Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 100226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
“For fuck’s sake.” She rubs her fingertips over her forehead, and if I’m not mistaken, she looks hurt. Jesus, that’s the last thing I want. I’ve inflicted enough pain on this woman to last a lifetime. “If you’ve changed your mind about the whole thing, that’s great. I’m off the goddamn hook.”
She turns to leave, but I grab her elbow, stopping her. As much as I don’t want her here, I don’t want to fuck this up, because I think she’s going to say yes. “I haven’t changed my mind. That’s not what this is about.”
“You’re not making any sense,” she says as she turns back to me. “I just want to talk.”
“I know, but I don’t want you here. On this ranch. Not today or any day.”
Her eyes soften, and she doesn’t pull her arm away. “Holden, no one is going to hurt me out here. He’s dead.”
“Don’t care.” God, is that my shaky voice? “Let’s get off of this property. Please.”
“Okay, okay.” She swallows hard, still frowning. “There’s a scenic overlook about a mile up the highway. State property. Let’s go there. I’ll meet you.”
“I’m right behind you.”
I climb into my truck as Millie slips into her SUV, and I’m ten feet behind her as she makes her way down the long driveway to the highway. And when she finally turns right, off of my land, I let out a long, shaky sigh of relief.
Seeing her out there made me panic. If Dad were alive, she’d be dead by now. I never want her there.
She drives up to the turnout I know and pulls in, making room for me to park behind her, and then we both get out of our vehicles.
This is a great viewing spot for tourists driving through. The mountains are tall and proud in the distance, with pasture in the foreground, full of black cattle. This is Lexington property, and those are my cows. And I fucking love those mountains.
“Okay,” Millie says as I approach, and we both sit on the rock wall, turning to face each other. “We’re on neutral territory. Better?”
“Yeah.” I lick my lips and have to remind myself not to reach for her. Whenever I’m within twenty feet of her, I want to yank her against me and bury my nose in her hair.
Old habits die hard.
“I see you still have that old Ford truck,” she says, trying to sound nonchalant. She doesn’t look me in the eyes.
“Of course, I still have it. It needs a little work. I’m taking it in to Brooks this week, and he’ll tinker with it when he has time.”
She nods and shoves her hands in her pockets.
“You said something about ground rules?” I ask as my system slowly evens out.
“I have several,” she confirms. “And they’re firm. Deal breakers.”
“Let’s hear them.” This should be good. It seems my life is full of conditions right now. I cross my arms over my chest, and her eyes dip down, watching the motion. Her tongue runs over her bottom lip as she eyes my biceps, and I can’t help but smirk at that.
Yeah, baby, I’m hot for you, too.
“One,” she begins, raising her index finger. “I get my own bedroom. I’m not sleeping in the same room as you.”
Fuck that. I just raise an eyebrow, and she keeps going.
“Two.” Her middle finger joins the first. “This has an expiration date. One year. I’ll help you keep your inheritance and make sure your sisters get their share, and then I’m out.”
Like hell.
“Three.” Another finger. “No swoony bastard.”
“Excuse me?”
“No swoony shit from you. No looking out for me, bringing me flowers, or tucking my hair behind my ear. This is a contract, not a real marriage.”
Now I’m getting pissed.
“Four.” She tucks her thumb against her palm. “You will not call me Rosie. Or wild rose, or baby girl, or any of those pet names.”
She hears the growl that escapes my throat, but she swallows, ignoring it, and that thumb pops up.
“Five.”
“How many are there? Should I be taking notes? I forgot my legal pad at home.”
“Just one more,” she says calmly, those golden eyes holding mine. “No sex.”
“No.” Absolutely fucking not.
“I know you.” Her chin raises, but her voice has more shake in it now. “And I know that if I say no, you won’t push me. The only reason I’m agreeing to this certifiably insane idea is because, despite everything else, I’m physically safe with you.”
Physically safe.
Damn it, she’s right. I’d never force her to do something she doesn’t want to do. I’d take my own life first.
“Fine.” My jaw is tight as I grind my teeth together. I should have expected this. I didn’t think she’d agree at all, but on the slight chance that she did, I should have known that she’d have stipulations. “And what do you get out of this, Millie? Do you want money?”