Page 61 of Into the Lion's Den (Secrets of the Northland Shifters)

“You said these Maddox people were outdoor enthusiasts.”

“They are.”

“Well, then they’d probably prefer canoeingonthe lake to lying aroundnextto it.”

“Go back to work.” She rose from her chair, looking exhausted. “I’ll figure this out myself.”

“I’m sure you will.”

Her eyes flashed toward me. “Is that supposed to be sarcasm?”

“No,” I said. “That’sfaith.”

She stared at me for a long second, then the hint of an appreciative smile touched her lips. “Do you want this?” She indicated her plate. “I haven’t touched anything.”

“I’ll have them box it up for you,” I said. “It’ll be on your desk for when you get hungry.”

She grabbed her work gloves off the table. “Thanks.”

“Where are you going?”

“Out."

I tilted my head, both loving and hating all her many mysteries. “You’re not going to tell me what you’re up to?”

“I just need to burn off some energy.”

I had some ideas about how to burn off energy, but I didn’t voice them. I didn’t even hint at them. There would be no repeat performances of our kitchen fiasco, and that unnatural vow tossed another shovelful of coal in the raging furnace that was my chest.

It was a good thing none of my siblings were around. I didn’t think I could take any more comments about me smelling like a mated alpha.

But as luck would have it, as Sarah exited, Sam walked in.

“There’s guy at the front desk for you,” he said. "And—damnit, Reese—I don't like the look of him."

I watched through the window as Sarah headed for the path behind the stable. I thought about following, but Sam was insistent. “Reese. The guy at the front desk. He wants to talk to you.”

I frowned. I didn’t have any appointments on my calendar. “Did he say who he was?”

“No. But he’s wearing a suit.”

“Fuck.” Nothing good ever came in a suit.

When I arrived at the front desk, I found the suit in question standing in front of the fireplace with his hand on the stonework as if assessing its integrity.

“Can I help you?”

The man turned with a smile, but then his eyes widened when they got their first glimpse of my size. I was getting used to the reaction.

“Reese Fitzpatrick?”

“Yes.”

He came closer and tentatively stuck out his hand. “James Caldwell.”

“What can I do for you, James?”

“I’m with Vacay North Enterprises. We’re interested in purchasing your land and the business.”

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