The Tycoon and the Texan Read Online Free Page A

today? And, don’t try to tell me it’s the gala. I know him too well not to know that there’s more to it than meets the eye.”
    â€œIt’s that new land acquisition he’s been talking about.”
    â€œThe one that I haven’t been paying any attention to?”
    â€œAnd which Maddi calls one of his pipedreams. It’s not going well. You know how relentless he is when he wants something. Then add his mother to the mix. She’s about as enthusiastic about it as when he bought his baseball franchise.”
    â€œAll I know is that he’s been looking at some investment property. A farm maybe, but I didn’t realize his mother was involved.”
    â€œWell, she was until he told her to butt out. She’s kinda PO’d at him, but then what else is new? Back to what we were talking about. Don’t try to change the subject. I’m still waiting on your answer about who’s going to pay off your mom’s medical bills if you lose your job.”
    â€œI’m nearly finished with them.”
    â€œThen who’s going to replenish your savings and pay that damnable blood-sucking lawyer? Put up that headstone you are so desperately saving for?”
    â€œThat’s dirty pool and you know it,” McCall flared.
    â€œWhy don’t you probate your parents’ wills? Until you do, you won’t have a good picture of your finances.”
    â€œI’m afraid of what I’ll find. The medical bills and funeral have already drained me.” McCall rubbed her neck.
    â€œYou said your dad had made a hefty investment, so look into it.”
    â€œMy lawyer’s doing that. Biggest problem is that Daddy invested heavily in a business venture out here in California, and we can’t locate the other investors. The attorney is placing a creditor’s notice in the newspaper, hoping to flush out who owes Daddy the money, but that can take months, even years, and we may never find them.” She stopped and considered whether she wanted to say more, then added, “If there is truly an investment to be found.”
    â€œWhat are you really afraid of?”
    â€œI don’t know. Maybe that he did most of his investing up at Chumash Casino, and he just told Mama he’d committed it elsewhere. Daddy was a good man, but a rogue. Rough. He worked for the oil companies, a tough-as-nails Texan.”
    McCall’s fingers moved to her arms and rubbed away little goose bumps. “Back to the gala. As I’ve already told you, I can’t do the benefit because I don’t even own an evening gown. I’m not exactly Naomi Campbell who can pick up something off the rack and look good. I’m just a lanky Texan. Mrs. Dartmouth has put me in an impossible position.”
    â€œLook, we don’t have much time. It only took Maddi a little over an hour to arrange for her dress shop to send over an assortment of gowns and she’s on her way back. You’re a beautiful person, McCall, and not just inside, but outside, too. You’ve got to let go and begin living again.” Josie grabbed her by the shoulders. “You can’t continue to lug around memories of your mother like a tombstone. Why not reinvent yourself? Let today be the beginning of a new life by making you as sassy and daring outside as you are inside.”
    â€œThanks, but you’re throwing me to the barracudas.”
    â€œNo, I’m not. Sweetheart, someday you’ll thank me.”
    â€œI don’t know.” McCall inhaled. She glanced at the clock. Time wasn’t on her side. “It looks like if I want to keep my job, I don’t have any choice. I’ll do it, but on one condition.”
    â€œYou got it.” The relief on Josie’s face spoke for itself.
    â€œThat Russell bids on me—”
    â€œMy boyfriend?” Josie stuttered a bit on her words.
    â€œYeah. He won’t have to take me out, just win the bid. I’ll