Poverty is hard to escape. Even when you’re thriving, you know how fragile financial security is—how it can be taken at a moment’s notice, sending the whole world crashing down.
He rests his hand on the bar. “Why don’t you?”
“Why don’t I what?”
“Take a chance and mix business with pleasure.”
I scowl at him. “You want me to go out with a potential buyer?”
He shakes his head. “I’m not saying that. But if they sign, and the deal is done, when he asks, why don’t you say yes?”
I can’t exactly tell my brother I didn’t give the guy a second thought because my farm manager has worked me into a state of lust that can’t be competed with.
So, I settle on the obvious. “Since he hasn’t asked, and almost certainly won’t, it seems a moot point.”
“But if he does, it doesn’t hurt to go out on a date.”
I shake my head. “What are you, my grandma? This isn’t the eighteen hundreds. I don’t need a man to be fulfilled.”
His brow furrows. “I’m not saying you do, but you deserve to have some fun as much as the next person.”
“I have fun.” There’s a knot in my stomach. “I went out on Friday night two weeks in a row.”
He shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m wrong, but you don’t seem happy to me.”
Defensiveness blazes a path across my skin. I hate that he noticed. I want it to be invisible, so I don’t have to think about it.
I evade, crossing my arms over my chest. “Of course I’m happy. We have a thriving business, Jackson is back on track doing what he should be doing and getting married, and Natalie is making progress. I’ve got my work and my family, which is more than most people ever get. I’m lucky.”
He studies me in that way he has, like he’s an all-knowing being and I’m a mere mortal. “What about you?”
“What about me?” I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I’ve got too much on my mind already.
He gives me a small smile. “I remember back when we were kids, you were so wild and carefree, like a walking, talking tornado of chaos. I miss that Cat.”
I experience a pang of loss for the girl I once was, because I know just what he’s talking about. Too much life has happened, though. She’s gone forever and not coming back.
I think of my abandon with Caden—both in the car and on my balcony last night. He’s the only thing in too many years to count to make me wild, but it always ends in disaster.
I swallow all my emotions, and when I speak, my voice is calm, almost toneless. “People grow up, Wyatt. We change. Am I doing something you’re not happy with?”
He straightens, shaking his head fiercely. “No. You’re perfect. I couldn’t ask for a better sister or business partner. I just want you to be happy.”
He always calls me his partner, even though we both know it’s not really true, but I love him all the more for his effort. The least I can do is ease his mind.
“I am happy.” I’m done with this conversation. I wave toward the door. “Can you finish up? I’ve got things to take care of.”
“Sure thing.” His expression is troubled.
Obviously I’ve failed, but I can’t deal with it now—not with the weight pressing down, threatening to crush me. I turn away, leaving as fast as I can.
I race down the hall, turn the corner, and smack right into Caden.
The air whooshes from my lungs and I stumble, but he catches me around the waist. “Where’s the fire?”
Irrationally, I can’t help thinking this is his fault. I was perfectly content before he showed up. Now he’s stirring everything up, and I don’t like it.
I push at his arms. “Not now, Caden.”
I rip myself away, skirt around him, and race outside, hoping the fresh air will finally let me take a deep breath.
The bright sun and humidity hit my face. The wind picks up, plastering my dress to my body.
I’m on the verge of tears, and I hate it.
I need to escape.
I run as fast as my heels will carry me on a dirt road and climb into my car. I kick off my shoes and toss them in the backseat before speeding away.
I don’t care how hard he chases; I won’t let the devil catch me.
11
Caden
By the time I catch up with Cat, she’s gone. All I see is