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 mine. Isn’t that a start?”
“I suppose, but I am first, and foremost, a businesswoman so I’d really like the chance to pitch National West’s financial benefits to your entire family—”
“Hey, Ben.”
Startled at the interruption, he glanced up and bit back a groan. He hadn’t seen Michelle Littlefield, a woman he’d dated right out of high school, for several years. This was one of his least favorite things about living in Sundance—he always ran into someone he knew. “Michelle. How are you?”
“Great. When Gloria came back into the kitchen to tell me you were in the dining room, I had to come out and say hello.”
“It’s been a while.”
“About eight years since I left to attend cooking school. I just recently returned to Sundance.”
Then it clicked. Littlefield. “Fields is your restaurant?”
“I always knew a smart guy lurked beneath that handsome face of yours,” she teased.
Ben felt his cheeks warm beneath Michelle’s admiring gaze and Ainsley’s curious one. “Ah, Michelle, this is Ainsley Hamilton. She’s the bank president at National West. Ainsley, Michelle Littlefield.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Michelle.”
“Same here. Sorry if I interrupted a business lunch. I wanted to say hello and mention I’d love to catch up with you sometime, Ben.”
Luckily Michelle left before Ben had to formulate another lie about how much he’d enjoy that.
Ainsley raised an eyebrow.
“Sorry.”
“Not your fault. But I’m beginning to understand why you prefer spending your free time at the club in Gillette.”
“And why’s that?”
“Because you can whip the women who annoy you.”
He chuckled.
“Back to the loan issues. I’m not trying to discourage you. But you need to be aware loans are very hard to come by in this economy. Even for people like you, who I’m assuming has established good credit. Taking on additional financial burden without a guarantee you’ll have increased income? I want you to consider very carefully about applying at your regular bank first.”
“I have. And I can’t.”
She studied him. “I’d have to delve into your financials, Ben, and I don’t know how comfortable I am with that.”
“It’s nothin’ I wouldn’t tell you if you just asked me.”
“You’re that open about your finances with everyone?”
“No. But we’re more than just casual acquaintances, Ainsley, way more.”
She turned her gaze away from his.
“Look at me.”
That command grabbed her attention but she glared at him. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Go beastly Dom on me.”
He held up his hands in surrender. “Sorry.”
“At least you didn’t say, sorry, habit.”
Ben smiled. “So touchin’ you right now is out, too? Because I missed it last night.”
Ainsley stared at him, her eyes conflicted, but also resolute. “Touching me at any time is out.”
“What?”
“You do understand this—” she gestured to the empty space between them, “—ends if I take your loan application.”
“What? Why?”
“I can’t compromise my position at the bank. Any hint of professional impropriety will have long-term repercussions on my career. So while I’m willing to help you secure a loan, once the paperwork is underway, we will only have a business relationship. Period.”
Christ. He hadn’t considered it’d come down to that. He hadn’t considered how much her casual dismissal of him would sting. “It has to be that black and white?”