A Cowboy to Marry Read Online Free

given the depth of his concern about the potential pitfalls of the situation she was in.
    And if she was completely honest, Libby admitted, she wouldn’t mind having Holden at the first official meeting.
    The handsome rancher was bound to be a lot less emotional about the proposed transaction than she, and would give her perspective on everything said.
    In certain situations, two were better than one.
    This, Libby figured, was one of those times.
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    â€œI DIDN’T REALIZE THE TWO of you were dating,” Jeff Johnston said to Holden and Libby after they had ordered their meals.
    Taking comfort in the laid-back ease of the WagonWheel Restaurant, she sipped her iced tea. “Holden is here as a friend.”
    Jeff quirked a brow. “Do you always take friends to business meetings?”
    Aware that her throat still felt parched, and that she was far too conscious of Holden and his sexy masculine presence, Libby took another drink. “No.”
    Jeff glanced at her curiously. “Then…?”
    She searched for an explanation for herself, as well. Ignoring Holden’s equally probing look, she told Jeff, “You wanted to know how the ranchers in the area feel about the dealership. Holden can tell you that.”
    The other man turned to him. “How is the level of service?”
    â€œExcellent,” Holden stated promptly. “First and foremost, prices are fair.”
    â€œAlmost too much so,” Jeff countered. “Since the profit the company is taking on sales is slightly below the industry standard.”
    â€œIt’s a competitive market,” Libby interjected. “We aim to please.”
    â€œAnd they do,” Holden said candidly. “From the time you walk in the door, Lowell Ranch Equipment employees are there to help you decide what heavy machinery you need, and how to obtain financing. And they are just as dedicated when it comes to providing any service or parts required. Because of that, they have a very loyal customer base.”
    â€œYou’re not just saying that because Libby is your ‘friend’?” Jeff chided.
    â€œLibby doesn’t need me to exaggerate on her behalf,” Holden said, beginning to sound a little irked at the remark. “Lowell Ranch Equipment has been in business for threegenerations, and has served a hundred-mile rural area for the last seventy years. The commitment of the sales and service staff has never wavered.”
    Jeff nodded, as if his research had garnered the same data. “I notice a lot of the employees are older, though. Fifty plus…”
    For the thirtysomething Jeff, that was a problem, Libby noted unhappily. “Ten of our employees are in that age demographic—they have worked at the business their whole adult lives. Three others are in their twenties, but equally as committed to careers with us.”
    He frowned. “Meaning you would be opposed to me letting at least some members of your staff go, and bringing in my own people?”
    She stiffened her spine, the tough businesswoman inside her coming to the fore. “I won’t sell to you unless there is a guarantee you’ll continue to employ every person currently working there for as long as they want to stay, at their current salary and benefits.”
    â€œYou realize that could sour the deal,” Jeff warned.
    Libby turned her hands palm up. “Then it does.”
    He sat back in his chair as their dinners were put in front of them, and considered her position. “Well, that explains why everyone is so loyal.”
    Libby picked up her knife and fork. “We’ve had virtually no turnover, because it is such a good place to work. The fact the customers know who they are going to be dealing with is a comfort to them. Everyone feels like family.”
    Jeff cut into his steak. “In my experience, business and personal affairs don’t mix.”
    She took a bite of her grilled redfish.