Page 92 of Claimed By the Cowboys
“So, where do I come in?” I gritted my teeth in a fake smile.
“Well, right now, you’re providing the boys of Pack Blackwood with some much- needed childcare, along with a woman’s touch around the place,” Caroline explained sunnily. “Without you around, it’s going to really be obvious how much Maisie needs a mama, that the ranch is in need of a woman’s touch.”
I nodded slowly, my stomach clenching as I understood what she was asking of me.
“Whatever Clayton’s paying you, Pack Adamar can pay you double. Or if you would rather move on, we would be happy to pay you a month’s salary in advance to help you transition intoa new position,” Caroline explained hurriedly. “And don’t worry about a place to stay—we can get you something at the extended-stay motel in town while you look at new apartments.”
I blinked, completely incredulous that she thought I would just pick up and leave right then and there, even if I had only been working at the ranch as a nanny.
“Wow, Caroline, that’s such a generous offer.” I finally scraped together the words for a bewildered response.
“Please! It’s the least I can do, especially since I would hate for you to have been left high and dry like they left me,” Caroline offered sympathetically.
The boys had called it—Caroline wanted to try to entrap Clay to get herself bonded into the pack, and thus eligible to be part owner of the pack business.
Caroline had taken the bait and confirmed everything. All that was left was for me to finish playing my part.
“Thank you so much for looking out for me, Caroline; it’s very sweet of you.” I laid it on thick. “I’m going to have to take a little while to think about it, since it’s a big decision, but I feel better already, knowing that I have options.”
“Of course! I wouldn’t dream of forcing you to make the decision here.” Caroline reached into her purse and produced Lance’s business card, along with a copy of her lawyer’s. “Whatever you decide, just let us know before the end of next week.”
I had been about to thank her, to try to move the conversation toward more casual conversation, but Caroline was already touching up her lipstick and checking her phone.
“I amsosorry, Pippa,” Caroline began absently, eyes still glued to her phone.
“Piper,” I corrected coolly.
“Oop, yes,Piper, so sorry. Something just came up. Enjoy another drink on me before you go back.” Caroline slapped atwenty-dollar bill down on the table next to her barely touched margarita.
“Oh! Well, take care, then, thanks again for talking with me girl-to-girl.” I beamed.
“Anytime, girl!” Caroline winked, swinging her purse over her shoulder.
“See you later, Caroline!” I called as she waved to me from the double exit doors.
Chapter 43
Clayton
Isat at my desk with an odd awareness of what was going on. We’d made our little plan in a hurry, and I just had to hope it worked. Still, I had a gut feeling that this was it. This was what would turn the tide.
Kicking up my feet onto my desk, I pulled up my calendar, eyeing my schedule because, regardless of plans or anything like that, we still had a lot to do, and Piper was getting closer and closer to her due date. It’d been a hell of a thing to watch her grow, carrying our child, Maisie’s little sibling.
And I had to admit to myself that the thought of breeding Piper all over again was an appealing one.
Footsteps sounded in the hallway outside my office, and I did my best to ignore them. I needed to act like I had no idea she was coming. When I heard them stop at my open door, it was the distinct noise of high-heeled shoes that got me to look up.
“Well, hey there.”
My stomach tightened, my jaw clenching as I fought the urge to say something I’d regret. “Caroline.”
Before I could say anything else, she walked around my desk, knocking my feet to the floor and hopping into my lap like she belonged there, which she sure as hell didn’t.
Her scent, once so sweet to me but now completely sour and over the top, wafted into my nose, and I had to stifle a gag. In seconds, the woman was all over me, draping her arms around my neck and getting way too close for comfort.
“How did you get in here?” I growled.
“Oh, come now, Clay. No need to be so prickly.” Her smile was laced with venom and malice. “I still know my way around the ranch, and I wanted some alone time with you. This really has all gotten out of hand.”
