Page 1 of Savage

Chapter One

Scarlett

I lean closer to my computer and stare at the spreadsheet in front of me. I’ve only been running Mail Order Ranch for the past six months, and it’s already doubled its profits. Most people would think that was a good return, that maybe I’m a smart businesswoman, a woman perfectly capable of running a ranch on her own.

My father won’t.

He’ll give me a lecture on the sustainability of rapid profit growth and point out every fault he sees under the guise of love and concern for my overall wellbeing. He’ll remind me that I don’t have a pot to piss in without him, and he’ll most likely threaten to close the place down if I don’t continue to grow profit over the next six months.

My chest tightens just thinking about his gruff, judgmental tone. I need to stop relying on him to make a living, but I have no idea how. The man owns corporations like they’re baseball cards, and my life has always been about following in his footsteps with entrepreneurial spirit and drive. I don’t know what exists for me beyond that.

Two knocks lay softly on my office door, and I glance up to see Opal, a no-nonsense blonde with an attitude I identify with. We’re both young, professional, and desperately trying to get ahead in a world set up for men.

“Hey, what’s going on?”

“Nothing,” she says with a grin. “Just stopping in on my way to the kitchen. I have a three-course meal today for cabin twenty-two. I can only imagine who might be in there.”

I smile. “Well, if word gets out, I’ll know who told the press.”

She shakes her head and laughs. “Yeah. I don’t get the whole Buck Dalton thing. I mean, I get that people are all enamored by the whole country star vibe, but isn’t he like… a drunk? I mean, they have video of him throwing chairs off rooftops.”

“I spent a few hours with him after the matchmaker did her assessment and he’s not so bad. I think he got lost in fame for a while, but who wouldn’t let all that money and attention go to their heads?”

She straightens her white jacket and shakes her head. “Sounds like you should take your shot. Maybe you’re the long-lost love he’s desperate to write his next song about.”

“Yeah, I’m done dating.” I take a sip of the coffee I grabbed at the bakery on my way in this morning. I’ve been addicted to their honey almond cold brew since the day it released. “Anyway, how’s everything in the kitchen? Any drama I should be aware of?”

Opal grins wide, showing off her pearly white teeth. Every time I see them, I think about how I need to have mine whitened, but I don’t have the money. Sure, I could take from the stipend my father gives me, but I’ve been refusing it. My goal is to get the ranch to make enough money that I can pay him back and take over everything myself. You’d think doubling your profits would mean freedom, but unfortunately that number doesn’t include operating costs and all the expansion we’ve been doing. I’m not sure if that was a good idea yet or not.

“Nothing to speak of so far, but with all the new services we’re offering, it might be beneficial to hire someone else in the kitchen. I’m keeping up right now, but I’m not sure how long that’ll last.”

“I’m on it. We’ll put a listing out, and I’ll send you every resume I get. You can hire from there.” My stomach tightens as I say the words. We’re growing rapidly, and that’s a good thing, but it costs money, and to me, money means freedom.

“Me?” She narrows her gaze as though she’s confused by the request.

“You’re the head chef. You should do the hiring for your kitchen.”

“Okay then.” She stands from the chair and pulls her long blonde hair into a tight bun on top of her head. “I won’t disappoint you. Promise.”

If there’s anyone here I know won’t disappoint me, it’s Opal. We have different backgrounds, but her work ethic is very much like my own. We both have something to prove, and we’ll do whatever it takes to prove it.

“Oh,” she stops in the doorway and turns back, “I wanted to wish you luck on that meeting with Clyde today. I know you were nervous about it.”

Clyde!Oh my God! “Shit! I completely forgot about Clyde.”

Opal narrows her brows. “Cancel. You’re running the entire place. He’ll understand.”

“He won’t.” I roll my eyes and tap my pen against the notebook next to my computer. “He’s got the entire construction crew worked up about the security cameras being installed.”

“What about them?”

“They’re going to be all over the property so security can keep a closer eye on everything. Some people think they're invasive.”

“Damn,” she laughs. “You’ll know all the shit people talk about in the lunchroom. That sounds entertaining as hell.”

I laugh. “Entertaining, but also informative. Too many employees are disclosing personal information about our clients. I need to know who’s at fault.”

“Morning.” The massive, trouble causing, beast of a man presents himself in the doorway with two cups of coffee and a grin that reminds me of some bearded, tattooed, flannel wearing, television cowboy I can’t put my finger on. “You got yourself an elk fight out there this morning. It’s causing a stir with the tourists.”

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