Page 38 of The Cowboy Hitch

“I told you to call in sick.”

His overbearing concern causes something within me to snap, and my words fire like nails from a gun. “And I don’t do that kind of thing. Goodbye.”

“Lace, wait. Don’t get mad, but I talked to Oz—”

My muscles stiffen and a dull throbbing blooms behind my eyes. “Ridge, what the hell did you do?”

He hates me working at the club and doesn’t want me to have to put up with the men and their shit. It doesn’t matter that I remind him I’m not the main attraction because he reminds me that’s how we hooked up. He was more interested in me than the girls on the stage.

“You had a shitty night. Don’t think I didn’t notice you tossing and turning last night.”

Exasperated, I tilt my head back to stare at the now slate-gray sky. “I couldn’t get comfortable. It’s only going to get worse the bigger I get.”

“I only told Oz to keep an eye on you. That you might need to take a few more breaks or—”

“Goddammit, who do you think you are?”

“I’m the father of your child.”

“That’s it. You aren’t the boss of me.” I clench my jaw at how childish I sound. “You don’t get to make unilateral decisions like talking to Oz behind my back. I’m a grown woman and if I need a break, I can speak for myself. You know what? I will work at the club for the rest of my pregnancy.”

Too upset to think straight, I won’t mention my latest rejection from the Coopers or that whatever work I’ll be doing for Oz won’t be behind the bar.

“Lacy.” My name’s razor sharp. “I’ve already told you; you don’t need to work—”

“I want to work. I can’t sit at home and stare at the walls, and I need rent money—”

Now he cuts me off. “We’ve already talked about this. We’re moving in together. Money isn’t a problem.”

“Goddammit, why aren’t you listening? I don’t want to be a kept woman. If that’s who you want, marry Chastity.”

It’s a loaded shot, but Ridge is moving way too fast, and I have to slow him down. The idea of living together scares me. What if it all falls apart?

He’s already dragged me to look at three places for rent, and he’s talking about building a home someday. For now, his sole focus is having us under the same roof. Though Canyon Spring Ranch is his home, where he works, and most definitely in his blood, I refused to live there, and he never fought me on it. We both know living with Sage Kincaide would be a disaster.

“Fuck, Lace, I don’t want anyone but you.”

I suck in a breath. He’s told me he wants me before—even claimed me ashis—usually while having sex, but this time… This feels different.

We haven’t talked about a future beyond finding a place for when the baby’s born, and as maddening as he is with his “let’s play house,” a part of me likes it. I’m in awe of his protective nature and how he truly seems to want to be with me.

But I can’t forget that if not for the baby, we’d be nothing to each other. Just a glorious one-night stand. Ridge is a good man and doing the right thing. That’s all this is.

“Sorry.” I soften my tone. “I’m frustrated. No one’s going to hire a pregnant lady that’s only got a few more months of work in her.”

“Things didn’t work out with the Coopers?”

“No. I want to work for Oz. The club and the people here are home to me. And while you may not understand it, I need to work.” I rub my temple, trying to quell the dull pulse. “And if I don’t get inside, Oz will wonder where I am. See you later.” I end the call before he can say another word.

Once inside, I’m shocked to see Roxy behind the bar. She isn’t supposed to be on tonight.

She places a beer in front of the man at the bar and turns to me. “Hi, Lacy. Oz is in the office and he wants to talk to you.”

My stomach sinks. What on earth did Ridge say to him?

“Thanks.” I wave at her and saunter down the hall. “Hey, Oz.” I mosey into the office and drop onto the leather sofa.

He glances up from the computer screen, his face a mask of confusion. “Thank fuck you’re here. I can’t figure this shit out. I’ve got a job for you that’ll have you working in the office.” Relief ghosts over his tense features. “Please take over the books. Stay on top of invoicing, revenue, and payroll. You’re better at it than I am, and I hate doing that shit. You’d be helping me.”

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