Page 10 of Embracing Hope

“Isn’t there anyone else who can play tour guide? Have one of the hands do it.”

His gaze narrowed more and the corners of his mouth dipped into a frown. “I’m asking you to be a representative of the family. That’s not asking too much I don’t think.” There was a new agitation in his tone.

“But this is a huge transition for Marcum Livestock and Sagebrush Rose.”

“I’ll still be around. I’m just passing the socializing baton to you. After all, socializing has always been your strong suit.”

She gasped. “That’s offensive.”

“It wasn’t meant to be.”

“What if I say no?” She lifted her chin stubbornly.

“Don’t misunderstand the request,” he said firmly. “It’s not up for debate.”

She started to open her mouth to respond but a knock on the door paused her.

“That’s him now. Punctual. I like that.” Sam got up from his chair and stopped before her on the way to the door. “And behave yourself. We need this merger as much as the Marcums do.”

Hope listened to her daddy’s sugary greeting and then a muffled, deep voice of Lance Marcum. She knew little about the Marcum family outside of the brothers being self-proclaimed playboys. The oldest brother, CJ, was the most eligible bachelor in Texas until he shocked a lot of ladies when he married a couple years back. On the other hand, Lance had been deemed the rough and rude brother who had become a recluse. Just what she needed. To be saddled with a dick.

“Lance, I’d like for you to meet my daughter, Hope.”

“Please, sir. Call me Isaac. Everyone does.”

That voice and the name scurried through her brain like a panicked squirrel. It couldn’t be. There was no possible way.

Texas. The familiar voice. The name Isaac. Was it too much of a coincidence?

She inhaled bravery into her lungs and stood. Her breath was knocked out of her lungs. Her one-night-stand cowboy stood across from her. Every part of her body he touched lit up like a Christmas tree.

Chapter Two

Isaac schooled his expression as he watched the enticing sway of Hope’s bottom as she marched out of her father’s office in a huff. Once they were at the end of the hallway, she pivoted and faced him, her expression dull and her lips pursed.

“What sort of game is this?” She tilted her chin.

“Game?” Although he'd totally fucked up by sleeping with a Rose daughter, he couldn’t deny that a part of him had perked up when he saw her. “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me, Hannah? Or is it Hope?” When she’d walked out of the motel room that morning, he’d had no idea that he’d ever see her again. Probably a good idea when he’d woke up straddling her during one of his panicked dreams. Most women would have run away, but she had spunk. She’d simply looked at him like this happened regularly.

Her eyes slanted. She didn’t appear any happier to see him.

She crossed her arms over her waist. “It’s Hope, Isaac. Or is it Lance? I’m a little confused myself.”

“My name’s Lance Isaac Marcum. Everyone has always called me Isaac, or Markie in the military.”

Her expression soured. “I’m sure that works out splendidly when it comes to sleeping with women,” she said in a hushed tone.

“Now isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black? As I recall you were there too, ma’am.” His eyes darkened.

“Is this part of your strategy? Sleeping with me to make the Roses view the merger more favorably? It certainly gives you a little leverage if things don't go as planned, doesn’t it? I'm curious about your intentions.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle. Was he really hearing this right? “Just to clarify, you were the one who approached me at the bar. You didn’t share your last name or your real first name, so how was I supposed to know you’re a Rose? Isn’t that a lovely surprise?”

He could almost see the thoughts sparking in her eyes. “It’s entirely possible someone mentioned me, or perhaps you did a little detective work and discovered what I looked like.”

“If I would have asked, yes, but I didn’t. And I didn’t know until moments ago, when Sam mentioned it, that you’re going to be a key player in this merger.”

“Are you really going to claim this was just a coincidence? That our paths crossed and we enjoyed an amazing night together by chance?” She laughed, but it had a raw edge.

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