Page 64 of Colt

“I have that right—”

“No, you don’t. If I’m going to manage this place, I do. If you can’t agree with that, then maybe it’s time I moved on and you can run it.”

Chelsea could feel her temper rising. “Don’t threaten me.”

“Oh, it’s not a threat. You like challenging me way too much. Does it make you feel big that you can do that? That you can tell me what to do? That you can talk down to me in front of our boarders? That you can override my decisions on employees?” he snapped.

“I don’t run this place like Walt did. I want to be hands-on.”

“You’re sure as shit right that you don’t run this place like he did.”

“I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“That you’ll stop overriding my decisions. What the hell is the sense in being a manager if you won’t let me do my job?”

Chelsea shook her head. She had no clue what she could say to him. Maybe she did need to leave it up to him. Afterall, Walt had and trusted Colt completely.

“Never mind. I need to get back to work.” He turned away from her and continued cleaning the stall.

Chelsea sighed, walked out of the barn, across the yard, and entered the house.

****

The sound of papers being shuffled around filled Colt’s office. He had been sitting at his desk for hours, pouring over paperwork and trying to distract himself from thoughts of Chelsea. They hadn’t spoken for two days, since their argument over firing Kim and John.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Colt sighed, wondering if it was Chelsea finally deciding to talk to him again. He called out for them to come in and saw Brian enter instead.

“Hey, Brian. Is something wrong?” he asked with concern.

Brian didn’t speak as he walked over to a chair and sat down. Colt raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to say something.

“Colt,” Brian finally began, “we all know about you and Chelsea.”

Colt stared at him, unsure of where this conversation was going. He leaned back in his chair, trying to appear nonchalant.

“And?” he prompted.

“And isn’t that why John and Kim were fired?” Brian continued.

Colt’s jaw clenched as he fought to keep his composure. “John and Kim were fired because they were caught having sex while they were supposed to be working.”

“I see,” Brian replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“What is it that you see?” Colt asked sharply.

“That you can break the rules, but no one else can, or is it because no one actually caught you?” Brian stated bluntly.

“Watch how you speak to me. I’m your boss,” Colt warned, his patience wearing thin.

“It’s the truth,” Brian persisted. “I’d love to ask Christine out, but I’m afraid I’d lose my job because I’m just a ranch hand. But you’re the manager.”

Colt got to his feet and placed his hands on the desk, leaning forward as he glared at Brian.

“You’re pushing it,” he snapped.

Brian stood his ground. “I’m being honest, Colt. For years, you’ve always followed the rules. But as soon as Chelsea comes along, they fly out the window. The rest of us wouldn’t get away with it.”

Colt resumed his seat, feeling a knot tightening in his stomach. “The rules are simple, no fooling around with clients or other employees while on the clock or on the ranch. There’s nothing wrong with dating Christine, if you want. You just can’t fool around on the clock.” Colt replied wearily. He tilted his head. “Why the attitude?” he asked, struggling to maintain his authoritative tone.

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