Cowboy Casanova - Lorelei James [92]
Ainsley set aside her menu. “So, Ben, why did you really show up at my office today?”
“Were you worried I’d drag you back to your place for a naughty nooner?”
“Worried? No. Disappointed? Yes.”
He swallowed a primitive growl. “You get off taunting me in public, doncha, angel?”
“Maybe a little.”
“Maybe I’ll make you pay for that later.”
“Bring it on.”
The waitress wandered over to take their order. And as usual, Ben knew the woman. He hadn’t dated her, but it wasn’t for lack of trying on her part. He kept up a light banter but he was relieved when she disappeared into the back.
“Does every woman in town have a thing for you?”
Might make him a dick, but he was happy to see a spark of jealousy, even when it was unwarranted; he only had eyes for her. “I’m surprised by it too. Used to be the single ladies only talked to me in hopes I’d introduce them to Chase.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“It’s true. Which is another reason I’ve stayed away from dating those types of women. I was never sure if they were interested in me for me. I’m just a plain, boring rancher. I don’t have interest in bein’ anything else.”
Something like sympathy spread across her face.
“Besides. Aggressive women like that don’t take direction well.”
“And you’re all about that.”
He grinned. “Yep.”
“Okay, Ben. What’s up? Why the surprise lunch date?”
Ease into it? Or just say it. “I need a loan.”
Any warmth in her eyes evaporated.
“Look, it’s a…delicate situation so let me explain before your eyes slice me to ribbons.”
“I’m listening.”
Rather than admitting the truth—he had his eye on a piece of land about to be repossessed—Ben did something he rarely did: he flat-out lied. Not only had he promised Rielle discretion, he’d promised his cousins that same discretion. Ainsley wouldn’t question this reason for needing the money since it was personal. Given all he’d told her about McKay ranching practices, she’d know something was off that he wasn’t including his entire family on the possible land deal. “You know I dabble in carpentry. I’ve built custom furniture for different places. Some previous customers have contacted me, wanting other pieces. Seems I have a chance to expand and get the challenge of creating something new. To do that I’ll need more equipment and keep a wider variety of building materials on hand. And that is expensive.”
“When did you decide this? Because didn’t you just tell me you’re happy being a simple rancher?”
“Yes, I am. But my woodworking hobby has become something more. It’s personal.”
Her eyes softened, no doubt thinking of the carved cat he’d given her, so he laid it on thick. “That’s why I don’t want to go to Settler’s First. Because I know Slim Jim Beal, who handles the loans, will tell Steve Talbot, who will contact my uncles or my cousins and give them a head’s up.”
“That’s against the law.”
“But that’s how it works here. Sucks, but it’s true. I can just imagine my cousins confronting me, worried I won’t be pullin’ my weight on the ranch because I’m too busy building furniture.”
“I can see where that might bring up questions.”
“Questions I’m not ready to answer. But I don’t want to lose out on a good opportunity. I’ve got equity in my house. A steady income. Ties to the area. I’d be a good bet.”
“I imagine. And you came to me because…”
Her hard expression said, Because you expect as your sub I’ll automatically say yes. “Christ, no. Don’t look at me like that. I came to you because I trust you’ll be discreet. I’m not askin’ for any special favors beyond discretion in the loan application process.”
Ainsley had on her shrewd bank president face. “Say I agree to help you. Would there be a chance I’d get any of the other McKay banking business?”
That question brought him up short. Was what Steve Talbot said true? She had her eye on his family’s coffers? “You’d have some of