Page 14 of Hidden Memories

He flashes me that dimple before leaving. “Take care of our tree whenI’m not around.”

“Yeah. Same. Nice meeting you.”

He stops putting his things together to look me in the eyes. “Nice meeting you, too.”

It’s another shot to the heart, the kind of glance that makes the whole world stop.

“Good luck with your business,” I add, just for another second in his presence.

“Good luck with your portfolio.”

I want to keep him talking but I’ve used up my reserves and can’t hold that brown gaze of his any longer. He offers me one more dimpled smile and resumes tacking up Hector.

Eventually, we’re both ready to leave. He salutes me, and I wave goodbye, then watch Santi mount his steed. His steely shoulders disappear down the hill like a setting sun.

At that moment, I wish I’d sketched this man’s face so I could remember this chance meeting that brought some light into my life.

Little did I know, I’d have that very opportunity.

Chapter Four

PRESENT

Fucking hell.I tie up one tough situation and waltz into another.

I should have taken the rest of the night off. But instead, I came up to the shared family offices here at the ranch after my time with Owen to check on the contracts for the purchase of a new training facility I bought a few towns over.

My recent hire, Brandon, a trainer who has dealt with some of the world’s finest champions, was a stroke of luck for Monarch Hills. It’s been thirteen yearssince I bought this scrubby patch and transformed it into what’s a respectable operation. It’s solid, and maybe even more than I thought it could be, but I never thought it would be big enough to attract talent like Bran’s.

Fortunately for me, Brandon happens to be from a nearby coastal town and decided he was getting too old to be far from family. After shooting the breeze over a video call with him in Dubai a while back, Brandon decided Monarch Hills was a good place to settle. One thing turned into the next, and with him on board, investing in a new training facility felt like a well-backed enterprise.

Company growth is strong right now, much thanks to Bran. Monarch Hills has been thriving these past years. Hell, I’m more successful than I ever thought I’d be.

Why then, can seeing her name on my screen have me right back to feeling like a boy from the wrong side of the tracks?

One who doesn’t belong.

One who would never become anything.

That taste of doubt is back on my tongue, all because of one woman’s name.

Kat.

I read the email on my screen again, half thinking this might be a dream.

FROM: [email protected]

Hey, boss… do you know this lady? She sent an email to the contact address.

Let me know if you need me to politely decline for you.

Best,

Kelly

FWD:

ATTN: Santiago Mendez

---