Page 57 of Red Hot Rancher

“And then what?”

“I don’t know. Move back when I get a job?”

“And us?” His anger was rising. Cold descended over him and he was transported back to that frigid wait for a mom who never came.

“I mean… I thought you’d understand.”

“I think I understand all too well.”

Just a few hours ago, he wouldn’t have believed it either. But he was done waiting on people who only took from him.

“It wouldn’t be for forever. I figured it out. I could pay them back, and in a few years, I could move back.” She rushed on as if she sensed his walls going up. “We can do long-distance. Won’t you wait for me?”

The word wait triggered his temper. “I waited for you for ten years, Brigit. I waited while you were in serious relationships with other men, and I waited while you lived the city life you thought you should have. I’ve done nothing but wait. I’m done waiting.”

“Caleb, I don’t understand—”

“I’m done waiting on people who can’t be bothered with me. You didn’t even ask if I could come with. My job is versatile. But just like in the Cities, you couldn’t stand to be seen with me.” The burn of shame didn’t temper his ire.

“What are you talking about? I wanted to enjoy my time with you and not shout over the crowd. I wanted to go home with you.”

“And you made sure that happened the second your interview was done.”

Her silence on the other end was excruciating. “You know that’s not how I think of you. You’re important to me.”

“Right. Just not enough.”

She dragged in a breath he felt down to his toes. “I would think that a man who claims to love me would understand this situation. Or is it something else? Is the reality of me different than the fantasy and now you’re pissed? We’re not kids anymore with the luxury to dream about what we want to be when we grow up. I’m sorry I hurt you before, but this is totally different.”

“No, it’s not. It’s just another tether your mom is using to get you to do her bidding.”

“For fuck’s sake, Caleb. She’s not the wicked witch of the west. She’s working. Everyday. And sometimes weekends. She’s not sitting out here plotting how to break us up.”

“Turns out she didn’t have to,” he snapped. This wasn’t the conversation he’d thought he’d have tonight. This wasn’t how he’d thought things would end between them. And for so long, he’d been sure they’d end. Their fling was temporary, and he’d gone in with eyes wide open. And hope. Always hope.

But then so much of his life had turned out better than he could’ve ever expected. He couldn’t have it all, and he should’ve known that he and Brigit were never meant to be.

No matter how right it felt when he was with her.

Chapter 16

It was only the beginning of March. She started work tomorrow. A new job. The position she’d flown to Arizona to apply for. Her work outfits were purchased—all discount or on sale and from her own meager savings that she’d built working for Justin.

Forty- to fifty-hour workweeks. Benefits. Cubicles. Concrete. Ugh.

Justin said a winter storm was winding down. The sheep were okay and weren’t lambing yet, but the temperature was still below zero with winds that could “shear the sheep itself.”

If she were at home, she’d curse every time she had to go outside, but there was that slight rush of adrenaline. The thrill of getting her duties done in extreme conditions. The end-of-the-day feeling of accomplishment and the delicious fatigue in her body from using it for what she’d been born to do.

Brigit sat on her bed and tucked the phone to her ear. She called Justin one last time before the hectic week started. Never mind that she was incredibly homesick.

“A buyer came down from Fergus Falls and grabbed the entire dining room set, even that heavy-ass hutch.” Justin had graciously offered to sell off the heavy furniture that was more her mom’s taste than anyone else’s in the family.

“Thanks. You can send the money to Mom and Dad.”

The bedroom set and living room pieces had already been sold. Only her clothing was left, and much of it she didn’t fit into anyway. It was in a size she never planned to attain again, and she’d given Justin her blessing to donate it. All of it.

“I posted the wall decor.”

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