Mitchell held his smile as Dani struggled to become comfortable. He watched in amusement as she shifted back and forth on the leather seat, crossing and re-crossing her legs. The comment had been on a whim, given her reaction to seeing him, but he was glad he’d been honest. She was exactly what he’d been missing in his life. Now, he simply had to convince her of the fact.

“Where exactly are we going?” Dani asked as she slapped on the seatbelt. She knew the anticipated answer, but had she been told the truth?

“El Paso.”

“Then what?”

“We will pick up our car and drive to the site in question where we’re going to have a discussion with the management team. They’ve been working on the problem and should have updates.”

Dani shot him a look. “While I don’t as of yet fully comprehend what we’re facing, I have to ask, what does management really know? They aren’t the ones handling the day-to-day activities. They aren’t in the field, experiencing the difficulties and my guess is they also don’t know the area well, including the locals.”

“Fascinating assumption and you are correct. Then who do you suggest? Who are the right people to talk with?” Mitchell tipped his head, eager to hear her answer.

“The roughnecks. They are the real experts. They know every inch of the wells, the rigs and anyone who might be a problem.”

“Very nice. I like your idea. We will schedule a meeting with them.” He admired her spunk and her take charge attitude. His cock stirred, creating discomfort. Stifling a smile, he made a mental note to extend a raise, if they were successful on the mission. His mind drifted to their dance, the way she allowed him to take the lead. He had a sixth sense about her. The woman was searching for release.

“Excellent.” She seemed nervous, her face pinched. As she glanced out of the window, her hands gripped the arms of her seat.

“Would you care for a glass of wine? That might help you relax.” He noticed the nervous tic in the corner of her mouth. Were the nerves because of his presumptiveness or the fear of flying?

Dani glanced at her watch, grumbling under her breath. “While I appreciate the hospitality, we have pressing business to discuss. I need to be spot on. I also need to learn every detail to provide experienced advice.”

“Very well. I value your work ethic. Let’s talk about what we’re facing.” She was processing his words, going over them in her mind. He could sense she was holding her tongue. He was, after all, the CEO, a man of authority. He held a smile. He was looking forward to the trip, even if the circumstances surrounding it were crucial to the company.

“Excellent.” Instantly more comfortable, she grabbed a notebook from her briefcase.

“Bottom line is that most of the barrels of oil being produced from the land purchased from Steele and Sons is rancid, more like muck than oil.”

Her eyes opening wide, she began to write furiously. “Do you have a suspicion as to why?”

“Honestly? Not yet. I just found out about this. If what I expect to find is the case, we’re talking about a much bigger problem which is all encompassing, affecting every oil rig site and barrel. If so, we must determine a fix. Supposedly a few rigs have been untouched, but I’m not certain how that’s possible.” He eased forward, placing his elbows on his knees. She was certainly all buttoned up, a tailored suit, a crisp white shirt and heels. Even her silky hair was spun into a bun. Wearing only a man’s style watch, she had strategically eliminated ninety percent of her femininity—except for the stilettos. He held a chuckle, imagining her delicate walk near the oil rigs. He was going to have to toughen her up if she wanted to succeed.

“You ran a random sample testing before you purchased the land using an outside source, as well as several handled by your own engineers?” Dani kept her eyes off him, instead, writing furiously on her notepad.

“Yes, we used a firm outside of Houston. They are highly reputable. We took one hundred and twelve core samples to be exact.”

She gave him a respectful nod. “How long ago did this occur?”

“Forty-five days. We closed twenty days ago.” Mitchell was impressed. She was organized, thorough and asked the kind of questions his engineers hadn’t thought of. “What are you thinking?”

She eased her pen onto the pad and lifted her head. There was enough time to contaminate the site if someone knew what they were doing. “What I do know about the industry, which by no means makes me an expert, is that oil doesn’t become tainted or turn to sludge naturally in forty-five days.”

“Then what are you suggesting?”

“I’m suggesting that you have a saboteur on your hands, Mr. Rush.” Her eyes flashed, her expression one of disgust.

Unfortunately, Mitchell couldn’t determine whether her distasteful look was because of him or the situation. The concept wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities, but would take money and connections to infiltrate his team. The words were chilling. “Then we must figure out how and what we can do to stop any additional contamination.”

“I’m certain we can with time. The more important question is who and for what reason? Until you figure that out, you aren’t going to be able to solve the problem. You may very well be a target.”

A target. He’d been just that half his life. Mitchell exhaled and glanced out the window, studying the passing fluffy clouds. Life used to be less complicated. “You know, I started Rush and Dane because I believed I could build a company in which the employees were well taken care of and be profitable. Camden and I worked hard, barely making any money for almost three years before we struck oil. We built a barn smack in the middle of the original land purchased and lived above the area where we kept horses for well over a year. We didn’t care about material things. We were happy to be on our own.”

“Wait, Rush and Dane?”

“Rush Enterprises is based on two companies merging. That was just a few years ago.” He shook his head, wondering if his father had some ulterior motive only now being perfected and long after his death. “Perhaps I was foolish to anticipate that I could provide livelihood to so many without retaliation. I do have my enemies.”

Dani pushed away the small table and leaned over, clasping her hands. “I don’t think you’re foolish for wanting more and we all have enemies.”

“Then for what?” He hadn’t anticipated telling her anything about his past, his business ethics or anything else personal, at least not now. However, he wanted her to know so maybe she didn’t judge him so harshly, which she certainly was doing. He caught her haunted look and sighed. Indeed, everyone had something to hide.

“For not protecting yourself from various levels of attack. You have a commodity that everyone wants. The price of crude oil has skyrocketed, creating millionaires while the average American can barely afford to pay their bills. You have your employees eating out of your hands because you believe in them and have garnered their respect. But you’re not infallible.” Dani looked away, her face flushing. “I realize I don’t know you or your company. I’m an outsider looking in the glass house.”

“Dani, I haven’t had anyone speak to me frankly in years, with the exception of Camden. Even he, as my Vice President, goes with the flow now that we are successful. I don’t need ‘Yes Men’. I need people who uncover my weaknesses. So, thank you.” He rose from his seat and walked to the small bar. “Are you certain I can’t get you anything to drink? We have a couple of hours before we land.”

She narrowed her eyes but remained unblinking. “One glass of wine.”

“Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc?” Smiling, he could see she was so far outside of her comfort zone, she was unsure of what to think. She was also doing everything in her power to prove her worth. His skin tingled as he waited for her answer, goosebumps popping along every inch of naked skin.

“Cabernet. I never drink white.”

“A woman after my own heart.” He remained quiet as he poured them both a glass. “As I’m certain Camden mentioned, we’ll stop and purchase anything you need for the overnight stay, as well as more suitable attire, right after picking up the car.” He walked closer, inhaling her perfume. While subtle in nature, the exotic fragrance was intoxicating, creating a myriad of sinful images. The moment he handed her the glass, their fingers touched. A jolt of current rushed down his spine.

“What’s wrong with my attire?” Her words were little more than breath sounds.

“You dress for success, Ms. Montgomery. You do not dress well for a Texas oil field. You need to be respected for your expertise, not for your long legs and hour glass figure.”

Dani didn’t react for a full minute. When she did, she took a gulp of her wine as she closed her eyes, then swirled the liquid in her glass before exhaling, the sound more like a moan.

Mitchell shook his head, more intrigued than ever. She was also a complete handful, a woman who shoved against the boundaries of life as well as love. What she needed was a strong hand, a man unafraid to give her exactly what she needed. Discipline. He held his breath as visions of taking her over his knees, spanking her naked ass until her skin was red and sore flooded his mind.

“I assure you, Mr. Rush, that I can handle my own in front of a group of men. I am completely aware this is a business trip. My hourglass figure won’t get in the way. You might just be surprised how well I can blend in.” She wiggled in her seat, a smile cresting her lips.

Tipping his glass, he nodded. Yes, he very well might, but he knew one thing for certain, he was going to push every one of her buttons. His cock hard, he relished in the taste of the wine. He had to cool his jets at least for now. As he took a step back, he allowed another series of delicious thoughts. A hard spanking would do her some good.

* * *

How fucking dare the man. The asshole. The jerkoff. The damn good-looking cowboy. Dani huffed and hid behind her wine glass. You bet her feathers were ruffled, along with everything else. The insanely gorgeous man had managed to get under her skin, something few men ever had. He was commanding, taking charge of everything. Christ, he was the epitome of what she’d hungered for her entire life. He’d changed into tight black jeans, cowboy boots and a turquoise shirt, the color highlighting his chiseled features and intense blue eyes. He certainly didn’t look the part of CEO. Not today. He looked like a model for a liquor add. ‘Come drink with me and find your purpose in life.’ The image of him leaning against a hot sports car, his legs crossed, his eyes imploring was fleeting. She had to get her mind out of the gutter.

“We’re right on time,” Mitchell said after checking his watch.

She trailed behind Mitchell as they headed for the rental car, stopping short when she saw the chosen vehicle. “A jeep?”

“What did you expect? I am a man of simple needs,” Mitchell said as he donned his sunglasses.

She glared at the open aired, slightly battered rough and tumble Wrangler and yanked off her jacket. The heat index had to be well over one hundred degrees. She was sweating like a pig and knew he was making a point. She was absolutely overdressed.

“Get in. Promise you it’s safe.” Laughing, he climbed into the driver’s seat.

Huffing, she tossed her jacket into the back seat, rolled up her sleeves and eased into the passenger seat. The man was full of surprises.

He roared out of the parking lot in the same fashion he seemed to do everything else, with extreme vigor. She melded into the well-worn, leather seat and gripped the handle over the tin can door as he cornered the exits of the airport. He was no doubt showing off for her. Yet another aspect about the man she should hate, loathe in fact. He was the kind of man who was used to getting everything he wanted, in business as well as pleasure. Well, she was not going to be his next conquest. No siree bob. She was here to do a job and nothing else.

She yanked her sunglasses out of her purse and eased back to try and enjoy the ride as wind whipped through her hair. Within seconds her carefully coiffed bun was in disarray. Disgusted, she yanked the pin, allowing her hair to flow free.

Mitchell shot her a sideways glance, his smile remaining. “Better.”

“Necessary,” she yelled over the whistle of wind as she tried desperately to keep the hair out of her mouth. She remained quiet as he drove, contemplating the situation ahead. How in God’s name was she going to give him any advice? She’d never been in this type of situation. Everything up to date had been simulation based. Looking like a fool was a clear possibility.

They didn’t need to talk. She had nothing to say to him. The concept was short lived. Ten minutes later, he raced into a parking of what appeared to be a swanky, high dollar open aired mall. “What are we doing here?”

“I told you before. Shopping.” Grinning, he pulled into a spot, hitting the brakes with enough oomph that their bodies jerked forward.

“There has to be a Target around here somewhere,” she commented as she lifted her sunglasses. She didn’t recognize a single name on the marquis. What she did see was a large, gaudy sign, no doubt neon infused in the dark. The various posters plastered all over the windows indicated a western store. “Great,” she muttered under her breath.

Bursting into laughter, he killed the engine. “I like being around you, Ms. Montgomery.”

“I wish the feeling was mutual.” Giving him a heated look, she threw open her door. She might as well get this over with. She groaned inwardly, chastising her terse mouth. She didn’t need to get fired on her first day.

“I think you’re going to find that jeans and a tee-shirt will suit the trip today given we’re going to be in the trenches.”

The trenches. She could only imagine. “That’s fine.” She stomped toward the store, aware her heels were clicking on the hot pavement. She had to admit, getting out of her four-inch stilettos was appealing. The moment she walked into the oversized store, she was taken aback. The gigantic space was filled with everything from cowboy boots to western attire, saddles and blankets to camping gear. Inhaling the rich scent of leather assaulted her senses, sending her mind into deep recesses where cowboys saved the day, becoming heroes in the wild west.

“I think you’ll find everything that suits your fancy,” Mitchell said as he eased by her side. “Here’s the company credit card. Purchase anything you feel you’ll need.”

As he handed her the card, his finger brushed across hers. She swallowed hard and grimaced as another bead of perspiration trickled down the side of her face. Heat. She was reacting to the extreme heat and nothing else. “Thank you. You don’t have to buy me anything.”

“The least I can do after dragging you away. Shop and enjoy. Money is no object. If you need lingerie, there’s a wonderful store next door. I’ll be in the coffee shop at the end of the block. Just come find me.” His eyes locked onto hers, his expression one of comfort.

But she knew what he was thinking. Lingerie. Yeah, she bet he knew the store well. Probably purchased all his girlfriends something sexy before returning home. “Fine.” She yanked the card out of his hand and walked away, refusing to look back, yet she envisioned his wry smile, the almost perfect dimples accentuating his rugged face.

She tried to act nonchalant as she searched through the clothes and within minutes found herself smiling. If only her co-workers back in Baltimore could see her now. Chuckling, she selected a pair of jeans and two shirts. While they weren’t her style, they would do in a pinch. She held the outfit in front of her and groaned. What if they went to dinner? A dress was needed. Why did she care? She knew very little about Mitchell Rush. For all she knew, dinner could mean chowing down at a barbeque joint, the kind where peanuts were tossed on the floor. Jeans would be just fine.

But what if he took her somewhere nice? Groaning, she held her head high, searching for signs of dresses of any kind. More than surprised to find several racks, she selected a stunning emerald green frock, the kind that would travel easily. The body hugging item would also accentuate her curves. Why would she do that? She shoved the dress back on the rack and walked away.

Stopping short, she realized she’d be much more comfortable in a dress than jeans, no matter where they went to dinner. Taking two steps back, she eased her fingers around the hanger and grinned. Have credit card, will purchase.

On her way to the dressing room, she noticed the expansive boot collection. Looking down at her shoes, she twisted her foot and groaned. Yep. She was going to have to succumb.

Succumb. The word skittered in the back of her mind as she slithered into the skin-tight jeans, surveying her backside in the mirror. She’d hungered to find a hands-on man, one who would take control, for years. Even her ex, a self-proclaimed mogul of power, had been more of a pussycat in bed. The single frank conversation regarding rough sex, complete with ropes and a flogger, had been lost on the poor man. In fact, David had turned green at her suggestion.

Dani shoved away the memories of Mr. Tie Man, her favorite expression for her ex. David was never without a suit a tie, no matter the occasion. While the man was boring and predictable, she hadn’t planned on discovering his adventurous side with a hard slap in the face. Shuddering, she shoved away the memory. No need to dwell on the past. Maybe changing her entire appearance would be good for healing her heart. Maybe.

The shirts were a bit tight, but would do. She selected one of them, yanked the tags off of it, gathered the other items and proceeded to select a pair of boots. Mitchell certainly had no issue with her spending money. So, she would do just that.

After trying on several pairs of boots, she chose a snazzy looking pair of snakeskin boots. She admired the look in the mirror, tossing her hair over her shoulders and envisioned being on a tall steed with her long locks blowing in the wind. Oh, who was she kidding? She’d be thrown from a horse in a split second. Nevermind, she looked good enough to pass the muster.

After paying for the items, she wandered over to the lingerie store. Yes, she did need something to sleep in. She refused to be naked when a wayward cowboy might be hovering next door. Sexy body. A come-hither smile. Succulent lips. Her nipples scraped against her lace bra, creating a wave of heat between her breasts. Wet and hot, she fanned her face and searched for the perfect conservative nightgown.

There wasn’t such a thing in the entire store.

“Honey, can I help you?” The rich, southern twang was attached to a voluptuous woman, her flaming red hair matching her spitfire expression.

“Just trying to find something simple to sleep in,” Dani said under her breath.

“Simple. Does that mean you’re sleeping alone, sugar?” The woman placed one hand on her hip.

Dani noticed the woman’s nametag, Trixie, suited her well. “God, I hope so. At least tonight.”

“Ah, you’re trying to seduce a man who doesn’t see you as a vixen in heat?”

Coughing, she did everything to keep her composure. “He’s my boss and I find myself on an unexpected business trip.” Why was she admitting anything to a stranger?

“Even better. I have the perfect slinky teddy and robe, guaranteed to highlight your curves and long legs. He’ll be chomping at the bit to rip the silk right off you.” Trixie winked as she sashayed toward a rack near the back of the store.

Against her better judgment, Dani followed. Seduction wasn’t the objective. No. No way. Not in her lifetime.

Humming, Trixie flitted through the entire rack. “Here you go. I think you’re a medium and this is the one. Trust me. I’ve been doing this for a long time.”

The slip of material the woman was holding wouldn’t begin to cover her ass. Blushing, Dani tried to imagine sliding into the sexy frock, tiptoeing toward Mitchell after a wine and candlelight dinner. Stop! Get a freaking grip. She blinked and looked away.

“Please don’t tell me this is too much for you. Every once in a while, a girl has to take the reins, especially in cowboy town.” Trixie laughed until she didn’t get a reaction. “You’re from out of state. Aren’t you?”

“That obvious?” Dani inched closer, allowing one finger to touch the beautiful frock.

“Afraid so, sugar. You’re tight around all the edges. A city girl. That won’t do here. Think of this as a new beginning for you. Texas isn’t like any other state. We like our men rough and tumble, our music loud and bawdy, and our drinks overflowing. As a woman, it’s our God given right to maintain a sexy appearance at all times.” Trixie licked her lips in an exaggerated fashion as she swung the ensemble back and forth.

Debating, Dani closed her eyes long enough to see Mitchell’s face the moment she appeared wearing the sexy teddy. He would be floored, summoning her to suck his cock. Reality kicked her out of her fantasy. That was never going to happen. Still, she could enjoy being a different woman. Trixie could be right. Change was good for the soul. “I’ll take it.”

“There you go. Proud of you. I’ll throw in a couple of my sexiest thongs for the trip. I’m certain you’re going to want to wear those under your brand-new jeans.” Laughing, she sauntered away.

She craned her neck to look at her backside. Yep. She could see panty lines. After rubbing her eyes, she milled through the store, selecting two bras, several pair of thong underwear and one package of thigh-highs, black in color. What the hell. The boss was paying. She bundled the lingerie and dumped everything onto the counter. “These too.”

Trixie raised a single eyebrow. “Excellent. By the way, you can use my dressing room to slide into your new underwear. Don’t forget to stop by the drugstore for a brush to calm that mane of yours. Texas wind is a bitch.”

Now thoroughly chastised for being a staunch city slicker, she followed Trixie’s advice, donning new panties and slinking into the small drugstore. When she left, she was equipped with everything she’d need, including makeup and the required hairbrush. She’d taken a few minutes to freshen up. Was she ready to face a bunch of roughnecks? Time would tell.

She struggled with her packages as she walked toward the coffee shop, envisioning Mitchell’s face.

* * *

Mitchell wasn’t interested in the now cold cup of coffee. Pushing the Styrofoam away, he concentrated on the number of emails from Camden. Stock was already slipping which meant word had leaked out about the problems at the Steele site. He had to stop the bloodshed today or the stock would crash within forty-eight hours. He contemplated Dani’s thoughts on sabotage. He had far too many enemies on the list to be able to select just one.

There were at least two companies vying for his position in the industry, a firm out of China of all places and a consortium of owners from Texas, determined to knock Rush Enterprises off their assumed pedestal. While he was ruthless in business, he refused to assuage the employees in any way. He would remain ethical.

He closed his eyes, imagining losing everything. Things he could do without, but he was lucky, having squirreled away money in various savings accounts. What about his employees who lived paycheck to paycheck? He had to do something. He prayed to God he’d made the right choice bringing Dani along.

“Is this any better?”

Mitchell smiled, hearing Dani’s voice, somehow softer, alluring in a manner he hadn’t anticipated. Opening his eyes, the woman standing in front of him wasn’t the same one who’d seemed determined to keep her conservative persona. Standing in jeans, boots and a shirt that was eye catching, his breath was taken away. He stood, gripping the table to keep from reaching out for her. “I’d say so. How do you feel?”

“If I can learn to walk in heels, I guess boots will be easy.” Dani smoothed her hand down the front of her jeans, her face flushing.

She was more beautiful than ever, natural and seductive. She also had no idea how dazzling she truly was. His cock pushed against his jeans once again and he swallowed as his libido jumped off the scale. This woman could do him in. “You’ll do just fine. Get everything you need?”

“I think so. Are we ready?”

“We have a meeting in less than an hour. I’ve assembled the entire team. With any luck, we’ll have answers by the end of the day.”

“Then let’s get going. Time is of the essence.”

“Good enough.” As they walked out of the store, his cell phone rang. “Camden. We’ve arrived and are on our way to the site. What’s the latest?”

“You’re meeting with Nash Waters. He’s the man in charge of drilling and is aware of your arrival,” Camden said, his voice clipped.

“I don’t know him.”

“I hired him. Best in the business. Used to be a roughneck. Worked his way up with Steele. I lured him away. Look, tension is high at the Steele site so go in with kid gloves.”

Kid gloves. Perfect. Mitchell glanced at Dani, studying the way she walked carefully, and smiled. “Great. Not what we need. At least you had the forethought to hire Waters. By the way, the stocks are dropping way too fast. I need to know who leaked information. We can’t afford for this to get out.”

“Yeah, I noticed. Some of the other employees have as well. Questions are being asked. I’ll check, but that’s not our main concern.”

He heard the tension in Camden’s tone and stopped short. “What else?”

“The police are here looking for you.”

“Why?” Mitchell demanded.

Dani flanked his side, her face cull of concern. She mouthed ‘what’s wrong’.

He shook his head, a wretched feeling pooling in his gut.

“They refused to tell me any details, but I overheard one of the officers talking.” Camden hesitated. “Mitchell, there’s an accusation of misappropriation of funds. I think they were going to arrest you. Do you want me to call Zach for you?”

“No, he has his hands full right now. I have another attorney in mind.” This was unexpected. He rubbed his eyes as he thought about Zach’s words and the damn superstition. Everything was going to get messy as hell.