Page 23 of My Billionaire Cowboy Protector

“Plus, it makes it a little less taboo if you’re dating another ranch owner instead of your employee.”

“There is that,” Lane said.

Willow nodded and left for her own office. She would find out the exact price of the ranch, as well as any fees, closing costs, and taxes, and make sure that money would get into Taylor’s account.

Lane ran his fingers through his hair and groaned. He disliked the idea of putting Taylor through all the drama.

“I can’t believe I let her get to me and I just spouted off the lie to Mom. I’ll just call her and tell her the truth. I’ll give Taylor the ranch and the horse regardless because she did agree to go through the charade with me.”

He picked up the phone and dialed the number. Lane hung up before it rang.

“It will just be for two days. That’s all. Taylor can smile and nod and hold hands with me for two days. It’s not like we’ll be making out or having sex in front of other people, anyway. It’ll be just like we’re going as friends – mostly.”

Lane knew that he was just trying to justify the situation to himself, but it really wasn’t working. He knew it was a bad idea and had the potential to backfire on him.

“Not if I tell her that we broke up right after the celebration,” he reasoned.

He groaned and looked at the phone again but couldn’t force himself to call his mother.

“I’ll make everything right after everything is over.”

That didn’t make him feel any better. He was lying to his mother, and through her, everyone else. Telling her that they broke up would just be another lie. He groaned and cradled his head in his hands.

Deciding that sitting in his office and fighting the events that were already set in motion was a waste of time, he headed outside. There were some things that needed fixed in the calving barn and pounding on nails and boards with a hammer was just what he needed to get out his anxiety and frustrations.

Taylor was in the horse pen with Diablo when he finished up in the calving barn. Lane was amazed. She had managed to get a hackamore on him. Taylor was able to get a riding blanket on his back, too, which would get him used to having weighton his back. She walked away from Diablo. He followed close behind her and nudged her with his nose. It looked like a slow game of tag.

She laughed and gave him a little nibble of apple.

Colton walked up and pulled off his gloves. “It’s hard to believe that is the same horse, isn’t it?”

“I know. He had lived up to his name until she came along. If she’s that way with all horses she’ll be extremely successful with her horse ranch.”

“Uh-oh, trouble,” Colton said, nodding toward Anthony who was strutting up to the corral.

The hired hand watched the woman and horse playing for a minute and then climbed over the fence into the corral. Instantly, Diablo’s demeanor changed. He reared up and whinnied loudly, keeping Taylor beside him. It looked as though the horse was trying to protect Taylor from the huge man barreling toward them.

“Get out of the corral. You’re upsetting him,” Taylor demanded.

“He’s just a stupid horse. Who cares how he feels?” Anthony snarled. “You gotta show it who’s boss. And if he hits me with those hooves, I’ll kill him.”

A sneer spread across Taylor’s face and her voice got deadly quiet. “You think so? In that case, I will make sure that no one ever finds your body. I’m pretty sure there isn’t anyone around here who would miss you.”

She stepped up to Anthony until they were almost nose to nose. He spit on her boot and walked away. Taylor quickly turned and started calming the horse, who was prancing nervously behind her.

“It’s okay, Baby. He’s gone,” she said in a quiet, calm voice. “That big stupid man isn’t going to touch you, I promise.”

Diablo finally started to calm down, especially after Taylor slipped him a couple more apple pieces.

Anthony was furious and cursing loudly on the outside of the corral, growling about how he was going to put the horse out of his misery.

Lane and Colton sauntered over to Anthony. “Diablo belongs to Taylor. You will stay away from her and the horse,” Lane said. The warning in his voice was clear.

“A gift for your whore, eh?” Anthony sneered.

“You’re fired,” Colton said. “That is out of line. Your attitude toward Taylor has been uncalled for and you were warned. I’ll let Willow know to cut you a check for what you are owed. You have twenty-four hours to be off this property.”

Anthony’s face turned bright red and he clenched his fists as though he was going to start throwing punches.

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