Page 41 of Wild For You

She laughs, but the sound is choked, forced. “You can’t be serious.”

“Do I look like someone who’s joking?” My gaze is cold and adamant. “I will let you help me if you let me be your boss. I want this to be my decision, not because my father wants it.”

She laughs again. Then she nods. “Of course. I can most certainly do that as long as you agree to let me aid you in your recovery. After all, I have a reputation to maintain.”

“On my terms. I decide when and where. I’ll ask for help when I want it, not when you or others think I need it. I’ll choose the time and the place for therapy.”

“Sure. As long as you push yourself. Every single day. And I mean it, Cash. I’ll have to insist that we work every single day. I don’t like slacking off.” Her eyes are two mirrors of stealth, fighting with everything they’ve got. She’s not a quitter; I can see that much. She’s not going to try and please me. And I’m sure she won’t go easy on me. I can’t help but wonder what it’d be like to deviate from my usual prey into unknown territory. Have someone like her in my bed—someone as determined and demanding as I am.

I regard her for a few moments as it dawns on me that Kellan might be onto something. Maybe my father has done me a favor by hiring someone like Erin Stone. Admittedly, my recovery hasn’t seen much progress in the few months since the accident. Maybe having a bit of a challenge right before my eyes is all I need to get back into both the bull riding and the horizontal game.

Get back into the saddle.

Have a woman warm my bed on the way there.

It’s a simple recipe for success. One as old as time.

“I’m not into slacking, either,” I say eventually. “In fact, I work hard to please.”

Erin narrows her eyes at me, apparently unsure what to think of my remark. I shoot her a lopsided smile and progress to stand, groaning as the pang of pain hits me harder than before, making me sway.

This time she doesn’t try to steady me.

I know she wants to, but I wouldn’t let her.

I need to be in control for a change.

“Erin, one more thing.” I turn to regard her. “No fraternizing with the Boyd family. Ryder, in particular. I don’t condone my employees hooking up with members of my family.”

Her jaw drops open for a second before a flash of anger shimmers in her eyes. Her cheeks turn a bright shade of red. “I wasn’t going to. I’m not a slut, Cash. And frankly—”

“I’m glad we’ve cleared that up,” I cut her off. “I expect you in my living room at 8 a.m. sharp.”

“But your birthday…?”

“Is none of your business.” With that I turn to leave.

“Cash?” The sudden softness in her tone makes me stop. I don’t turn to look at her. “Thank you,” she whispers.

“Don’t thank me yet.” I tip my head, then proceed walking.

Her gaze is burning a hole in my back as I stumble away on my crutches, hating the fact that I’m so damn helpless.

Hating the fact that I’m walking away when I should be staying.

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