Page 97 of Soldier Cowboy
She blinked. “They are?”
She honestly didn’t seem to have any idea.
“Well, yeah.”
“Then why don’t you tell me how they’re different. Because it seems like you can’twaitto get rid of me.”
“What in the hell gave you that idea? The minute I asked you to stay and say goodbye to everyone before you go? If I had ever for one second wanted you out of here, you’dbeout.”
“No, I wouldn’t. You can’t do that because of my father. He’s your mentor and you owe him a lot. Now, he owes you big time. I’d take advantage of that if I were you.”
“Is that what you think? You think I’m the dutiful soldier not making waves with his superior?” He stepped closer to her, still holding the ring in his palm, so tightly he might draw blood.
“Well, aren’t you?”
“No.I left the service and I have no obligations to anyone other than myself, my family, and the ranch.”
“Iknow. But you were forced to fit me into your plans.”
“Wrong again, I didn’thaveto do anything. I don’t take orders anymore. From anyone. That part of my life is over. I was very close to telling your father no. That I just couldn’t help this time around.”
“And then he said ‘please.’ I was there and I remember. He never says please.”
“That’s not why I said yes.”
“No? Why, then?”
“I had to say yes when you walked into the room. Because you…”
He didn’t have words for more because the feelings were too big.
“I walked into the room, and…”
Right. He should probably complete that thought. It was like peeling back his skin, that’s what this was like. Not that simple.
“Oh my God, how did I fall in love with a man who can’t talk?”
Wait. What? She was in love with him?
“What did you say?”
“You heard me.” She lowered her head and seemed to be fighting a smile.
“I think I did but you don’t sound happy about it.”
“That’s because it’s hard to feel the way I do about you and even think about leaving. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do when I go back to LA. Because everything is different, and it will never be the same. Not without you. I’m going to miss your surly attitude and the way you think cooking is art. I’ll miss watching you walk with Freya, not riding her because you think she’s too old and you want her last days to be good ones. I’m going to miss the way you hang on to me every night like you’re afraid I’m going to take off.”
“Did it ever occur to you that’sexactlywhat I’m afraid of?” Colton took another step toward her.
She lowered her gaze and shook her head. “You’ll be fine without me.”
“No, I won’t be.” He tugged her into his arms and pressed his forehead to hers. “Here’s what happened. You walked into the room, and I fell in love. Just like that. And every single day I spent with you I fell more in love with you. Even when you annoyed the hell out of me, I loved you. That’s what happened. I know it doesn’t make any sense, but it’s all I’ve got.”
“That’s everything.” She smiled up at him. “All I need.”
“Except for this.” He pulled back to open his hand and show her the ring.
“But it’s not that simple, is it? We lied to everyone. It wasn’t real.”
