Page 9 of Red's Revenge

I’ve never been a fan of all those foamy coffee drinks he loves to make and pass off as Ma’s. We’re all on to him. I just need it to brew a nice old fashioned black coffee to get my brain started.

“Yup,” I grumble as I take my first sip.

“Want some advice?” I struggle not to be rude because I wouldn’t put it past him to knock me out.

“Always,” I sigh as I sit my ass down at the kitchen counter.

“Find yourself a wife. It’ll solve all your troubles.” I arch an eyebrow as he grins at me.

“No, I’m serious. There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep once you’ve emptied your balls into your wife.” I stand so suddenly the stool falls out from under me.

“Ugh!” I stomp out of the house with his chuckles floating in the morning air.

Well, I won’t be thinking of that chick tonight. I’ll be having nightmares courtesy of my Pa.

Chapter Four

CAMILA

It takes me three tries to log into the hotel wifi, making me two minutes late for my morning Zoom call. Never mind the hour time difference here in Texas. I just know Ryan’s going to have an attitude about it.

“You’re late.” I sigh when my suspicion is confirmed.

“Reception is horrible here. Next time you want to buy a parcel of dirt, can it please be somewhere more civilized?” He cracks a grin that I usually find sexy, but this morning, I’m having trouble remembering why, and it’s all due to the obnoxious cowboy that starred in my dreams last night.

“Not liking the South?” he taunts me, and I shrug him and my entire thoughts off.

“It’s not worth the hype. I can get good barbecue anywhere. It’s mainly the ego and attitude of the locals I’m having trouble with. But don’t worry. I’ll keep my cool and get the job done. Even if I have to wait until tomorrow.” At that, Ryan curses.

“He’s not willing to see you?” I sip the burnt hotel coffee and look disappointedly at the mug.

“Nope. His receptionist said I needed an appointment, and the earliest he had was one on Friday.” Ryan slams his fist on the table, making his computer jump.

“Dammit, I really wanted this deal done by today.” I’m unsure how he wants me to change that hope, but I stare and wait for him to suggest an option.

“Fine, I guess Monday will have to be soon enough. Are you flying back after the meeting?” Now it’s my turn to curse because I forgot to rebook my flight when I stumbled in from the bar last night.

“It’s on my to-do list. I have to reschedule it.” Ryan frowns.

“You haven’t been watching the weather, have you?” I glance out the window and see nothing but blue skies.

“No, why?” I grab the remote and turn the TV on behind me.

A local news station is on, and I read the red banner on the bottom of the screen.

HOUSTON AREA EXPECTING RECORD SNOWFALL THIS WEEKEND.

“Fuck,” I turn back to my laptop and see Ryan chuckling at me.

“Lucky I don’t need you back in the office until Tuesday. Try to enjoy Texas after you get the deal signed.” I nod at his words, but I just want to be gone as soon as possible.

This state is full of temptation.

“I’ll try. I miss you, though,” I whisper the words in case someone is within earshot.

Ryan glances around his office before turning back to me.

“Soon, babe.” He winks and disconnects the call.

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