Page 70 of Colt

“Stop this.”

Both men looked toward the door to see Chelsea standing there with her hands on her hips, glaring at them.

“He hit me,” Brian said, sounding like a child.

Colt watched as Chelsea looked at him, then back to Brian.

“Yeah, and you probably deserved it.”

“He also fired me,” Brian shouted.

“He fired you?” Chelsea asked and Brian nodded.

“Yes.”

“Well, he is still manager here, so I guess that means you’re fired. Get your things and get off this ranch. Don’t you ever step foot on it again. Mr. Cotton would be so disappointed in you.”

Brian picked up his hat, put it on his head, and stormed from the office. Chelsea looked at Colt.

“I’m not sorry I hit him,” he said.

“Why did you hit him?” She folded her arms.

“It doesn’t matter. It got heated and I couldn’t help myself.” Colt shrugged.

“He said something about me, didn’t he?”

“Chelsea, it doesn’t matter.”

“Colt, can’t we—”

“No. It’s not right to have the men do as I say and not as I do. I respect them too much for that.”

“You do realize if you quit, there is no reason why we can’t be together. Here.”

“I know. I just need time to think and I can’t do that around you.”

“Then don’t quit yet. Take a week off and decide. You can still stay at your cabin.” She stepped closer to him. “I don’t want you to go, but it’s your decision. If you want to leave, I won’t stand in your way, but I’m hoping you’ll stay.”

Colt stared into her eyes. “I don’t want to go, but what choice do I have?”

“You can quit but stay with me.” Chelsea tilted her head.

“I can’t do that. Chelsea, I have to work. I’ve always worked and I’m not going to stop now.” He sighed.

“Okay. Please think about it.” She stared at him for a few seconds then walked out of the office, closing the door behind her.

Colt sat back down in his chair and stared at the door. He knew he had to leave, if only to make a decision. He’d love to stay, but right now, things were too heated. Now, with Brian being fired, maybe things would settle down, but that didn’t mean he was going to stick around.

The thought of staying and working with the men who no longer respected him was hard to bear. Even if he quit and lived with Chelsea, how would they feel about that? Was it really any of their business?

Colt shook his head. He knew it wasn’t, but it still felt like it was. He’d worked alongside them for years and since he’d lost their respect, he just didn’t know what he could do.

“It’s best to just go,” he murmured. Taking a deep breath, he strode from the office, across the yard, up the porch, and knocked on the door. It opened and Chelsea waved him inside.

“Is something wrong?”

Colt removed his hat, and spun the brim in his hand.

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