Page 65 of Crude Heir

“Okay,” I reply, trying to keep disappointment out of my voice.

“Though we don’t tend to have issues on the ranch, we’re still in cartel country,” he explains.

“That didn’t even cross my mind,” I admit.

“During the day, it shouldn’t be a problem. But having a truck come in at night will put everyone on alert. The only way around it is if security calls that we’re coming. Either way, it’ll call attention to us, and you said you wanted to keep it on the down-low.”

“Yeah, I’d prefer to stay under the radar as long as possible,” I agree, understanding the concern.

“It’s settled, then. We’ll tackle this in the morning. Now come on.” He turns toward the door. “Let’s see how the girls are doing.”

* * *

Nicole

I gingerly set my foot up on the kitchen chair Elena positioned to act as a makeshift stool. “Only I would have my foot go sideways on aflatsurface,” I grumble, adjusting the single-use, instant ice pack over my swollen ankle.

Elena gives a hearty chuckle, a twinkle in her eye. “Not by a long shot, sister.” She leans her forearm on the back of the chair. “But in all honesty, the wind out here can knock a girl over. You might want to wear pants tomorrow so you don’t end up giving someone an unexpected show.”

And my only pair is folded over the office chair in my bedroom, courtesy of one angry Derrick Stockton. “I didn’t pack any,” I admit sheepishly.

“Jeans should be fine. They aren’t really strict on dress code here.”

“I’m afraid all I brought with me are dresses and skirts.”

Elena sizes me up thoughtfully. “I might have something that will fit you,” she offers, her voice carrying a friendly note.

I take a deep breath, already anticipating how Derrick is going to react. I can always pair them with a long blouse over the jeans Elena lends me and see what he thinks. I’ll keep the possibility of flashing someone as a reserve. “That would be great. I think it’s the only chance I have of keeping up with everyone tomorrow.”

“I’ve got you covered.” She straightens. “Oh, I didn’t even think to ask. Would you like something to drink?” She swings her wrist back to indicate the refrigerator. “If you want something stronger, I know there’s a wine room Addler’s very proud of...um, somewhere.”

I blink at her comment about the wine cellar, I presume, beingsomewhere. Maybe I misunderstood what was said, butI thought she and Addler were together-together. “That’s okay, I’m not much on wine.”

“Just as well, I’m not sure if I could figure out which door leads to that room.” She gives a nervous hitch of her shoulder. “This place is still fairly new to me.”

“Water would do just fine,” I reply quickly, not knowing how to explain that I shouldn’t have alcohol, just in case.

“There’s also Coke and Diet Coke,” she says, turning toward the large, brushed steel refrigerator.

Which lightens my mood considerably. “A Diet Coke sound’s even better.”

“Here you go.” She sets a can down beside me and opens one for herself. “Mayela, Addler’s housekeeper, is off today so I made a quick guisado earlier, when we dropped off my stuff. It’s in the Crock-Pot, keeping warm for when the guys come down. There’s also plenty of rice left over from yesterday.”

The meaty scent makes my mouth water. I start up a conversation, afraid my stomach is going to rumble and embarrass me. I hadn’t even been hungry until I smelled her cooking.

“So you and Addler, it’s a fairly recent thing?” I ask, trying to sound casual. Somehow I’d feel more at ease knowing I’m not the only one still getting used to the man in her life.

“Well…” She hesitates, her lips parting for a bit before she says anything.

I sit up straighter, sensing I’ve crossed a line I didn’t know about. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”

“No, it’s fine, just a little complicated.” A blush creeps up her cheeks. “Technically, we’ve known each other since high school, but things changed when he bought the company.”

“You work for Kelly Oil & Gas, too?” I ask, delighted. “I work in the accounting department at the Houston office.”

“Oh.” She seems to relax, having found common ground. “Yes, I came in to help Bill do some cleanup.” She shakes her head. “The lady he had coding was a hot mess.”

Which explains the endless amount of re-coding Derrick and I discussed.

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