Page 32 of Some Cowgirls are Worth Protecting

She shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what I did between this morning and right now that’s so awful.” She stamped one foot.

He hated how adorable that was.

But even more than that, he hated how his reservations were crumbling. It would be so much easier for him to give in and tell her everything. Then he wouldn’t have to feel weird about keeping his distance.

The problem was that if he told her, anything could happen. And he hated surprises even more.

“Well?” she demanded. “Are you going to tell me what I did? Or do I have to play twenty questions?”

Hudson worked his jaw until it ached. Not a word. Not a single word would he give her.

“Fine. I’ll guess. You still don’t like me. And you resent that you’re here having to protect a piece of land that I didn’t prepare enough to protect. That’s my first guess.”

He tightened his jaw further.

“You think I’m an idiot for spending the money on this place and for not having a plan. You think someone who was born and raised here would be better suited for it. Well, guess what? Maybe you’re right.”

His brows lifted, but he didn’t get a chance to speak because she continued throwing out reasons she shouldn’t be here.

“I jumped on this property after our conversation that first night because I could tell how much you loved it, and I wanted to save it.” She let out a frantic laugh. “I thought that it was a good idea to save the place from those nasty developers, and I had just read an article about Colorado passing that law about wild horses. The whole thing clicked, and I made a rash decision to buy a stupid piece of property without realizing just how closed off this town really is. Apparently, you’re not the only one who hates outsiders. Maybe I should just find a local buyer?—”

“Don’t you dare,” he growled.

She blinked at him, the color draining from her face.

“You’re not an idiot. You’re a dreamer. And you’re not an outsider any more than Shane Owens and his country club. Shoot, I’d say you’re more of a member of this community than he will ever be. I’ll not have you tearing yourself down when you’re probably one of the most genuine people I’ve met in my life.”

The color slowly rose back into her face, but she still seemed too stunned to speak.

He probably should have stopped there, but the floodgates had been released and he didn’t have any control over what he was going to spill next. “You want to know why I’ve been hot one second and cold the next? You want to know the agony you’ve put me through?”

Her head reared back, and the coloring in her face intensified. “I didn’t?—”

Hudson took a step toward her, but there hadn’t been much space between them to begin with. Now they were nearly touching. Rachel, being the confident person she was, didn’t even step back. She lifted her chin, and her blue eyes flashed. Hudson lowered his voice to a growl once more. “Do you know how hard it’s been to keep things professional between us? I’ve had to tell myself that you’re not my type, that you’re not worth the trouble, or that you wouldn’t return these feelings that I can’t control any longer. But guess what? It’s a losing battle. You want to know the real reason I’m in a bad mood? It’s because I want you more than anything and I can’t have you.”

His words came out on the end of heavy breaths. There. He’d said it. He’d told her how he felt. And the fact that she wasn’t saying anything only confirmed his statement. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m taking Odin on a walk.” He pushed past her, his shoulder bumping up against hers. Hudson let out a shrill whistle and barked out the dog’s name. Odin obediently followed, and they darted from the barn.

It was almost dark when Hudson returned. He stared at the house from the lawn, terrified at what waited for him inside. Hours away did nothing to put his day into perspective. He’d called Henry the second he’d left, and his brother’s truck was still there. Chances were high that both Henry and Athena were inside right now. Hudson had only given Henry a vague reason for needing his help, but that meant Athena would probably hate him for leaving her sister alone for even a moment.

Furthermore, everyone in that house might have disdain for him if Rachel told them what had transpired before Hudson took off.

It was time to face the music. Hudson looked down at where Odin sat like a great, white statue. His tongue hung from his mouth as he panted, but otherwise, he was just as stoic as ever. Hudson patted the animal’s head. True to Mateo’s word, the dog was well-trained. He’d make a good guardian for the property.

“Let’s go. I’ll get you some supper.”

He headed toward the house and the door opened. Henry was there with Athena by his side. Henry’s eyes held a degree of judgment, but Athena’s didn’t. Rachel’s sister treated Hudson no different than she usually did.

“Hey, Hudson. I gave Rachel the wedding invite. Make sure to save the date.” She slipped her hand into Henry’s and the two of them headed down the steps. Hudson motioned for the dog to head inside, and then he followed.

Rachel wasn’t in the front room, but the smell of supper lingered in the air, so Hudson found his way to the kitchen. There were dirty dishes in the sink, and Rachel sat at the kitchen table with a cup in her hands. She glanced up at him, not a drop of surprise in her gaze. “I made you a plate. It’s staying warm in the oven.” She got to her feet and took her cup to the sink.

There was no screaming. No arguing. No demanding that he quit. He’d expected her to berate him for what he’d done, for what he’d said. But she didn’t, and for some reason, that only infuriated him more.

Before she could move past him, he blocked her. “Aren’t you going to say something?”

“Why bother?” she asked quietly. “Apparently, you think you know everything.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

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