Arguing with Her Billionaire Cowboy - April Murdock Page 0,6
have his food cold.
After her talk with Dakota, she’d decided her friend was right. There were just some people who had to learn that the world didn’t revolve around them—and AJ was one of them.
When he came back, he settled down into the seat beside her. She shifted to the other side of her chair. He was too close. Flickers of their teen years assaulted her. Why did she have to fall for the one guy who didn’t give her a second thought? AJ had always chased after the pretty girls. The ones who didn’t have to worry about breaking their nails.
Kate looked down at her own chipped manicure. It wasn’t any use. No matter how hard she tried to keep them nice, the polish always ended up cracking. She curled her fingers into fists, resting them on her lap.
“Now that we’re all here, we have three tasks for you.” Ethan glanced between the two of them. “The first thing we want you to do is take a look around the ranch and figure out what’s missing. Find one thing we can improve on and make a short- and long-term plan for it. You’ll have a week before you present your plan.” Ethan reached out and took Hazel’s hand. “You will still be expected to keep up on all your responsibilities. On Saturday we will decide who wins this round.” Ethan lifted a napkin to his mouth and stood. “It’s been a long day. Goodnight, you two.”
Hazel nodded. Her bright blue eyes bounced between Kate and AJ before she stood as well. “You can still back out. No one would judge either of you for deciding go with the original plan.”
AJ shifted beside her. Had he changed his mind? Admittedly she’d be relieved if he had. This whole thing felt like a mess she had lost control over. He didn’t say anything. Kate stirred the few pieces of steamed carrots left on her plate in a circle.
Hazel forced a smile. “Then that’s it. I look forward to seeing what you two come up with this weekend.”
The air felt cooler after Hazel left. Alone with AJ, Kate willed herself to stay calm. Anger, frustration, curiosity among other emotions swirled in her stomach, making her more than a little queasy.
AJ leaned closer to her and she stiffened. “That was a dirty trick to play.”
“Trick?” she snorted. “I didn’t play a trick. I was being completely honest. It was up to you to interpret what I was saying.”
AJ shook his head. “If that’s how you treat everyone, it’s no wonder how you weaseled yourself into this position. You’re a manipulator.”
Her head whipped around, and her mouth gaped. “What?”
He shrugged. “You heard me.” Shoveling a forkful of mashed potatoes into his mouth, he avoided looking at her.
Kate bristled. She was no manipulator. She’d worked hard for every single thing she had. There was no other choice. If she hadn’t, she would have been on the street years ago. Throwing her napkin on the table, she shot to her feet. “I don’t have to put up with this, AJ. You have no idea what you’re talking about. For the last five years, I have been integral to the operations that kept this ranch going. And where have you been?”
He took a sip of water. “I’ve been here too.”
A bark of laughter echoed in the empty dining room. “Have not! You come around when it’s convenient or when your parents need you here.”
A scowl crossed his features. “My parents practically pushed me away for the last few years. The moment I graduated from college, I was ready to take over—” He shook his head, his jaw ticking to the side. “Whatever. You’re not going to believe a word I say.”
She folded her arms. “If what you’re inferring is true, then they had a reason. They probably wanted you to grow up.”
AJ rose to his feet, towering over her. “The only person who needs to grow up around here is you,” he growled through gritted teeth. “I know my place, it’s time you figure out yours.”
Kate lifted her chin, her icy gaze boring into his. “Wrong. I think you just need to realize where exactly my place is. News flash. It’s right here.” She jabbed at the table beside them. “I’m not going anywhere and there’s nothing you can say or do to change my mind.”
He moved his face within inches of hers. Her heart flipped and she pulled back slightly but the back of her legs