Page 40 of The Wrangler Takes a Wife

“Fabio?” Amara sputtered. “You know that was like in the 80s and 90s, right?”

Despite how intimate they were, Amara was a little shy to have him know about the naughty things she enjoyed reading. Chase hadn’t relented until Amara let him read one of her romance novels.

“A couple of things. I’m surprised there was a pretty decent story line. Also, whenever you are ready to try out pages 47-52, let me know.”

Since then, he would check in and see if there were any parts of the books, she was reading he needed to know about. Amara enjoyed being so open with Chase about the things she liked in romance books. Sharing them with him led to naked and sweaty times.

As Amara read, she marked some sections in the mafia romance where the hero had tied up the heroine. She didn’t know if she was ready to try it out, but she was interested in what Chase’s reaction might be.

Knock, knock. Whoever it was must have used the knocker. The sound was extra loud. Amara wasn’t expecting anyone. On the way to the door, she saw a rental SUV. Who the hell could it be? Chase had gone with Ryan in his rental.

A tall skinny man stood on the porch when she opened the door. She immediately knew he was someone from a big city. He had that air about him. His voice was smooth and assertive, indicating he was used to making decisions and being heard. “Good afternoon, I’m looking for Mr. Harrison.”

“I’m sorry. He isn’t in.”

The stranger on her doorstep looked her up and down. She was sure what he saw. A woman in an oversized t-shirt and baggy joggers.

“And you are?”

“Excuse me?” The man’s tone made her bristle. This was her house.

The man looked taken aback by her tone, like she gave a fuck. “I wanted to leave a message for him and was wondering who I’d be leaving the message with.”

Amara narrowed her eyes at the man. It took everything in her not to slam the door in his damn face. Who the hell did he think he was? “I should ask who you are.”

“I’m Terry Vernon, a developer with Harvest Construction. Can I just leave him some information? Ms.?”

“Mrs. Harrison.”

Terry Vernon’s demeanor changed completely. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Harrison.”

He stretched out his hand, and Amara just looked at it. After a moment, he awkwardly allowed it to drop to his side. “I spoke to your, husband?” He paused while waiting for confirmation.

Amara offered no confirmation. So, he continued. “A few days ago, I spoke to your husband about selling the property. I’m following up with the financials.” Vernon pulled an envelope from his saddlebag. “We have upped the initial offer. Since we have a motivated buyer, we would like to seal the deal.”

There was no reason to let on to Terry Vernon that her husband had kept her in the dark. Amara just held out her hand. Vernon placed the large envelope in it. “I look forward to hearing from Mr. Harrison.”

She closed the door with a heavy heart. The weight of the envelope felt like a ton in her hands. The contents were a blow to what she and Chase had been building. Eventually, she began to feel they were developing something deeper than just an agreement. While it wasn’t a genuine marriage, they were partners, nonetheless. They had a passionate, intimate chemistry that fuelled their desires, and they shared a deep friendship with lots of laughter. She genuinely enjoyed spending time talking with him, finding comfort and delight in theirconversations. Despite the unconventional nature of their partnership, they complemented each other perfectly, creating a bond that was both vibrant and fulfilling.

Well, partners didn’t go behind each other’s back.

Fucking stupid developers! Every few years, they set their sight on Willowridge for development. It was right off the highway, and only an hour from a major airport. The key to development hinged on acquiring Sagebrush Hills Ranch. Without it, their plans failed. His grandfather and uncle understood what would happen and refused to entertain the idea of selling. Did Chase realise that Harvest Construction would drive the residents of Willowridge out of their town? Everyone would feel the effects of his betrayal, not just her.

When was he planning to tell her about selling the land? They shared a bed and life together. What was his plan? One day he would just wake up and be like I sold Sagebrush. Bye. It was the thought he was planning to walk away which hurt the most.

Amara picked up the large manila envelope. She only debated reading its contents for a moment. If he could betray her then she didn’t owe him anything. Her hands shook as she read the papers. It contained so much legalese, but as a business owner, she was accustomed to reading contracts. Harvest Construction was not playing around. Their offer was substantial, more than double what the land was worth. It shouldn’t have surprised Amara the land he promised her was a part of the sale. Harvest Construction would need it if they were going to build a new city. It stung in a way that had her furiously swiping at quickly falling hot tears.

She didn’t think it could get much worse. However, when she read:

As discussed, if you make the property available within six months, we will add a signing bonus of ten percent.

It got so much worse. Had Chase requested this clause?

How could she be so stupid as to trust him? It didn’t matter.

I won’t be Chase’s fool anymore!Amara took a steadying breath as she got to her feet.

Such a stupid woman.She smacked her forehead with the heel of her palm.

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