Page 400 of Steamy Ever After

“How can you be so sure?”

“I know Sara. She’s tenacious and OCD when it comes to the business. Your uncle set you up for success. He surrounded you with quality people. Good people. Honest and hardworking people. And I know the guy who manages your land.”

“You do?”

“Yes, Abby, I do.” There’s an odd twinkle in his eye. He cocks his head, as if waiting for me to say something, but then he shakes his head. “Luv, I manage the McPhearson land.”

“Wait a second.” My jaw literally drops. “You’re the manager?”

“Have been for years. It made sense when your aunt first got sick. My homestead abuts McPhearson property. Your aunt hired me to take care of the land until you came into your inheritance and could take over.”

“Take over. I have zero experience managing land.”

“I can teach you everything you need to know.”

“Did you not hear me when I said my brain’s going to explode?” I tilt my head back and stare at the stars overhead. “I’m so out of my element.”

I know enough about medicine to guess at what else is involved in managing a thriving medical practice, but land? I’m clueless as to what I need to worry about.

But I have Drake.

Why didn’t Uncle Pete mention that when he told me about the McPhearson land? Kind of an odd thing to leave out.

“My uncle didn’t tell me you managed the land.”

“I’m not surprised by that.”

“Really? Why?”

“He knows you have a lot on your plate, but I’m here to teach you everything you need to know.”

“I appreciate that.”

“How are you handling his illness?”

“It’s tough.”

Drake takes my hand. The warmth of his fingers wrapping around my hand comforts me.

“When I found out, I didn’t know what to think, but after talking to him and watching him, I can tell he’s tired. He’s ready to move on.”

“Ah, luv.” Drake pulls me into his arms, kissing the top of my head. “I know we’re still getting to know each other, but I’m here if you need a shoulder to cry on.”

“Thank you, but I need your brain more.”

“My brain?”

“It’s a relief to know you’re the manager for McPhearson lands. I don’t know where to begin. Who are the tenet farmers? The ranchers who lease the pastureland? What agreements are in place? Do they pay rent? I don’t even know the right terms to use when framing my questions. I’m certain rent is the wrong word. Not to mention, I don’t remember where that land is.”

“Slow down, city girl, and take a breath.” He grasps both my hands and forces me to stare into his mesmerizing eyes.

There’s strength there. Comfort. Control. And a willingness to help.

“I must be the biggest joke in town.”

“Why would you say that?”

“I inherit ten thousand acres and I don’t know where that land is.” I shake my head and vent a frustrated sigh. One more thing to add to my to-do list.

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