Page 67 of Taming the Billionaire Cowboy
For the first time, I see that it might not be worth it.
“I’ve failed you,” I whisper.
“What?” She blinks.
“I’ve set a poor example for you. All I do is work?—”
“You took that vacation.”
I shake my head and look away, not wanting to talk about the little vacation that turned into the best month of my life… a new, happier life that I threw away.
“Yeah,” I agree. “And now I’m… back.”
Back to work, back to Houston, back to isolation. Back to endless days and nights of anxiety. Back to old habits that will eventually break me.
She’s quiet for a long moment, and when I look at her, I see her gaze lowered, fingers playing with the crystal chain hanging around her neck.
“Go home, Marie,” I tell her, weariness seeping into my voice. “Take the rest of the day off. Soon, you’ll be too old to enjoy your youth.”
It’s a poor choice of words, and I know it.
“There’s too much to be done. I have to?—”
“Don’t argue with me on this,” I interrupt her. “Please.”
“Okay,” she says after a moment of hesitation. “Call me if?—”
“I won’t. You have the day off. See you tomorrow.” I give her a hard look to tell her I mean business.
With that, she leaves my office, allowing the silence to envelop me once more. I made a mistake, didn’t I?
When Dave said they needed me back in the office, I felt like I had no other choice. Like my hands were tied. Yes, I was also excited about the possibility of such a big deal coming back to life, but I really believed there was no option. This is my company. My life’s work.
But I did have a choice. I could have not come at all. Or I could have only stayed a day or two like I’d told Carly I would.
I rub at my temples, trying to quell the headache that’s been creeping in all day. I feel trapped, cornered by the expectationsand demands of being a CEO. The lines have blurred between who I am and who I need to be for the company.
And, lost in it all, I made a mistake.
But maybe… just maybe… it’s not too late to fix things.
CHAPTER 29
CARLY
The morning air has that crisp feeling that promises to lead to a scorching afternoon. I breathe it in deeply as I step out of my truck, letting the familiar scents of hay, manure, and sage wash over me. My new ranch. I still can’t believe it sometimes.
Bradley was extra clingy this morning, not wanting to go to the first day of school. “But Mom, what if Oliver calls today? I want to talk to him,” he’d said with those big brown eyes, making my heart twist.
I had to lie, telling him Oliver was probably too busy. The truth is I haven’t heard from him in days, not since that cold conversation where he practically threw the ranch deed at me and walked out of our lives.
I can’t think about him. Not now. Not ever.
I’m moving on. Even if it kills me.
Taking a deep breath, I head towards the morning’s work. Miles has already been here and left for the day, taking the first half shift by feeding all the animals.
As I reach the stable, I hear quiet movement inside. Someone humming softly. But it’s not just anyone. I’d know that voice anywhere, even after just a few weeks.
