Page 29 of The Billion Heirs Boxed Set
“You can’t run away from what happened.”
“I know that. God, do I know that. But no one will let me move on in a town this small. Last night was proof. Chance Bridger interrupted us, stood up for me, and punched his half brother in the face. Because of me and my issues. Then…”
I laugh and rub a hand down my face.
“Then a crowd formed. They knew what was up. Why we were around the side of the bar. I feel like I’m in a soap opera and they got the first glimpse of a new season.”
“It sounds really embarrassing.”
“I’m surprised people didn’t have popcorn.”
Dr. Lake offers a small laugh, and I do, too. I’m not usually into dark humor, but it seems to work in this instance.
“I need to move forward, and…”
“And…?” Dr. Lake prompts.
“I never thought I could want a man after what I’ve been through, but I wanted this one. I wanted him like I’ve never wanted any man. Even before. I’ve never been this intensely attracted to someone.”
“Then why are you thinking about leaving Bayfield?”
“Because by now, I’m sure he knows everything, and he’s not going to want to have anything to do with me.”
“Don’t you think that’s his decision to make?”
“His brother told him to keep his hands off me.” I let out a sigh. “And that’s the whole problem. Everyone—not just my parents—thinks they need to protect me. The head vet at the ranch had me grooming horses and feeding puppies yesterday. Puppies! I enjoyed it, but my God, I feel like I’m in a cage here, and I spent three years being held captive. That’s more than enough for a lifetime.”
“I understand, but I’m going to be honest with you.” Dr. Lake sets down her notepad.
Uh-oh. When Dr. Lake puts down her notepad, she drops a bomb. Always.
“I don’t think leaving Bayfield is a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Because this is your home, first of all.”
“So what? This is also where I was taken, where my funeral was. Where I came back from the dead. No one knows how to deal with someone who does that. Everyone’s afraid of what one little thing might do to me. They’re all afraid I’m going to break. And I’m not going to break. I know that now.”
“So show them that.”
“Why is it all on me? Why shouldn’t they try harder?” I shake my head. “I want to leave. I need to leave.”
“Let me give you another reason to stay, then,” Dr. Lake says.
I sigh. “Fine. Lay it on me.”
“This man. Austin. If he’s awakened something in you, do you really want to walk away from that?”
No. I don’t want to walk away from that. But Austin undoubtedly knows my story by now, and he won’t want me anymore. He’ll be glad if I leave quietly, especially since I’ll be working on his ranch where he’ll be for the next year. Then he won’t have to make up some sorry excuse for why he doesn’t want to see me. Or duck around horse stalls to steer clear. He can’t leave, but I can.
“Besides,” Dr. Lake continues, “there’s one thing on your list you haven’t accomplished yet.”
She’s right.
I’ve done everything else she’s asked, including purchasing a vibrator—getting that past Mom was interesting—and giving myself an orgasm.
Except…
