Page 10 of Wild Rivals

He holds up his hands, amusement flitting across his face. If there’s one thing my brothers love, it’s pressing my buttons. I know he can’t be that dense. “It’s a beautiful day. What’s got your panties all bunched up, Mads?”

I fold my arms across my chest before bringing one hand up and tapping my chin as I angle my head. “Oh, I don’t know.” A guest walks into my peripheral vision, and I take a step closer to Deacon, keeping my voice low, when I ask, “How about the biggest event we’ve ever held happening in two days’ time and my brother leaving a trail of crumbs through the lobby like he’s one half of Hansel and Gretel?”

I’m tired. Exhausted, in fact. And not just because of my sleepless nights at the hands of Wyatt Wilde. I love my job, but would it hurt for my brothers to quit acting like they’re damn employees, just showing up for a paycheck? Sometimes it feels like I’m the only one putting in the work to make this business succeed. I’ve been working upwards of eighty hours a week all summer; it’s not sustainable.

“I’ll come in and clean it up after I’ve checked in with Lyle about the horses. One of the mares is sick, and I wanna see how she’s doing before Lyle heads out for the day.”

I exhale my annoyance, because around here there’s always going to be something that needs doing and I can’t fault Deacon for wanting to make sure the horses are okay.

“Don’t worry about it, Deacon. By the time you’ve done that, the mess will have already made its way through the building. We’ll get it cleaned up, but can you please, for the love of God, be more careful next time?” I run a hand through my hair to keep it out of my eyes, making a mental note to grab a scrunchie from my bag when I get back inside.

“Sure, and I’m sorry. It didn’t cross my mind; I just needed to eat and get back to work.”

I roll my lips together and give him one last look before I walk away. I’ve got too much going on to be worrying about Deacon and the mess he’s causing. He doesn’t need me to parent him; he’s a grown-ass adult. Even if he doesn’t always act like it.

My strides are purposeful as I walk back into the main house through the back door. When I enter the kitchen, I mentally run through my jobs for the day. The work around here never stops, and with this big event coming up, I need to be on my A-game.

On Monday, I’m pitching Jim Evergreen. And if Wyatt Wilde is anywhere near that meeting—because let’s face it, he will be putting in a bid even if it’s just so we don’t get the land—I already know exactly how it’s going to go. Which means I not only have to make sure nothing goes wrong this weekend for the wedding, but I also have to make sure my proposal will knock Jim’s socks off. Landing this deal could expand the business even further, but more importantly, it will honor my mom’s memory. Nothing too big, then.

It’s bustling and loud in the kitchen, a welcome distraction from the pressure I’ve been carrying all week. I weave my way through the chefs, searching for the head chef, Oscar. He’s on my list of people to check in with.

Jesus, it’s hot in here.

Too hot.

“Oscar,” I call when I spot him speaking to the sous-chef next to the ovens.

He lifts his head, tells the chef something, and heads in my direction. “Miss. Maddie,” he croons. “What do I owe the pleasure?”

I offer him a polite smile before asking, “Has the repairman been?” Based on how hot it is, I already know the answer.

“No, I spoke with Sawyer; he said he’s on it.”

“When was that?” My clothes are starting to stick to my skin, so God knows how the chefs are coping in their whites.

Oscar pulls out his phone, scrolling through his texts before replying, “Friday.”

“A week ago?” I ask, trying to mask my surprise.

Oscar nods, and it’s only then that I notice the sweat beading on his brow. “Si.”

“Thank you,” I reply before turning and heading out of the kitchen.

The air-conditioned hallway cools my heated skin, and I pull out my phone to text Sawyer. A week is far too long for them to be working in that heat. I’m surprised we haven’t had any complaints from the team.

MADDIE

Are you going to get the A/C fixed in the kitchen soon? Oscar said it’s been broken for over a week?

He replies almost instantly.

SAWYER

Yeah, he said the guys can manage for now. It’s on my list, but I’m not sure I’m gonna be at the ranch today.

I rub my forehead, the subtle ache of a headache making itself known. God, I need a better sleep tonight. This is exactly why I don’t have time for distractions. There are too many plates to keep spinning around here and whatever the hell is going on with Wyatt isn’t something I have space for.

My fingers fly across the screen as I type out my reply.