Arguing with Her Billionaire Cowboy - April Murdock Page 0,1

too much for one person, two people even. That’s why we had to hire Kate.” Hazel’s gaze bounced to the woman who was taking everything from him. “Kate has been an invaluable addition to our team, and she deserves this just as much as you.”

Kate snorted softly enough that only AJ could hear it.

He scowled. “Kate doesn’t deserve anything. She’s an employee. You pay her well, that’s all she deserves.”

“Arthur!” Hazel admonished.

AJ bit down, heat creeping up his neck. He glanced at Kate, whose expression remained neutral. He used to be able to read her. Now she was a stranger. And it was no one’s fault but his own. AJ folded his arms and set his eyes on his father. “And you’re okay with this?”

Ethan’s bushy brows were drawn together. “It was my idea, son.”

AJ opened his mouth, but Ethan stopped him before he could speak.

“It’s settled. Truth be told, the ranch needs both of you to thrive. Your mother and I want to spend some time traveling and we don’t want Terry Hill to be neglected while we’re away.”

Hazel grinned. “We won’t officially be giving you the ranch just yet. Think of this as a trial run. Then when the time comes, we’ll know you’ll be ready.”

AJ cocked a brow. “A trial run? What if one of us,” he glanced at Kate, “isn’t a good fit? Then would you reconsider?”

His mother pursed her lips together. “Is that any way to speak—”

“It’s fine, Hazel, really.” Kate patted his mother’s forearm. “If Arthur wants to make this into a competition, let him. He’ll see soon enough this job isn’t for the faint of heart.”

Hazel’s eyes flitted between them. She lifted her shoulders and heaved a sigh. Turning to Ethan, she shook her head. “I told you they wouldn’t go for it. They’re too stubborn.”

AJ’s brows furrowed. Why was she so insistent on this partnership? Wasn’t having Kate as a manager good enough? Why did his parents have to offer her everything? And more importantly, why didn’t they think he was good enough to do this on his own? The old insecurities bubbled up inside him but he took a deep breath and pushed them aside.

Ethan studied Hazel before turning his attention to AJ. “You really want to compete against Kate for the ownership of Terry Hill?”

His confidence wavered. Could he risk giving up the whole thing? He shot a look at Kate, the smug smile on her lips dousing the flicker of doubt in his chest. AJ nodded. “Sure, why not?”

Ethan grasped Hazel by the elbow and guided her down the steps of the porch. Kate and AJ turned to watch them. His parents didn’t look happy. Hazel shook her head and glanced in their direction.

AJ smiled and waved. Kate followed suit. “You sure you want to do this? Right now, you still have a claim on the ranch. But once we start this, there’s no going back. I won’t take pity on you. You know that, right? If I win, Terry Hill will be mine.”

He folded his arms as his parents continued arguing. Tilting so his mouth neared Kate’s ear, he murmured, “Absolutely. Besides, anything you can do, I can do better.”

Chapter Two

Kate Pruitt shook her head and stepped away from AJ. She blew a golden strand of hair out of her eyes as she watched Hazel and Ethan from a distance. They shouldn’t be arguing. This was AJ’s fault. The moment he came home, things had been slightly on edge. She’d lost her own parents a few years ago only months apart, and the couple in front of her was the closest thing she had to a family.

She ought to just step down. AJ had a point. She’d only been integral to Terry Hill for a short time. Hazel’s offer had been a surprise even to her. When they’d called AJ home, she’d fully expected to be let go when he took over. She leaned over the edge of the porch railing, her forearms resting on the worn wood. Glancing at AJ out of the corner of her eye, she sighed. “Maybe we should listen to them.”

“Hmm?” AJ turned to her. “Listen to who?”

Kate raked a hand across her face. “Your parents.” Tilting her head, she stared him down. “Due to you not being around much the last five years or so, I don’t blame you for your ignorance.”

“Ignorance?” he snorted.

“Yeah.” She pushed away from the rail and shoved her hands in her pockets. “This ranch is one of