Page 59 of Some Cowboys Fight for Love

He hated how much his sister’s words seemed to instill a degree of hope inside himself. If Aria was miserable, then therewas still a chance he could win her back. He needed to convince her that he was the best choice for her.

But how.

“You should go see her.”

Daniel spun to face his sister. “She doesn’t want to see me. If she did, she would answer my calls or respond to my messages.” He dragged a hand down his face with exasperation. “She needs some time to work out what she wants.”

Charlie tilted her head and peered at him with a pointed look. “Are you sure about that? I know that distance makes the heart grow fonder, but… seriously… The longer you wait, the more likely she’s going to move on entirely. Is that what you want?”

“No,” he snapped. “Of course not.”

“So go pay her a visit. Don’t wait around for her to call you or message you back. Make her talk to you. Make her explain what happened. Izzie can’t get anything out of her, and she’s been trying since Cayden came for dinner a few days ago.”

It was too soon. If he went over there to talk to her and he only alienated her further, then he might damage what little remained of their relationship.

Still, Charlie’s words resonated with that part of him that refused to believe they were over. Maybe Charlie was right. She wasn’t as jaded as Daniel had become over the years. And she was a girl. She would know where Aria was coming from and might be able to give him better insight into Aria’s mind.

He nodded. “Maybe you’re right.”

“I know I’m right. If what Izzie says is true, then I’d bet that Aria needs you to fight for her.”

That statement had him hesitating. “But I was right there. We were on a literal date. She came with me and left with him. How do you explain that?”

Charlie frowned. “I don’t know. Sounds like Cayden manipulated her into doing something she might not have normally done. Does that sound like him?”

“Sure does,” he muttered under his breath. The man’s whole demeanor screamed that he was a bully. A realization dawned on him. Aria had mentioned an ex who didn’t treat her right—who was controlling and manipulative. Was this that guy?

He tossed his empty bottle into the garbage can and strode toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Charlie called out.

“I’m going to see her.”

“Good.” That single word faded into nothingness behind the door that swung closed as Daniel headed down the front porch steps.

He arrived at the cabin after dark. The lights were on like they’d been the first time he’d shown up as a favor to Mateo. Daniel climbed out of his truck and stared at the building. A fresh wave of emotions attacked him, flooding him with anxiety and nerves. What if she turned him away? Could he stick with his promise to himself that he wasn’t going to give up on her?

She needed him as much as he needed her.

Daniel blew out a heavy breath and squared his shoulders. He could do this. No matter how hard it was or how much it hurt, he’d make sure she knew he wasn’t going anywhere.

He knocked on the door, and it wasn’t any surprise that Cayden answered it.

Daniel stiffened, his eyes narrowing as he glowered at the man who’d come back into Aria’s life like the wrecking ball he was.

“Can I help you?” The man’s voice was all suave and gentile.

It was completely fake.

“Where’s Aria?” Daniel demanded.

Cayden folded his arms, lifting his chin as he surveyed Daniel from head to toe. The man was a few inches shorter than Daniel was, and yet he didn’t cower like everyone else in town when Daniel leveled him with a scowl.

“I need to speak to her,” Daniel continued when Cayden refused to move.

“She’s not taking visitors.”

Daniel growled, stepping forward. “With all due respect, you’re not her gatekeeper. I’d rather hear from her own lips that she doesn’t want to see me.”

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