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Seemed he wasn’t the only one with a secret life "Does Brandt know about any of this?"

"No He thinks we’re man-whores, hittin’ strip clubs all over hell e’re really playing poker"

"Except for the weekends I’e," Tell clarified "So you see e don’t want hier piece of the pie and not to have to borrow money from one of the uncles to make improvements on our land"

"Dad didn’t have a problem with that, but the rest of us did," Dalton said sourly

"I don’t blame you I would’ve had a problem with that too"

"But we can’t just show up on Rielle’s doorstep and ask if what Rory said was true It’d be easier if sohborly favors to, would get the real scoop"

"Seriously? I’ s and for the zucchini bread and by the way, how much are you behind on your bank payments?’"

"We hoped you’d use your no bullshit reputation to get the facts, and not act the part of an ass-kissing suck-up like the rest of our relatives"

Ben scrubbed his hand over his jaw This had caught hionna say nothin’ to nobody, but I need tiet the ticking clock"

Tara delivered the food She dropped Tell’s hot beef sandwich alrinned at her and said, "Thanks, darlin’"

Conversation ceased as they ate

Ben made a point not to stare at Ainsley, because his cousins would notice his distraction

Then again, Tell and Dalton shoveled food like they’d never seen it "What’s the rush?"

"No need to sit around and bullshit when there’s work to finish" Dalton dropped a twenty on the table "Let us know if you find anything out"

As his cousins exited the restaurant, Ainsley and the mayor headed toward him Ainsley kept her expression blank

The mayor, Mark Gilbert, was effusive "Ben McKay! I haven’t seen you in town for a while Did we tick you off or so?" He thrust out his hand

Ben shook it "No, sir, Mr Mayor Just keeping myself busy on the ranch Snuck into town to have lunch with my cousins"

Mark leaned in "What’s with this Mr Mayor bullshit? We’ve known each other since eleaze "Just wanted to show you the proper respect when you’re havin’ lunch with the president of Sundance’s newest bank"

He laughed "Of course you’ve already met the lovely and capable Miz Ha when a beautiful neo her with those cowboy char a small shot at him? Mayor Mark didn’t miss a trick

Ben offered Ainsley his hand "Good to see you again, Miz Hamilton"

"You too, Mr McKay"

"Ainsley and I were just discussing ideas for the next co to welcohts?"

Ainsley cocked her head "I’d love to hear your input I’ve heard your fa part of this community and has been for over one hundred years"

"At the risk of bein’ accused of nepotisest a community celebration to honor ht not be headed to the PBR World Finals, but he’s done an outstanding job starting his own advocacy group forThe mayor knows any time Chase co hienuine rinned "This community event could have ide attention"

"That’s an excellent suggestion, Ben" Mark said "Would Chase be interested?"

"I can ask hiet in touch with his PR people to finalize the details I only see one problem with this"

"What’s that?"

"The McKays have always been customers at Settler’s First Bank I reckon they won’t take too kindly to a celebration for Chase McKay bein’ sponsored by a co bank"

Silence

Ainsley looked impressed…and a little peeved

"I’lanced at his watch "I’ Could I drop you off at the bank, Ainsley?"

"No I’ll walk back I’d like to talk a little more in depth with Mr McKay about his ideas" She winked at Mark "Maybe try to sweet talk hi my National West Bank pitch about all the services we offer our new customers"