Page 66 of Colt

“I’m not sure what to do,” he said with a heavy heart. “You have no idea how pissed the men are, and I don’t blame them.”

“But we have something special,” she argued, tears starting to fall down her cheeks.

“I know, but I can’t let my personal feelings get in the way of running this ranch successfully. Walt would be so disappointed in me if he were here.”

“Well, Walt isn’t here,” Chelsea shouted.

Colt stood up, his own frustration building. “I know that, but he instilled in me the importance of following rules, and I have… until now. Until you. It’s fine off the clock, but if I can’t follow the rules, how do I expect my men to? Brian wants to go out with Christine. I told him if it was off the clock, and didn’t fool around at the ranch, he could, but he reminded me that I was also on the clock. It’s not just off the clock, it’s not on the ranch. He’s right. I did it, but he knows he’d be fired if he did.” Colt sighed. “I’m not sure what to do, but I know it can’t continue like this.”

“Fine,” she said with a defeated sigh. “How about we just end it altogether? I am not going to… schedule time with you. Get out. Just go,” Chelsea shouted, her voice cracking with anger and hurt. She walked out of the kitchen and into the living room.

Colt followed her, gripped her arm as he spun her around and slammed her against the wall, their bodies pressing together in a heated battle of wills. Their eyes locked in intense gazes, filled with both rage and desire. Suddenly, Colt roughly grasped her hair, pulling back her head and exposing her neck as he fiercely claimed her lips in a demanding kiss.

Chelsea put her hands on his shoulders and pushed, making him step back. Both breathed hard as they stared at each other.

“Damn it,” he swore.

Chelsea looked at him and shook her head. “Please go, and stay away from me,” she whispered.

“It’s best if I leave the ranch. You have my two-week notice.”

After staring at her for a few seconds, he entered the kitchen, picked up his coat and hat, and stepped onto the porch. Looking around at the familiar surroundings that he loved so much, Colt couldn’t help but feel conflicted about his decision. But ultimately, it was for the best.

With a heavy heart, he walked back to the barn and gathered his things before heading home for the day. It was a bittersweet feeling as he rode away from the ranch, knowing that this day would change everything between him and Chelsea. But sometimes, life was just unfair like that.

****

Chelsea collapsed onto her bed; her body wracked with sobs. It was unbearable to think that she would have to face every day without him, knowing that he didn’t want her anymore despite how much she loved him. She loved seeing him anytime she wanted, and if there was sex, that was a bonus, but now, he was leaving. Because of the men. What about her? Didn’t she have a say in this?

The pain she felt now was more intense than when she found out Ron had been unfaithful. Colt meant more to her than any man ever had, even her ex-husband. And now, she had lost him too.

How could she possibly move on from this? But if it was what he wanted, she would have to learn to live with it.

As she rolled over onto her back, tears streaming down her temples, Chelsea gazed up at the ceiling and wondered why life had to be so cruel at times. She had finally found a love that consumed her completely, and now it was taken away from her. The thought of getting over Colt was daunting and overwhelming.

With a heavy heart, Chelsea forced herself out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. A relaxing bath and some hot tea seemed like the only solace in this moment of despair. Maybe if she cried herself to sleep, things would feel a little better in the morning.

The next day, Chelsea decided to venture into town. She needed to distract herself from thoughts of Colt, and perhaps meeting the new owner of the coffee shop would do just that.

But as she stepped out of her car and walked toward the shop, Chelsea couldn’t help but feel exposed and vulnerable after a sleepless night. She tried to push thoughts of Colt out of her mind, but it seemed impossible.

“Welcome! We’ll be right with you,” a friendly voice called out as Chelsea entered the bustling coffee shop.

A sense of familiarity washed over her as she scanned the crowded room. For a moment, it almost felt like old times. But then she remembered that she was no longer a part of this place.

“I’m looking for the owner,” Chelsea said with a small smile, trying to mask her inner turmoil.

A pretty blonde behind the counter smiled back at her. “That’s me. I’m Celine Nelson.”

“Nice to meet you, Celine. I’m Chelsea Kennedy, the former owner. I just wanted to stop by and say hello.”

Celine’s face lit up. “Oh, it’s so nice to meet you! And don’t worry about interrupting, business has been great.” She gestured toward the bustling shop.

As they sat down at a small table together, Chelsea couldn’t help but feel grateful for this new acquaintance. They talked like old friends, and Chelsea was happy to make a new friend.

“The pastries here are amazing, aren’t they? We sell out every day,” Celine remarked with a laugh. “But working across the street from that bakery could be dangerous.”

Chelsea chuckled in agreement. “Yes, Sloane is an incredible baker.”

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