Page 81 of Meant for Her

“Sounds good to me,” Luke said.

Once they put on their coats, they left. Ryan drove. As they neared her family’s ranch, Malia called Seth to see where he was on the ranch and to ask if he could join them at the house. Not that her Dad would be happy to have Luke or Ryan there, but too bad. They were her mates. Eventually, her parents would come to understand that these men made her happy.

“Hey, Seth,” she said when he picked up.

“Malia. What’s up?” He had to be inside somewhere because there were voices in the background.

“Is that Dad I hear?”

A door squeaked open. He probably didn’t want to disturb their father, so he’d stepped into another room. “Yes. He’s here with Steve Johnston.”

“I didn’t know he was visiting. Why is he there?”

“Steve is really interested in some of Dad’s Angus beef. Get this. Mr. Johnson is willing to trade some Wagyu for them or maybe a few Belgian Blue.”

She whistled. “I’m voting for the Belgian Blue. I’ve heard it’s the most tender meat in the world.”

“Personally, I’m partial to the Wagyu, probably because it’s the most expensive meat.”

As much as she loved talking about the ranch, they were on their way to discuss something important. “Ryan, Luke, and I are about five minutes from the house. We found evidence that their father was shot, and we think we know who did it. How about we stop over at the house? We’d love to get your input on a few things.” She figured they could go into the den and talk.

“I’ll be here. Trevor’s here too. This is a pretty big deal for Dad. He’s been dying to get his hands on some of Steve’s prime beef.”

“We won’t stay long.”

“See you soon.”

When the Double G Ranch drive came into view, Ryan pulled down the long drive. “Someday, our drive will be as smooth as this one.”

Malia, and especially her brother Benson, complained all the time what it was doing to their shocks. However, the Lattimore’s drive was far worse.

A Mercedes Benz sat in the driveway. Mr. Johnston apparently liked to drive in style.

They got out and went up to the door. Seth must have heard them, because he opened up before she had a chance to knock.

“Come on it. We can sit in the den if you want,” he said.

“Perfect, but let me say hello to Mr. Johnston first. Dad would be upset if I didn’t.”

She motioned the men to follow her. Before she had the chance to reach her father’s friend, both Luke and Ryan strode up to the man.

“Mr. Johnston. Nice to see you again,” Luke said.

Malia was totally confused.

“Luke? Ryan? What a nice surprise!” Mr. Johnston said.

“You know them?” her father asked.

“Know them? Why Ryan was the best intern at our office. He came on his senior year and worked with the auditors to make sure our books were in top shape.”

She stepped next to Ryan. “You’re an accountant?”

“In my former life. Then Dad died, and I returned to my love—ranching.”

“I didn’t know you went to college.” She shouldn’t have said anything, as this wasn’t the time or place.

“I’ll tell you later.” Ryan turned back to Steve Johnston. “I’m assuming my successor did a good job?”

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