Page 182 of The Donovan Dynasty

“I’ve seen plenty of vehicles damaged over the years.When I tell people to hurry, they don’t.Warning them that a thousand pound hunk of metal will smack ’em in the ass gets them moving.”

“Is that your version of a motivational speech?”

“The threat of an ass smacking gets most people moving.”

She shivered at the image of his big hand landing on her butt.Her breath caught, and she couldn’t tell whether or not he was teasing.And what if he wasn’t?

“Tell me the directions once you leave the main road,” Cade instructed, breaking into her thoughts.

“First right,” she said after shaking her head to clear it.“Third left.Then it’s about a quarter of a mile farther in.Follow the dirt road until it becomes paved.Park in front of the house.”

“You memorized it like I told you to.”

Warmth and approval deepened his voice, and something inside her unfurled.“I figured it was easier than trying to drive and look at a piece of paper at the same time.”

“Buzz me from the intercom when you reach the main gate,” he reminded her.

“Will do.”She disconnected the call.

Sofia checked her speed and focused on the road to regain her equilibrium.She forced herself to focus on the fact he was a potential client.This was nothing different than a dozen other sales calls she’d been on over the years.She’d inspect the site, listen to the client’s ideas, ask as many questions as needed, do some brainstorming, discuss budgets and options then formulate her plan.

But a niggling voice told her this was different because she was attracted to Cade.

A sudden downpour with brisk bursts of wind forced her to concentrate, and before long, she exited the highway toward Waltham.

Originally, Waltham had been built as a stop on the railroad.Now it was home to a college and a sleepy tourist town.An old-fashioned drugstore with a soda fountain had been her favorite stop as a child.

The storm eased and she turned off the windshield wipers.Quick moving clouds darted past to reveal blue skies.

She stopped for one of the town’s three traffic lights then continued north several miles, slowing as she searched for the road that would lead onto the Donovan property.

After finding the small green sign, she flipped on her blinker.Unless she had known where to turn, she would have missed it entirely.Considering that the ranch holdings were vast enough to be spread out over several counties, the Donovans didn’t appear to broadcast its location.

As she worked her way deeper onto the property, she noticed miles and miles of barbed wire fencing, as far as she could see.She continued to follow the paved road and took the first right.Cade had been correct to suggest she memorize the directions.The juncture was four-way, with no indication where any of the roads led.Trees, some palm, others she recognized as mesquite, obscured the view, giving the area the feel of a maze.

After only a hundred yards or so, she saw an industrial-looking gate.Obviously the bump gate he’d referred to.

It hadn’t seemed difficult, but as she approached, knowing she had to hit it with the front of her vehicle unnerved her.

Gently she nosed in and touched her bumper to the metal.It didn’t move.

She backed up.This time, when she moved forward, she nudged it a bit harder.

The spring released and she sat there, a bit stunned.Then, remembering he’d said she’d only have seven seconds to clear the entry, she hit the accelerator.

In her rear-view mirror, she saw the gate swing closed behind her, right on cue.

She continued on and, a few seconds later, the paved road ended.Though the dirt was well-groomed, she had to slow down so chunks of gravel didn’t gouge her vehicle.

The sun vanished completely behind a cloud, casting shadows across the ground.

She took the third left.This road was paved, and imposing wrought-iron gates loomed in the distance.

Since the day continued to darken, she pulled off her sunglasses.

She braked to a stop near the wrought-iron gates.An ornate R was crafted on one, and a W adorned the other.Massive pillars flanked each side, and there was an impressive concrete statue of a horse with a cowboy on top.The animal’s hind legs were slightly tucked under, and the cowboy was throwing a lariat.She couldn’t think of a more perfect way to welcome visitors to the property.

Sofia pushed the call button.She expected the gates part, but instead, Cade’s voice greeted her.