me out tonight.”
“My pleasure.” Henry smiled and gave a nod. “Be thinking about my proposal.”
Tyson shook his head but returned Henry’s smile. “I’ll let you know.”
Haylee hugged Henry and kissed his cheek before she fell into step beside Tyson and headed toward the lot where he’d parked his vehicle.
And to what might be a very long drive home.