Page 41 of Wicked Cowboy
I made the vow to marry a woman tomorrow who deserved more than a deal.
My parents should be a vivid reminder that a life-long deal of pain only hurt everyone.
A knock sounded on the door.
Chelsea was right on Ridley's heels, but Ridley's face was bright and captured my attention as she said, “Sorry to interrupt. Chelsea said she and Hudson made plans?”
My father gripped both sides of his seat and stood when he said, “Yes, we’ll leave you two love birds alone.”
I stood as well and ignored how my skin had goosebumps when Ridley came closer. I called out, “Pop, why are you so good with Chelsea? You’re usually hard on everyone.”
His wrinkles lifted and his eyes glittered when he said, “I’m an old man who's used to getting his way. But no one ever asked me to help pick flowers for their room. You were sent away and not interested in my color opinion.”
True. Boarding school had limited time I spent at home.
He took another step and took the girls’ hand, but I asked, “Why did you let that happen?”
He bobbed his head back and forth and then tapped the door frame. “Homelife wasn’t exactly a picnic. You were protected that way.”
I’d been alone and reckless but never put anyone in harm’s way on purpose by keeping them close.
I almost took Ridley’s hand but stopped as I called out, “I judged you wrong, Pop.”
He shook his head and stared at both me and Ridley. “No, you didn’t. I fell into a routine of giving you a hard time, but you have the right to be happy.”
And then they left. I listened to the footsteps until they disappeared and then turned toward Ridley.
Her beauty overpowered me and I stepped back.
She bounced on her feet. “Sounds like you and your father had a good conversation.”
My mind raced as the moon began to rise higher in the sky now.
I couldn’t stand still and pointed behind me. “I guess. Ridley, can we go and talk?”
She tilted her head and didn’t move. “Not here?”
If I closed the door and stayed beside her, I might do something stupid, like saying I love you.
So instead, I said, “No, let’s take a walk.”
Her face blushed, but then she nodded. “I’ll get my sneakers and meet you.”
“Sounds perfect,” I said and went to the door. I needed air and we needed to talk.
Tomorrow was too close, but if I led this conversation the wrong way then I would ruin her life. I had no right to love anyone else. I only ended up failing them.
Chapter 14
Ridley
Next to Carter, the air smelled fresh.
Tomorrow we would be married, and for one second, I wished we could be more than a business deal. I shouldn’t, but he was the only man I ever came close to loving.
It was so obvious today. I should have realized how I felt years ago.
Beside him, I hoped he’d somehow see that I was good for him and accept.
