Page 33 of Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek)

“Only if he wants a knee to his balls,” Magnolia says.

He does not.

“Alexa, play ‘The Man’ by Taylor Swift,” Noah says with a laugh, and within seconds, the song echoes throughout the house.

“Of course,” I mutter, shaking my head. It’s bad enough I had to listen to Ellie sing it during our jogs, but now my entire family is humming along.

“Can’t deny it’s a bop, though.” Wilder dances in his seat.

I throw a roll of washi tape toward him, and he laughs.

“It’s usually me pissin’ them off, so this is a nice change of pace,” he taunts.

Noah snorts. “Don’t worry, it’s only Sunday. You still got all week to do that.”

Chapter Seven

ELLIE

After successfully dominating in my division this weekend, I’m back at the stables to put Ranger in his stall for the evening. Dad and I stayed at the rodeo a little longer to watch the other events and indulge in their fried foods but then we ran into his new employee, Gage. Dad invited him to hang out with the rest of the evening, which ended up being awkward and annoying. It was nice to spend some extra time with him, especially since I’ll be traveling nonstop starting next weekend, and I’ll be going alone for those since Dad works and Mom stays home with Aunt Phoebe.

“Such a good boy,” I coo, sliding a brush across his back.

“Thank you.”

My heart drops to the floor at the familiar voice behind me. Of course he’d be here.

When I turn to face him, I’m greeted with his infamous smug grin and tilted cowboy hat.

“Oh, wait, were you not talkin’ to me?” He points to himself. “Damn. Thought you figured out my secret kink.”

“Why do you make it a habit to bother me every chance you get? Have I not been clear that I don’t like you or are you just amasochist who gets off on that? Do you need me to tattoo it on your forehead? Get a plane to write it in the sky, perhaps? Can you even read? Because I know you don’t listen…”

“All I’m hearin’ is how much effort you’re willin’ to put in to get my attention, Little Devil.” He rocks back on his boots like the cocky asshole he is. “But you can have it whenever you want if you sayplease.”

“Selective hearing…makes sense now.” I roll my eyes and then turn back to Ranger, who actually deserves my focus.

“After four years, you still won’t tell me what your problem with me is. Most people woulda by now, which is why I think you don’t have a valid reason not to like me.”

“I don’t have to tell you a damn thing.”

“But why not? Since the first day we met, you decided I was the bad guy, and I hadn’t even done anything.”

“My gut told me you were and it’s never wrong. And, well, look how insufferable you’ve been since then. Guess it was right.”

“Most women?—”

My blood boils as I whip around with the brush in my hand, eager to throw it at him. “I’m not most women! I will not bow at your feet or pass out at your mere presence.” As I raise my voice at him, my breath comes out in short pants. “No, this ain’t me playin’ hard to get. I have my reasons, but I do not have to share them with you.” My jaw clenches before I add, “Andstopcalling me that.”

He blinks blankly before slowly licking his lips as if he’s fighting back his amusement. “I was gonna say before you rudely interrupted me…most women would love the chance to tell a man why they hate them so much, which is why it’s so confusin’ to me that you don’t.”

Swallowing hard, I lower my hand and straighten my spine. “I’m not interested in any conversation with you, even ones thatinvolve crucifying you, and being forced to speak to you in any regard is pure torture for me!”

Wincing at my harsh words, he steps back slightly as if my verbal assault affected him physically. If that’s the case, then good, I don’t feel bad about it. And I won’t apologize for speaking up about the boundaries he’s often crossed.

It’s bad enough Gage wouldn’t leave me alone about getting my phone number, I don’t need to come to my safe place and get hit on by another man who doesn’t take no for an answer.

“Okay. You’re right, and I apologize.” He tips his hat. “I will never bother you again, Ellie.”

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