relationships have to be more than the chemistry between two people. We may have grown up with each other, but we’ve changed—we barely know each other.”
“That’s not important. We can work on that.” He felt her slipping through his fingers. “People start dating because they are attracted to each other and stay together when they find things about one another they like. Our relationship is no different.”
Kate snorted. “What relationship?”
He dropped his hands and took a step back. “Kate, you’re killing me. Can’t you ease up just a little?” Lacing both hands on the back of his neck, he paced in front of her. “Why won’t you believe me?”
“Because—”
“You don’t have to answer that,” he groaned. “I’m going to prove it to you anyway. I’m taking you on a date and you’re going to see I’m telling the truth.” He stormed over to her and cupped her face in his hands. Pressing a firm kiss against her lips, he then pulled back with a determined expression on his face. “I’m taking you out to breakfast.”
Her eyes widened and she blinked a few times. “Arthur, I don’t think—”
He held up a hand and she clamped her mouth shut. “One date, Kate, that’s all I ask. After that, I’ll leave you alone.”
“You sure you want to make that kind of promise?”
AJ worked his jaw. No, if he were honest with himself, he’d have to admit he didn’t want to give up even if Kate asked him to. But if this was the only option, he would. If she didn’t want him, he could always relinquish the ranch to her and make his own way with the rodeo. “Yes.”
Kate nodded. “Okay. One date.”
Those three words hit him like a ton of bricks. Why did he suddenly feel like he’d lost everything? Even if she didn’t hold him to it, he wasn’t the type to go back on his word. His parents had taught him better than that.
She took in a deep breath and folded her arms. “It’s getting late.”
He rubbed the back of his head and nodded. “Yeah. You need to get some rest.” He trudged past her and grabbed the set of crutches from the ground. Glancing at them in his hand, he shook his head. “I’m not going to make you walk all the way back to your place.”
“What?” Her flabbergasted laugh pulled his attention and he smiled.
“I’m going to carry you back.”
She raised her hands. “That’s not necessary.”
“It’s completely necessary, Katie girl. You’ve been on your feet all day.”
Kate limped back a step. “AJ, you’re being ridiculous. I’ll be fine.” But the smile on her face seemed to challenge him.
AJ tossed the crutches to the ground. They clattered together causing Daisy to blow a raspberry through her lips and lift her head. He took three steps to cover the distance between him and Kate. She let out a squeal as he threw her over his shoulder and spun around to head toward the gate.
Kate squirmed from her position, a laugh bubbling out of her throat. “AJ, I can walk.”
“If I’m going to have any chance at changing your mind tomorrow, you need a clear head and a well-rested body,” he grunted.
She stopped her fidgeting as he took them through the gate and across the path toward her cabin. The door to her place was slightly open. He pushed his shoulder through the opening and wandered inside. His hand trailed along the wall until it found what it sought. With a flip of the switch, the room was bathed in light.
AJ slowly lowered Kate to the floor and smiled at her. “I’m going to get your crutches. Do you need help with anything before I leave?”
She ran a hand through her hair and looked away. “I told you, AJ, I’m fine. You didn’t have to help.”
“I know.”
Her head whipped around to look at him.
He flashed her a smile. “I did it because I want to help you… and I want to be close to you.”
Kate’s mouth dropped open as he headed out the door. He jogged all the way to the pen and ducked between the rails. The grin didn’t leave his face all the way back to her place. AJ knocked before opening her front door this time.
“I’m getting dressed,” she called from somewhere in the back of the cabin.
He leaned the crutches against the wall next to the front door and folded his arms. His eyes trailed over the modest front room and small kitchen. He couldn’t remember where