a guy so you’ll consider my proposition.”
She stilled. “AJ—”
Shaking his head, he straightened. “I’ve been through every single argument in the last three days. I know them all, Katie girl, and there’s no way you’re going to convince me this is a bad idea. Sure, if we don’t end up together, there would be some pain. But don’t forget, the best relationships are the ones that make your heart shatter and your blood rush in your ears. It’s the relationships that turn you inside out that are worth fighting for. If we never know what can be we’ll regret it. I will at least.”
She stood motionless just looking at him.
He shoved off the railing and galloped down the steps. “If my mom and dad get back from their errands, tell them I went for a ride.”
Chapter Twenty
Kate stared after AJ as he jogged toward the barn. What. Just. Happened? She brought a trembling hand to her throat, the cool touch of her fingers sending chills throughout her body. Her initial reaction after he was gone was that he was tricking her. Maybe he’d come up with this to somehow get the ranch to himself.
Shaking her head, she knew this was a crazy, outlandish idea. AJ had been a player, but he’d never do something like this. He might need to grow up a little but he wasn’t the kind of guy to do this. Especially not to her when he knew his parents cared for her so much.
She placed the back of her hand against her forehead. She’d wanted to throw her arms around his neck and scream to the top of the hills, yes! She’d wanted to call the John guy back and apologize for canceling on him because she’d finally been noticed by the man who’d had her heart all these years.
Something held her back. Was she afraid of losing him even though she never felt she really had him? If they gave love a shot and it didn’t work she could lose everything. AJ, Hazel, Ethan, the ranch. It was much safer to build a friendship.
Her doubts flew in her face again. He’d just been called home to take over what he thought would be his entire inheritance and now he had to share it. What better way was there to get her out of the picture? He could break her heart. She could never stay here if that happened.
Who was she kidding? She was already in love with him. None of his annoying traits were a show-stopper. But for some reason her fear was.
Kate dropped her face into her hands as the sound of hoofbeats shrunk into the distance. She shouldn’t have let this happen. Trying to work with him had been a big mistake and falling in love had been a bigger one.
One thing was for certain, she’d go on this date tonight and she’d forget all about AJ. If John was as nice as he seemed on the phone, then maybe there could be something there. Dakota vouched for him so he couldn’t be all that bad.
She wiped the stray tear away and hobbled back to finish the work day.
Kate stood in front of her mirror, a grim frown crossing her face. The humidity had made her hair frizz at odd angles. Not even hair spray could tame her naturally wavy locks. A large Ace bandage was wrapped around her foot, drawing attention to the fact that she had to wear unattractive flats instead of the cute sandals she’d recently bought. Every dress she put on looked ridiculous with the crutches and makeshift cast.
If John was a contender to replace her feelings for AJ, it might not matter anyway. One look at her, and John could go running for the hills. A knock on her door pulled her attention from the hot mess that stared back at her.
Kate swung the crutches around and moved to the front door. She leaned the crutches on the wall and balanced on her good foot before she opened the door. Plastering a smile to her face, she looked up.
Blood drained from her face as she came eye to eye with AJ. “What are you doing here?” She glanced around him. “John is going to be here any minute.”
“That’s why I’m here.” AJ pushed past her into the small cabin. “I mean, what exactly do you know about this guy? Is he even a good guy? What if he’s a serial killer?” He paced the room from one wall