The Right One Read online

  Victory felt good.

  Chapter Three

  Cami pulled into the driveway and sighed. Her parents’ Escapade was parked to the side, their two heads bobbing back in forth behind the windows, conversation lively. She could only imagine the reason they came by, and more certain she wouldn’t enjoy the visit.

  She climbed out of the car and whistled to the sheltie resting on the porch. The petite collie sub breed scurried with scraping nails and scattered dust to her side, front paws padding her leg for attention. “Hey, Sadie. We’ve got company, huh?”

  The dog yapped and licked a hand as Cami reached to scratch behind the black folded ears.

  Two hard thuds of metal announced her parents making their way to her side and she steeled against the coming onset. Conversations about the sanctuary had been heated over the past couple months, once they realized her fortitude in building it, and she knew her parents didn’t like to lose.

  They weren’t going to win this time.

  “Hi Cami. Where’ve you been?”

  She rolled her eyes and turned to face the woman who she resembled so closely. The same blond hair, same crescent hazel eyes, same oval mouth. The only trait they didn’t share was the sole feature Cami inherited from her father, the long oval shaped faces.

  Her parents drilled into her since childhood the desire for her to be a doctor, a model, lawyer, actor. Someone with prestige and clout, pretty dresses and socialite parties. Their disappointment in a daughter more tomboy than lady, one who spent more time with animals than with the upper crust, wasn’t missed on Cami. She felt it every time they looked at her.

  She suppressed a giggle. They could want anything. She didn’t have to comply.

  “You know where I was, Mom. I told you about the meeting this morning when you called five times.” She allowed her mother a kiss on the cheek. “Hi, Dad.”

  “Was that today? For some reason, I thought you said it was next week.”

  “Of course it was. And I won.”

  A shared glance between them spoke volumes. Cami remained silent.

  “So that means you’re going forward with this … project?” Mr. Lockhart turned, and looked to the perimeter fencing.

  “Yes, of course, Dad.” She sighed. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “Because it’s dangerous. You’ll be housing cats large enough to kill you, and living only minutes from them. Why would we be happy about this?”

  Cami shrugged. “You don’t have to be happy about it, Mom. I’m thirty years old, the money I’m using is my own, this has nothing to do with you.”

  One of the ranch hands, Tank Grendolt, walked across the far yard and waved. She waved back. “Good afternoon, Tank. How’s it going?”

  “Good. Good.” He held a hand up again. Mrs. Lockhart scoffed and turned away, Mr. Lockhart nodded. Cami shook her head.

  Mrs. Lockhart tightened every feature, the hard glare used to intimidate Cami as a child resurfaced. Now it just made her want to laugh. “I do have to be happy about it. You’re our daughter, and we don’t want to come here to find you eaten by one of those beasts.”

  “I’m not going to be eaten.” Cami groaned. “You should have come to the meeting. All of your concerns would have been addressed and we wouldn’t have to go through this yet again. She drew in a breath. She sounded like a broken record. “In fact, the very question about me came up. I quelled the concerns.”

  “We shouldn’t have to attend a city hall meeting to have our daughter listen to us.”

  “I guess I could say the same thing. I shouldn’t have to plead my cause to my parents like I do to strangers. They should trust my judgment.”

  Mrs. Lockhart chortled. “Trust your judgment? That’s a tough thing to do when you have men at your ranch named Tank.” She waved across the yard where the ranch hand had passed by moments before. “What kind of proper name is that, anyway?”

  “A perfectly good nickname for a man who works harder than just about anyone I’ve ever seen. And none of your business.”

  Mr. Lockhart stepped in front of his wife, whose face grew red. “And are you checking your help out? Doing any kind of background checks? How do you know who these people are that you are working side by side with?”

  “Of course I do background checks, Dad.” She stepped back. They didn’t get it. “My people are the best.”

  Mrs. Lockhart made the grunting sound, signaling her readiness for a quick exit. Guilt punched Cami in the stomach, all the while hopes soared. Either emotion confirmed a slight push would send both her parents on their merry way. “I’m sorry. Would you like to come in, have some coffee? Alex will be here soon, but I have some free time before he arrives.”

  A hard glance circulated between them. “No, we’ll probably be headed out.” A sly smile crept across her mother’s lips. “Have you and that boy finally gone out on a date yet? You’ve been flirting since you were six years old.”

  Paybacks. She pushed them, now her mother was going to push back. “We’re friends, Mom. That’s what we’ve been since we were young. That’s all we are, all we’re going be.”

  “It’s too bad. A nice boy like that, and so handsome too.”

  Cami rolled her eyes. “He’s hardly a boy, Mom.”

  An eyebrow shot up. “So you have noticed? I guess you’d have to be blind not to. But, baby girl, you shouldn’t play hard to get for too long. Crazy as Alex is about you, even he’s not going to wait forever.”

  “And I don’t expect him to.” She stopped short. They’d had this same discussion for years, it wasn’t going to change simply by getting in the last word. “Dad, how’s things going at the office?”

  “Law is law, honey. It’s always a hard day.”

  She nodded and reached down to scratch Sadie’s head. Her parents leaned in and gave her hug.

  “Okay, I guess we better be on our way. Say hi to Alex for us.”

  “Of course I will, Dad.”

  She watched as they climbed into the SUV and pulled away from the house, Sadie at her feet. Crossing arms against her chest, Cami waited until the SUV was out of view and trotted into the house, snapping her fingers for Sadie to follow.

  In the kitchen, she pulled a Sprite from the fridge and stood at the window, swallowing the bubbly liquid as she stared out across the property lined with miles of fencing, large enclosures, and guard towers, soon to be linked together by a chorus of roaring striped cats needing a home. The realization of a dream and goals.

  A knock reverberated through the house and a smile crossed her face. “Must be Alex. The voice of reason.”

  She trotted across the kitchen and living room to open the door.

  Paul Schotter turned to face her.

  Cami grimaced. So much for a voice of reason. “Mr. Schotter? What are you doing here?”

  “You did such a good job at presenting your cause to the board today, I thought I’d like to come by and see for myself where things were going to be. And to apologize, personally, for jumping the gun. You have things planned out better than I expected.”

  She sighed, rubbing behind an ear. “Not sure why you thought you needed to come out here to do that, but I appreciate the apology. I’m afraid there’s not much to see just yet.”

  He nodded and glanced out towards the bones of the sanctuary. “What you’re proposing is really impressive. Will it be okay if I come by when it is up and going? I’d love to see what it looks like when it all comes together.”

  Cami leaned into the door, fingers wrapped around the wood. “Why? One minute you’re campaigning to shut me down, when I’m not even up and running, and next you’re wanting to see what it’s all about. That’s quite a change of heart.”

  “When I’m wrong, I’m wrong. I’m not afraid to admit it.”

  “Takes a big man to admit something like that. Or a crooked one.”

  “Ouch. You don’t mince words, do you? Listen, I was only trying to protect our neighbors. You can’t fault me for that. Can I tak
e you out for dinner sometime, have you explain it all to me personally?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know about that.”

  “I’ll put it this way. If everything you say is factual, I’ll make a donation to your cause.”

  Cami chuckled. “Money’s not an issue.”

  “Maybe not,” he shrugged, jiggling the keys in his hand. “But I’m sure everything you are intending to do will be expensive. What you have won’t last forever.”

  Fingers pushed through the strands of hair. “I don’t know, Mr. Schotter. You’re not interested in what I’m doing here. You don’t understand how important it is. So I don’t know what kind of angle you’re playing, but I don’t have time –"

  Paul placed a hand flat against the door. “I’m curious. That’s all. You’ve peaked my curiosity and I’d like to learn more. Isn’t that one of your goals – to educate?”

  She shook her head. “We’re not opening to the public for any reason, so our goal of education is a distant one.”

  “Maybe. But I’m thinking you want to make a more permanent change than running a shelter for orphaned tigers. I can help.”

  Cami smirked, glancing over a shoulder into the living room, refuge. “And how can you do that?”

  “You really don’t know who I am, do you?”

  “You say that like I should.”

  He shrugged, a strand of blond hair falling across his forehead. “Maybe not. But it’s fair to say I have important connections. You impress me, I can impress others, and maybe you’re little sanctuary can make large ripples in the ocean.”

  “You talk too smooth. And you’re not impressing me. I’ll pass on that dinner.”

  Paul Schotter shrugged. “If you change your mind, please give me a call.” He handed her a business card. “I understand you’re hesitancy, but honestly, I’m not trying to play you. I just want to understand. What you’re doing,” he waved a hand in gesture at her property. “It’s unique, a little strange, and I’m finding, a little captivating.”

  He turned and headed back to his pickup.

  Cami tossed the card on a side table. “Don’t hold your breath.”

  “Who was that?”

  She turned to see Liz, her closest girlfriend, coming up the walk, watching Paul’s pickup disappearing into the distance.

  “One of the stuffed suits from the city hall meeting. Playing at something, came here to ‘apologize’, if you can believe that.”

  “I wouldn’t mind seeing what’s under that stuffing with him.” Liz giggled as Cami moaned theatrically. “Sounds like you don’t believe it.”

  “Not when he’s the ringleader of the ‘Shut Down Lockhart Sanctuary’ circus. Sudden changes of heart don’t impress me.” She turned into the living room, Liz following behind her.

  “Neither do hearts proven tried and true.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Cami’s head dropped to a shoulder.

  “You really can be dense, you know that?” Liz leaned into the entertainment center and plucked a wrapped butterscotch from the candy dish.

  “Come again?”

  She unwrapped the candy and popped it in her mouth, eyebrows raised. “Alex, you, marriage, baby carriage, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”

  Cami rolled her eyes. Of course, she should’ve guessed. Alex. “You’re as bad as my parents.”

  “I guess even they get something right, on occasion.”

  Both women laughed. She waved Liz off. “I don’t have time for dating, not with everything that needs to be done for the sanctuary. And even if I did, Alex and I, we’re just, it’s not like that with us. I don’t know what I’d ever do without him, but he’s a good friend. Someone I can count on.”

  “Who happens to be totally crazy about you.”

  “You’re seeing things.” Cami bent, straightening magazines on the coffee table.

  Liz scoffed. “Along with everyone else I guess, huh? I bet there’s not one relationship magazine in that pile there, is there?”

  She turned to face her friend. “Listen, I know your intentions are good. But this fantasy of Alex and I becoming a couple …”

  “Is a good one. He’s gorgeous, sweet, every woman’s dream come true.”

  “I know, I know. He should be the right one, right? I’m just looking for more. More excitement, more …” Cami sighed and plopped into the couch. “ … I don’t know.”

  “More excitement than housing twenty of the world’s most dangerous predators, fighting the entire city, and your family? You’re my best friend, but you’re crazier than a loon. You’ve either got a death wish or major thrill issues.” Liz settled into the burgundy armchair, twirling the wrapper between two fingers.

  She smiled. “I guess so. I should want dry and boring in a relationship just for balance.”

  A twinkle in Liz’s eye was unmistakable. “I can’t imagine Alex being very boring.”

  A strange sensation tightened her chest, the suggestion shifting emotions Cami didn’t understand. “Maybe not. It’s just not something either one of us has wanted to explore.”

  Liz shook her head, eyebrow raised.

  “Something you want to say?” She rose from the couch, headed to the kitchen. An escape would’ve been nice.

  Liz followed. “Are you really so sure neither of you want to explore the option?”

  Cami’s brows furrowed, and she shrugged. “Of course I am. In twenty-four years, don’t you think one of us would have said something if we had any interest? Alex does his thing, I do mine.”

  Liz leaned against the countertop. “And how are you going to feel when that ‘thing’ gets serious and he’s no longer available whenever you call him? You know, it could, will, happen someday. He’s every girl’s dream come true, someone will be smarter than you and take him off the market. If he lets them.”

  The screen door slamming and muffled boots prevented her from answering. She let out a breath of relief as Alex walked into the room, patting the Stetson against his jeans. “Hi ladies.”

  “Hi Alex.”

  The tone in Liz’s voice begged for a reprimanding. Cami shot her a fractured glare, and regarded Alex, the questions in the intense brown eyes left answered. She knew Alex’d had a fair share of badgering over the nature of their relationship. Why people couldn’t handle the friendship was beyond them both. “Hey there, Alex. Ready to get to work?”

  “For you? Do you even have to ask?”

  Liz coughed and the urge to throw something crossed Cami’s mind. “I better get going. I’m not up for the manual labor. When you’re ready for me to sit down with the books, let me know. Might as well start putting this accounting degree to work.”

  “You know I can’t pay you just yet.”

  “What kind of friend would I be if I was looking for a paycheck to help someone who’s the only sister I’ll ever have?”

  The two women hugged. “And think about what I said. You don’t let someone like Alex get away.” Liz whispered into Cami’s ear.

  “Get out of here.” she whispered back.

  Liz laughed and turned to Alex, voice syrupy. “Good seeing you again.”

  “You too, Liz.”

  She winked at Cami and left.

  “What was that all about?”

  She shook her head. “The same ol’ story. Why aren’t you and Alex a couple, blah, blah, blah. My parents were here earlier and reading the same riot act. You and I remain on the hot topics list.”

  “Wouldn’t it blow all their minds if we ever gave them reason to actually be there?” Alex grinned.

  Cami bit her tongue, fought a smile, her stomach fluttering. Not likely, she thought, eyes searching the room for distraction, not when pushing makes me want to push back harder.

  Chapter Four

  Cami opened the mailbox with the wind blowing through her hair, the sounds of Bobcats and shouting men breaking the tranquility of an early Smoky Mountain morning. She pulled a handful of mail out of the cheap metal box, thumbing thr
ough a dozen white envelopes, pausing at one. Tucking the bills and junk mail in a back pocket of her Levis, she ran a finger between the seal and pulled out the legal form. Smiling, she trotted into the yard, and saw Alex directing a couple men near the house.

  “Alex! We’ve got it. It’s legal!” She waved the paper in the air, jogging to meet him. She leapt into his waiting arms and squealed as Alex spun her around. “It’s official.” She breathed, running fingers through the stray strands blocking her vision as Alex landed Cami on her feet. “Lockhart Sanctuary is now an official, legal non-profit entity, and the city won’t be fighting us anymore.” She handed the papers to Alex.

  He scanned the words with a wide smile. “Congratulations. This is wonderful.” He leaned in and brushed a kiss across her cheek.

  Cami swallowed hard, pausing, the feeling of his lips lingering against her skin. No reason to acknowledge the gesture. Safer to ignore it. She drew a deep breath. “Not just for me though. For all of us. And for those animals. Now I can get on the lines and start setting up arrival dates for the cats, and we can pull in our vets and arrange food, and, and, oh, there’s so much to do.”

  Alex chortled. “Calm down, Cam. You’ve got this all planned out to the smallest detail. You took that council on like a prized fighter, and won, which we all knew you’d do. The rest is just details.” He rubbed a thumb over an ever present five o’clock shadow, muscles in the arm tense as he scanned the papers. “So what’s next?”

  “Final structures need to be put in place. We can expand later. I’m hoping for at least six cats to start with, and think I’ve got three for sure. So we need those indoor enclosures constructed quickly. We’ve got, maybe, six weeks to finish. Think it can be done by then?”

  “You just proved anything is possible. Yes, we have this covered. You get to work on things on your end.”

  She smiled. One person she could always count on was Alex. “I’ll order a pizza for everyone at lunch time. Say, eleven-thirty?”

  “It’s a date. I’ll let everyone know.”