Page 97 of On His Ranch

“Listen, I get that you don’t want to see me right now…”

“No kidding,” she snapped, nostrils flaring. She expected him to scold her for her tone, for disrespect, but he took it all in stride.

“I know, but I’m worried ‘bout you walkin’ all that way by yourself. Could you just… I mean, would you let me take care of you? Please?”

But rather than appease her anger, his words had the opposite effect and Piper felt her temper flare. “You don’t want to take care of me, remember?” When he didn’t answer, she pushed on. “You’re not my daddy,” she sneered, and quickly blinked back tears. “You weren’t a very good o-one anyway.” And she turned her head away before he could see her lip tremble.

“I’m sure you’re right about that, baby.”

The tender regret in his voice only made it harder to hold back tears. She didn’t know how she would be able to keep them from flooding her vision if she stayed with him. “Don’t—”

“Don’t call you that. I know. I’m sorry.”

And he sounded it. He really did. She wanted to look at him, but she didn’t dare. She was still mad, and she had every right to be. But if she looked at him, he might apologize with those dark, gorgeous eyes of his and win her back without a word. That would be letting him off the hook far too easily, and she wasn’t going to do it. She’d made some mistakes in her life, yes, some stupid ones, but she wasn’t weak.

“Piper, I really don’t want you walking all that way.”

“I have to leave. I have to go to my aunt’s.” She waited, holding her breath. She expected him to argue, to insist she go back to the ranch with him. If she was being honest with herself, part of her even wanted him to.

“I know.”

The words were soft, but they pricked her all the same. He did?

“And I know you won’t let me drive you. Can’t say I blame you.”

“That’s right,” she said, sniffling and trying to hide it.

“Take my truck.”

Her head snapped up. “What?” She looked at him, gaping as he stepped back and gestured toward the open door.

“Take it.”

“I’m not a thief.”

“I know you’re not. But… take it. It’s yours.”

“If you think I’m going to come crawling back—”

“I don’t expect you to. Just… if this is the only way for you to be safe… then I want you to have it.”

Piper didn’t know what to say. She let his words fall between them, unanswered. She searched his face, looking for one bit of cunning or hardness, but those rough angles had fallen away. In fact, she didn’t think she’d ever seen him like this. He was still as devastatingly handsome as ever, but… he was softer, somehow.

Right at that moment, her left ass cheek ached, and she took it as a sign.Get the hell out of here while you still have a chance. One minute he’s a caring daddy, the next he’s a hard-ass cowboy wielding a belt. Get out!

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

The hope she heard in his voice made her heart twist. A part of her wanted to give in to those regretful eyes, wanted to give him a chance to plead for mercy. But she couldn’t take the emotional ups and downs anymore. She just couldn’t.

“I’ll take the truck.”

There was no mistaking the disappointment that crossed his face, but Chase nodded. “Thank you.”

“Sure. How will I, um, get it back to you? Should I—”

“Keep it.” He reached a hand out, but seemed to think better of it and took another step back.

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