Bossing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #4) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,56
ready to do whatever you ask of me, without any of the relationship stuff. I think that’s the definition of selfish.”
“It’s not like that.” He steps closer. “I’m your boss. I have a child and a business to run. It’s a lot to deal with, Elizabeth. Also, I didn’t want you around those men at that club because they gawked at you like a piece of meat. I didn’t like Stephen being around you because he’s a horrible person and would’ve hurt you. Perhaps if you made better choices, I wouldn’t have to act like a caveman to protect you.”
“Better choices?” I gawk. “Now you sound like my father. I don’t need you to protect me.”
“I beg to differ.”
My blood boils. “God. You’re so damn arrogant.”
“I’m older, I have more life and work experience than you, and I have bigger risks. So if you think that’s being selfish and arrogant, then fine, but it’s not because I want to keep you from dating. It’s because I know you deserve better. Better than that club, better than Stephen, and most definitely better than me.”
His words hurt, and it feels like he’s twisting a knife into my heart. This roller-coaster ride we’re on is giving me whiplash.
“Why? Because you have a past? Who doesn’t.”
“A past that has made me have trust issues. I build walls around myself to avoid getting hurt again. I can’t erase what’s happened, and you shouldn’t have to deal with my personal issues. No matter how I felt, I always knew you deserved someone who loves as easily as you do. You’re compassionate, loyal, smart, funny, gorgeous—the whole goddamn package. And I’m a broken, jaded asshole.”
“You’re right, you are,” I confirm, and it’s clear by his expression that he hadn’t expected me to agree with him. “And despite the issues you consider flaws, I still wanted you. Learning you had a daughter made me like you even more. Then seeing you with her, I was a goner. I don’t fully understand our connection, but it’s there, and it’s more than surface deep. I’ve always wanted all of you, and with that comes your past, the good, the bad, and even the hard things. The least you could do is give us a chance...”
I pour my heart out, hoping to prove that I can deal with whatever baggage he thinks is too much for me. After sharing how he felt about me, the least he could do is let me decide if I can handle it.
“I’m so sorry, Elle.” His voice is strained as he hangs his head. Hearing him call me Elle confuses me even more.
“I’ve denied my feelings just as much, Connor. But I won’t deny how much it hurts to watch you fight against being with me.”
He remains silent as if he’s struggling to find the right words. However, I lose my patience and grab my things.
“Where are you goin’?”
I walk out of the kitchen, ignoring him. He doesn’t want to be reasonable, then I won’t bother anymore. I’m not going to beg him to be with me.
“Elizabeth,” he barks out. “I drove you.”
I shrug. The bar is only a half-mile away. I can grab a ride to the ranch from whoever’s working tonight.
“At least let me take you home,” he pleads. Before I can open the front door, he slams his palm against it. “Don’t go,” he whispers.
I make no effort to move. “I don’t want to play these games anymore,” I tell him. “I quit.”
“What?” His voice grows louder.
Finally, I face him with a nod. “Grandma Bishop will hire me on as the family vet until I find something more steady. Probably out of town, though. That way, you won’t have to see me or be honest about your feelings.”
“I was being honest tonight,” he states.
“Oh right. You just won’t do anything about it. Got it. Now let me leave.”
“No.”
“Connor,” I force out between gritted teeth. “Do not hold me hostage unless you’re actually going to—”
He grabs my chin, bringing my lips merely inches from his. The sudden movement cuts off my words, and I’m left breathlessly waiting for him to speak.
“You want me?”
“Yes,” I whisper, swallowing hard as I meet his intense eyes. “All of you.”
His expression softens, and for the first time, I see the vulnerability in his eyes. “Alright, then you can have me. Just don’t break me. I couldn’t handle that again.”
I blink in surprise. “Why didn’t you just say that in the first place?”