Her Prada Cowboy: McCulloch County Series #1 Read online

  “I told you, she was looking for an excuse to alienate me. You know she has always pushed me away, even when we were younger. I just could not do anything right. I don’t know, I always felt as if she resented me, hated me even. That last fight, the things she said … I’m sorry, but she made it clear I was no daughter of hers. She expected me to marry Thomas, even though we were still children ourselves and he cheated on me. When I refused, she totally ripped into me. Called me immoral, useless and accused me of having no honor. She said that I destroyed any good memories she had of Dad with my actions.”

  “What did she mean by that?”

  “I have no idea. She seemed spaced out. She had been drinking and took some pills as well. She … well, let’s just say that was the end of our relationship.

  The distress, hurt and pain still throbbed inside her. Her mother tried so hard all the time she was growing up. But once their Dad passed away, she changed. It was as if she resented Shannon for his death.

  “When did she move to Texas?”

  “She got married.”

  “She what?”

  “Yes. I was just as shocked and we are on very good speaking terms. She invited us to the wedding, but it was on the same weekend as Beatrice’s baptism. I spoke to her last night. They’re off on a trip somewhere. She asked about you. I got the impression that she misses you.”

  “Yeah … she has always given that impression. Let’s be honest, Mom wants you to be happy and would tell you what you want to hear.”

  “I know. Maybe her new husband is the cause of the change in her. She seems a lot more open and loving since she met him.”

  “Good for her.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know. I will miss you guys so much. I don’t know if I have the strength to go and only see you all once or twice a year.”

  They sat in silence for a long while until Shannon eventually got up to leave. Sheila hugged her tight.

  “I will support you, no matter what you decide. If you go, we will make a plan to come and visit often. We will get through this, sis. We’ve always managed … you and me. We might even move to Dallas or Houston. Things aren’t going so well for William at work. They are talking about layoffs. I get so mad! He is a brilliant Architect, but everywhere he goes, they say his ideas are just too modern and out of the box.”

  Shannon smiled at the sudden thought that flashed through her mind. Maybe, just maybe there might be a solution. Apart from Sheila and her family there was nothing to keep her in LA. If they could all go …

  The moment she got home she contacted Perfecto Architects and asked to speak to Jarrod Parker. His executive assistant answered and buzzed Jarrod.

  “Jarrod, Miss Davis from Global Media is on the line. Are you available?”

  Jarrod’s heartbeat increased and he took a deep breath. He pushed his chair back so the he sat a distance from his phone. He did not want her to recognize his voice. Ronda transferred the call and he pressed the speaker phone button.

  “Miss Davis. What a surprise.”

  “Somehow I doubt that Mr. Parker.”

  “Ahh, you had a discussion with your CEO it seems.”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “I believe I explained my reasons well enough to Gregory Bart, Miss Davis.”

  “You expect me to move away from everything and everyone in my life, and therefore ... I have one condition … or a favor, if you please, to ask of you.”

  He was silent for a long while, gnashing his teeth. She better not ask him to bring a lover of hers with!

  “I need you to consider appointing an Architect.”

  “You want me to appoint someone to get you to head up the campaign?”

  “I am only asking that you look at his CV and portfolio. Interview him and if you are not impressed, at least I will know that I tried.”

  “Miss Davis, I have sympathy for your plight, but I will not appoint your lover. It will be a conflict of interest.”

  “Why do men always jump to that conclusion? He is my brother in law. My sister and her family is all I have, and they mean the world to me … I can’t … she’s my twin and they have a … four … month old baby. I …”

  She swallowed as her throat clogged up with emotion.

  “If he does not meet you standards, I do not expect you to appoint him, nor do I if you do not have the need for another Architect. All I ask is that you look at him as a candidate.”

  Jarrod released the breath he has been holding. He could hear the emotion in her voice and he cursed himself. He never even considered that she was close to her family. Hell he would give them all jobs to get her here … even if she had ten brothers and sisters!

  “I understand and I apologize for my inconsideration. Ask him to email his CV and portfolio to me. I will contact him directly. My PA will let you know the outcome before the end of day tomorrow.”

  She phoned Sheila immediately and she was ecstatic and so was William. Perfecto Architects was the one Company where his skills and modern designs would be effective. He had heard how Jarrod Parker personally mentored Architects with potential and he would give his arm and leg to work for him.

  “William, you have to realize you have to get this job on your own. I just opened the door.”

  “I realize that, Nonnie. Jarrod Parker is not the type of man to do professional favors. Not for anyone.”

  That much I have come to realize all too well myself!

  Jarrod got Chris to interview Will via Skype early the following day. He gave him a very quick design test and by the end of the day, his PA confirmed that Will has been appointed as Architect at the Austin office.

  The following afternoon Shannon informed Gregory Bart that she would head up the Campaign at Perfecto Architects, but not the Regional office. They agreed that she would be appointed as second in charge. That way she would receive adequate mentoring to grow into the position over a period of two or three years.

  Moving your whole life across the country was a lot more involved than getting on a plane. Shannon and her sister owned property that needed to be sold and that was the first problem. The market was down and prices were at rock bottom. Letting out would not be an option as neither of them intended moving back.

  Jarrod was becoming agitated. It has been four weeks since she left and he was slowly losing his mind. He deliberately stopped phoning her. His own stupid desire to have her call him and admit that she thought of him too, had backfired solidly. Clearly she did not feel the same way he did.

  He asked his PA to get hold of Gregory Bart and waited impatiently for the call to be put through.

  “Mr. Parker, I was just about to phone you.”

  “Call me Jarrod, Gregory. I want to get this project off the ground and we are not movin’ alon’ as I would have liked. What is the cause of the delay of Miss Davis move here?”

  “Selling property. The market is very bad in LA at the moment. They have packet up and all her belongings are on the way to Houston already.”

  “I see. Please keep me in the loop. I can’t afford to delay the launch for months.”

  They talked about the project a while longer. Jarrod scrolled to the number of his broker on his phone and waited for the call to go through.

  “Harold, I need you to make an offer on two properties for me in LA.”

  He gave him all the details and discussed a few other investments at the same time.

  “You do know the property market in LA is bad at the moment, Jarrod?”

  “Yeah, but I have a reason for buyin’ them. Offer them twenty percent above market value.”

  “Twenty! Are you crazy?”

  “As soon as you have obtained the property, I want you to set them up as homes for foster kids. Get someone to run each home from the welfare directly. Make sure it is someone that really cares about the children. I want a monthly budget proposal for expenses. Get my accountant involved with that. I want to see everythin’ for
approval.”

  “As always. You are a good man, Jarrod.”

  Yeah, maybe … only this time, I am driven by a blue eyed, dark haired doll face!

  He went for a swim after the call, feeling somewhat more relaxed. Yet, more upset than he cared to admit that she has not bothered to phone him.

  Rosa called him thirty minutes later for dinner and he got out of the pool. They had dinner on the porch next to the pool. He did not talk much and even Rosa gave up trying to keep a one sided discussion on the go.

  “Are ya goin’ bar hoppin’ with Noah again tonight?”

  “No … it has been a lon’ week. I am goin’ to bed early. We have to start breedin’ those mares tomorrow and I might have to go into Houston later in the day.”

  “Ya can’t be bustin’ nuts between the ranch and Houston every day. It’s not good for you. You’ve been firin’ on all cylinders for weeks now.”

  He rubbed his hand over his eyes. It was not work that was getting to him. It was his absent doll face!

  “How’s the old man doin’? Have you seen him this week?”

  “Yes, they’ve been here every day, but missed you every time. Maybe we should invite them to grub up with us tomorrow.”

  “That is a good idea. Let me help you with the dishes quickly, then I want to go to bed.”

  An hour later he sank down on his bed, fresh from the shower. He pulled his laptop closer to read his emails before he went to bed.

  There was a mail from Harold confirming that the offers have been made and accepted. As soon as all the contracts were signed, they would be on their way to Houston.

  He frowned when he read the next mail. He definitely did not need such complications in his life. Not now. He had no enemies that he knew off. Threats to his personal email, posed serious concern. His address was not made public and only certain people had access to it.

  He forwarded the mail to Reed at the FBI and asked him to look into it.

  His phone rang and he answered it absentmindedly. There was silence on the other end and he frowned, waiting.

  “Hi Jay.”

  His heart stopped beating and he had to swallow a few times before he could get a word out. He was aware that his voice sounded deep and raspy.

  “Doll face, this is the best surprise I’ve had this whole year. What took you so lon’ to phone?”

  “I was busy.”

  “Really? A phone call that takes a few minutes?”

  “I could say the same thing.”

  “Yeah, but then I am a modern man. I wanted to know if you needed to talk to me too.”

  “That is why you stopped calling?”

  “What did you think, doll face?”

  “Well … Noah told me you are quite the ladies’ man. I assumed you have been … playing the field as he called it. You never denied indulging in other activities the night you went drinking with Noah.”

  I am goin’ to strangle Noah … slowly!

  “Doll face … you could hardly walk for a few days. I promise you I did not fare much better. I most definitely did not have the energy or the desire to indulge.”

  “Only … then?”

  He smiled, his heart beating a mile a minute.

  “Well … at the moment I have a lot of build-up energy … serious energy for that matter. You’re headin’ this way by chance, honey?”

  Shannon shimmered with anger. He was not admitting anything, but he sure as the devil did not deny it either. Damn you Cowboy!

  “Now why would I be doing that, Muscle Man? There is nothing for me in Brady. I am a city slicker. Small towns and I … we don’t get on well. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. Sleep tight, Cowboy.”

  Before he could utter another word, she ended the call.

  Hmm, interestin’. My doll face did not like the possibility that I might have indulged with another woman!

  Chapter Seven

  Shannon has been at Perfecto Architects for a full week. She was highly annoyed. Jarrod Parker was adamant she get there the moment she accepted the offer on her house. He even arranged his private jet to fly her to Houston. Yet, she still had to meet him.

  She has been given her own office. A massive office with a boardroom table, flat screen television, the works. Chris Parker, the Operations Director and the owner’s cousin, has been assisting her with setting up a full operational department. Shannon had a full department to run with the project.

  “Chris, you do realize that this is not all I will be doing. I still have a full time job with Global Media.”

  “Yes, I am aware of that. Jarrod might want to talk to you about that in more detail though.”

  “Where is the elusive Mr. Jarrod Parker?”

  “He has been busy with some other projects. He asked that you meet him tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow? On Saturday?”

  “Yes, would that be a problem?”

  “No, it is just that my sister and her family will arrive in Austin over the weekend and … but don’t worry about it. I’ll get to see them as often as I want from now on.”

  “Good. He will send his chopper to pick you up from your apartment roof, around ten.”

  The chopper was right on time and the pilot came to meet her where she stood waiting just outside the stairway door leading onto the roof.

  “Miss Davis, I am Rocco Hill. Are you ready?”

  She nodded and he took her elbow, leading her to the chopper. He indicated back or front and she smilingly nodded to the front. They were in the air within minutes. It was an amazing experience. Shannon has never been in a helicopter and this was a powerful, sleek and well equipped one.

  “How long till we reach … where are we going?”

  “Not far. We should be there in just over forty minutes. Enjoy the view. You should see a number of wild herds of buffalo and horses once we’re past the city boarders.”

  “You don’t have the accent.”

  “I am not from Texas. I hail from Europe. I was down and under. I could not find a job and Mr. Parker gave me a chance four years ago. I have not looked back once.”

  “Don’t you miss Europe or your family?”

  “I have no family there, therefore there are no strings that make me long for Europe per se. I am happy here. I met my wife here, we’ve been married for three years and we have a two year old son.”

  “I’m glad he gave you a chance then.”

  “People say he is ruthless and maybe in business he is, but he is a very good man. The type you don’t come across very often.”

  They fell silent after that and Shannon enjoyed the view. Jay’s estimation the day they met about her sense of direction was not too far off. At this moment, she had no idea in which direction they were going. For all she knew, they could be on their way back to LA!

  She noticed an airstrip and what was clearly a private ‘airport’ ahead of them. She realized they must be at Jarrod Parkers’ ranch. There was a silver luxury SUV parked in front of the hangar and Shannon’s heartbeat increased. She sincerely hoped Jarrod Parker and her hit it off well. If she uprooted her whole life and it did not work out, she was going to be mighty peeved off!

  Rocco ran around the chopper and opened the door for her. She jumped down and he laughed when her hair was immediately caught in the down thrush of the blades. He turned and indicated she should walk backwards. That way the wind would not affect her too much. It worked and she laughed feeling silly walking backwards.

  Rocco turned and his smile widened.

  “Hi Jarrod. Package delivered in one piece. What time should I collect her again?”

  “Not to worry, Rocco. I will … hey stop that … Doll face!”

  “Jarrod Parker! You … you … bastard! I will kill you … come back here, you coward!”

  “Miss Davis stop! You can’t attack … hey … those heels look dangerous!”

  “Then stay out of the way. Move Rocco! Stop hiding behind your staff, you … you good for nothing …”

  Ja
rrod physically moved Rocco out of the way, when Shannon lunged at him with her one spiky heeled shoe above her head. He held his hands up in a defeated motion, but she was not moved. She kept going and he realized the intent in her eyes were real. She was about to clobber him over the head with those damn spikes!

  He ducked and caught her in his arms from behind and lifted her in the air. He forgot she was still wearing one of those damn spikes and she kicked him on the shin. He howled and nearly dropped her on her ass. She teetered on one high heel to catch her fall and turned to glare at him, hobbling on one leg, clutching his abused shin in the other. If she was not so angry, it would have been funny.

  “Hells bells woman! That was damn painful! I am sure I have a bloody hole in my leg.”

  “The next hole will be in the center of your useless head!”

  Rocco stood gaping at the two in front of him, before a broad smile spread over his face. Clearly Miss Davis had due cause for her anger. He cleared his throat and both pairs of eyes scowled at him.

  “I … er … think I better be going then.”

  “Good! I can’t get away from here soon enough!”

  “You are not goin’ anywhere! Thank you Rocco.”

  He nodded and jogged towards the chopper, ignoring Shannon shouting at him to wait for her.

  “I told you, you are not goin’ anywhere. Now … doll face … enough. You do not really want to hurt me.”

  “No … you are right! I want to incinerate you! Then I would not stand the chance of ever bumping into you again!”

  “Now I know you are lyin’. Come on doll face, admit it. You missed me.”

  “When pigs can fly! I am leaving!”

  “Really? How exactly?”

  “I have two legs! I’ll walk! Or better yet! I’ll phone Noah to come and fetch me.”

  “You have Noah’s number on your phone?”

  “It is none of your business!”

  She spun around and started walking alongside the hangar towards the road at the back.

  “Come back here, doll face. We have to talk.”

  “I have absolutely nothing to say to you. Except that I quit! I will not work a day longer at your stupid Company!”