be just a blip on the radar. Nothing had changed and nothing would. She’d see to that from this point forward.
Chapter Eleven
AJ paced outside of Dakota’s office. She’d be leaving for Hickory Hollow soon and who knew when she’d be back? If there was one thing he realized while he showered, it was that he didn’t want to brush this thing under the rug. He’d been around the block. He knew what was out there.
Okay, so he wasn’t convinced he wanted to settle down. Far from it. But he wouldn’t mind exploring something with Kate. She was more down to earth than the other women he’d dated. It might be worth the effort. It was definitely a risk of losing something really good if he let it go.
The door opened and Dakota stepped out. She looked him up and down. “No.”
“I didn’t even say anything.”
She shook her head. “But I know what you’re going to say.” She pushed past him as she put on a jacket.
“You can’t possibly know anything.” He hurried after her. “What did you think I was going to ask?”
Dakota stopped short and faced him, causing him to nearly bump into her. “I love you, AJ, but I’m not going to allow you to break her.”
He stiffened. “Break her? Kate’s not as fragile as you think.”
She poked him in the chest hard.
“Ow.”
“See? That right there is what I’m talking about. You knew exactly who I was referring to. Not only that, but you didn’t insist you weren’t going to hurt her. You just said she’s strong. I know you’re not blind, AJ. None of us were then and we’re not now. I suspect that’s why your parents have been grooming her for this job. It wasn’t fair to her or you, but I think a part of them always hoped you two would end up together.”
His heart pounded in his chest. “What did she say?”
Dakota folded her arms. “Not much. Just that you kissed and it wasn’t her idea.”
He grimaced. “It wasn’t as bad as it sounds.”
“Oh? So you didn’t push her and tease her? That’s your MO, AJ.”
Chagrined, he rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry.”
She snorted. “Don’t apologize. Just don’t go messing around with someone when they obviously still have feelings for you.”
His brows rose. She still had feelings for him? From the way she’d been treating him, he could have sworn she wanted nothing to do with him. She’d been everything but easy to get along with. This was the last thing he expected to hear.
Running a hand through his hair, a smile touched his lips. If she still had feelings for him, then this wouldn’t be as hard as he thought.
“Oh no, you don’t.” Dakota shoved his shoulder.
“What?”
“Don’t even think about it.” She sighed. “AJ, listen to me. She may have gotten better at hiding her feelings from you, but I can see right through her. And on top of that, I can read you like a book. You aren’t interested in something long-term. It’s not your fault, you’re just not ready. Don’t go messing things up just because you want to have a little bit of fun.”
“How would you know? Maybe I am ready.”
She gave him a pointed look. “Just stay focused on the ranch and this silly competition. You’ve always been good with things like that. When this is all over, reevaluate what’s important. If you still think there might be something there, then give it a shot.”
He folded his arms, his brows furrowing. “We’re both adults—”
Dakota placed a hand on his shoulder. “Stay away from Kate, AJ. She doesn’t need another heartache right now.” She turned and headed out the clinic door.
Another heartache? What could have been so bad Kate couldn’t handle getting into a relationship? Had someone hurt her? The thought twisted his stomach and his body tensed. The thought of someone causing her pain brought its own discomfort in his chest.
AJ stiffened. But wasn’t that what he was knowingly going to do? Not even a few hours ago, he’d considered spending more time with her and it was all for selfish reasons. He sucked in a deep breath. Dakota was right. Kate deserved better—much better than him. He’d keep his distance if only to protect her from his uncertainty. He’d try to be a friend and leave it at that. He could do that, right?
AJ left the clinic, locking the door behind him. He headed to the field with the cattle herd. Hoisting himself onto the lower bar,