Page 66 of Dirty Cowboy

"Shame. You two make a handsome pair."

I run a hand down my face. "I’d like you around for a few more years, Grandpa. That’s all I’m saying."

He softens. "That girl’s got spirit, Eric. You’d do well to hold onto her." His words settle into something too real, too dangerous. "You give me those great-grandkids, and I’ll sign up for a marathon."

I snort. "Are you blackmailing me with your health?"

"No, but if you don’t marry that girl, Iwill."

Marry Emma?Two days ago, I would’ve laughed. But now, the thought lingers like an itch under my skin. I keep picturing kissing her, holding her, and keeping her.

"You think her brothers will stand in the way?" Grandpa asks.

My stomach clenches. I panic, shifting my mind frame to where our ruse is real, and Emma is truly mine so I can kiss her anytime I want. And how does he know about her brothers?

Grandpa leans in, waiting for my answer.

"I love Emma, and Emma loves me. I won’t let them stand in the way."

Grandpa nods approvingly. "I assume you asked for her hand?"

"Not yet," I say, keeping my voice steady. "We’ll do that after Harvest Fest."

"Good answer." He winks.

I force a smile, but bitterness pools in my gut.None of this is real. We won’t marry. We’re not even dating.But kissing her…Thatwas real. And I can’t stop thinking about it.

"You said you had a lawyer joining us?" I ask, desperate to change the subject.

"She should be here any minute," Grandpa says, glancing at his watch. "It’s just a formality, so we can transfer the assets before the auction next week."

She?

My blood runs cold. Right on cue, the cafe door squeaks open and my heart stops as Caroline Gnatz strolls in.

Fuck me.

Our eyes met, and she grins. She struts across the room, her heels clicking against the ceramic floor like gunfire. Her smile is painted on, polished and artificial. My stomach knots.

Grandpa smiles. "Isn’t that?—?"

"—Caroline," I mutter, my jaw clenched. "We went to school together."

"Tristan Silver recommended Ms. Gnatz," Grandpa says.

My blood turns to ice.Tristan sent her.

Not just a spy.

Awarning.

Caroline stops at the table. “Good morning, Mr. Waters.” Her smile widens as her gaze locks onto me. "Hello, Eric. It’s nice to see you again."

I shake her hand out of politeness, but every muscle in my body is screaming at me to run.

What the fuck are you doing here?I demand in my head.

Her fingers squeeze just a fraction too tightly, and she answers like she understands the question in my eyes. "I’m here to deliver a list of your grandfather’s updated assets," she says smoothly. But there’s a gleam in her eye, the same manipulative glint that ruined my career.

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