The Rancher's Marriage Pact Read Free

face Surfer Worth and smiled, bent on introducing herself since her potential boss evidently wasn’t going to do the honors. “Hi, my name is Paris Reynolds.”
    Worth grinned and shook her extended hand, revealing the same dimple Dallas sported. “Pleasure to meet you, ma’am. Are you a friend of my big brother’s?”
    That confirmed her supposition that he was a Calloway sibling, although she couldn’t recall any mention of him in any of the press releases she’d recently read. “Actually, we just met today.”
    Worth winked. “Well, if he doesn’t treat you right, you’re welcome to come to Padre Island with me. I’m a helluva lot more fun.”
    And way too young for her, Paris decided. Plus, she had always been attracted to brown-haired men, like the one seated not far away.
    Dallas pointed at the door. “Get out, Worthless. Ms. Reynolds doesn’t need you coming on to her.”
    Worth backed toward the exit with hands held up, palms forward. “All right. And when you find out where the hell you left your sense of humor, let me know.”
    With that, the younger Calloway son winked at Paris again before striding out of the room.
    â€œI apologize for his behavior,” Dallas said as he resumed holding cowboy court from his place behind the desk.
    Paris dropped back down into her designated chair. “No need. He seems relatively harmless.”
    â€œHe’s a skirt chaser, according to his mother, and I’ve seen more than enough evidence of that fact.”
    The identity of Worth’s mother didn’t require a lot of guessing. “Is that Jenny?”
    â€œYeah, my father’s third wife. Maria is the second.”
    â€œAnd your mother is?”
    Dallas’s gaze drifted away for a moment. “Gone. She died when I was pretty young.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Dallas.” And she sincerely was. “I’m sure that’s been really difficult for you.”
    â€œNot so much,” he said. “I barely remember her. Now let’s get back to the reason why you’re here.”
    Being summarily dismissed wasn’t all that surprising to Paris. Most men clammed up when it came to emotional issues, including her own father. “Well, as I was saying, I’m a commercial interior designer, and since it’s apparent you’ll need my services soon, I’m here to apply for the position.”
    He frowned. “Why do you believe I need an interior decorator?”
    She wasn’t certain if he was kidding, or he really didn’t have a clue. “Look, I saw an article in the San Antonio paper about this Texas Extreme project and how you’re going to cater to people who want to enjoy the whole high-risk rodeo experience.” Though she couldn’t imagine why anyone would want to do that. “I also read about your plans to build a lodge to house your guests, and that’s where I come in. I would like the opportunity to oversee the design of that lodge.”
    â€œWe haven’t even broken ground yet,” he said. “In fact, we haven’t seen the final plans from the architect.”
    That could definitely work to her advantage. “All the better. If I’m involved in the beginning, then I can make suggestions that will only enhance the guests’ experience. I have extensive knowledge in hotel design. I have a strong attention to detail and—”
    â€œMs. Reynolds—”
    â€œParis.”
    â€œOkay, Paris, first of all, these guests are wannabe cowboys. They don’t need a fancy room. They only need a bunk and a bathroom. Hell, they might be satisfied with an outhouse and a creek.”
    The thought made her shudder. Yet he had made a good point, darn it. Still... “What if some of them want to bring their wives? Women have much higher standards. What if some of the wives or girlfriends want to participate, too?”
    He mulled that