Page 85 of If You Give a Grump a Christmas Tree Farm
“What are you talking about?” He sets the gas can down, one hip thrusting out as he tugs off his gloves.
“I just got off the phone with Skyland Development Holdings. A man named Richard Soren. He says he’s got the paperwork written up on the offer he made.”
JJ’s shoulders slump, and he drags a hand through his hair, the other hand slapping the gloves against his thigh. “Rebecca, it wasn’t like that.”
“Then how was it? What part do I have wrong? The part where you’re selling out? Or the part where you’re doing it behind my back like a rat?” My biggest fear flits through my brain. Can I really do this on my own? Am I capable if heabandons me? Maybe that’s not my biggest fear. Maybe my biggest fear is something even more terrifying to me.
“I never told him I was selling. He approached me in town and went on and on about this great offer he had for us. I finally had enough and told him I wouldn’t believe anything that wasn’t in writing. I guess he took that to mean I wanted him to write up an offer.”
“You’re running out on me, then? I should have known.” I can’t hold back my vicious words, even though a part of me regrets them the moment they leave my mouth.
“What’s that crack supposed to mean?”
“You’re a smart guy; figure it out.”
“What makes you think I’d run out on you?” He flings his arm out to the surrounding property. “After everything I’ve done, why do you think that?”
“Maybe that’s what you do. When things get serious, you run. That’s your M.O. isn’t it?” Why can’t I keep my mouth shut? Why am I blurting out all my fears? But I can’t help myself. I need to know where he stands.
“So, that’s what this is about? That’s what we’re really fighting about? Me leaving? You still think I’m going to leave you?”
“Aren’t you?”
He stalks away, flinging his gloves across the yard. “Goddamn, woman. You push every one of my buttons.”
“Family is important to me, but apparently it's not to you.” It’s cold, but I said it, and I won’t take it back.
He pauses and turns. “You’re right, I don’t give a damn about my family, Rebecca. But my MC family is everything to me. You’ve seen that. You know that. Don’t act like I don’t give a damn about what’s important.” He stalks off as if he’s done with me, opening another fissure of pain in my chest.
“Come back here, you coward. This isn’t finished.”
At that, he whirls and stalks to me. “Don’t ever call me that.”
I swallow, immediately regretting the words. “I’m sorry.”
He points toward the trees. “Haven’t I been here working my ass off for this place? Haven’t I roped in my brothers to help us? Haven’t I shown you I give a damn about you and about this place and about your dream?”
I wet my lips, thinking maybe I overreacted. Maybe I need to give him the benefit of the doubt. This fight and my words are threatening to tear the trust and feelings we’ve built apart. I see the vulnerability in his eyes as he expresses his genuine hurt.
“I should have asked you before I threw accusations.”
“Ya think?”
“I’m sorry.”
He drags a hand through his hair again and stares at the horizon, and I know those words won’t cut it.
“JJ, it’s just… I guess I find it hard to trust.”
“Well, maybe you should get over that, Rebecca. ‘Cause I’m standing right here.” He spreads his arms wide.
“You can’t stay. You’re in an MC,” I whisper and watch his shoulders slump.
“And I’ve got to figure that out. Doesn’t mean I’m leaving you.”
I go to him, pressing against his chest. At first, he resists, but his arms close around me, and his head dips to mine.
“You could try the patience of a saint, woman. It’s a good thing you’re damn cute.”
