Page 68 of Taming the Billionaire Cowboy
My heartbeat picks up, and I almost stumble over my own feet as I rush inside.
There he is. Oliver, his back turned to me as he methodically brushes down Sergeant, one of our most temperamental horses. He’s wearing worn jeans and a simple white T-shirt that stretches across his shoulders as he moves.
“Oliver?” My voice comes out choked, strangled with emotions I’ve been suppressing for days.
He turns, and our eyes lock, the brush hanging forgotten in his hand. “Carly.”
Just my name. That’s all he says, but there’s so much in it. His eyes are tired, dark circles underneath them, but they light up when they meet mine. A moment of silence stretches between us, pregnant with unspoken words.
“What are you doing here?” I finally manage, trying to keep my voice steady. “I thought you were back in Houston, sealing the deal of the century.”
He sets the brush down, gives Sergeant one last pat and then steps toward me. “I saw a job ad in town. Figured I might apply for the ranch hand position here.”
I blink at him, thoughts racing a mile a minute. “What?”
Is this some kind of joke? Because if he’s here to mess with me —
“I quit,” he says simply. “Well, not entirely. I stepped down as CEO. Kept some shares, but I’m no longer in charge of day-to-day operations.”
I stare at him, unable to process what he’s saying. “You… quit? But your company?—”
“I had a revelation,” he says, taking another step toward me. “I was sitting in this sterile conference room, surrounded by people in expensive suits, and I realized something.” He pauses, his eyes never leaving mine. “I was miserable. Absolutely miserable.”
“But—”
“No, let me finish,” he interrupts gently. “My whole life, I’ve been running. Running from poverty, running from failure, running toward success. And when I finally got it all, I just kept running because I didn’t know how to stop. Then I came here, met you and Bradley, and for the first time, I felt like I could slow down. Breathe.”
My throat tightens. “Oliver?—”
“I made a mistake, Carly. I should never have left. Or I should have come back sooner. But I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me to go.”
I cross my arms, trying to shield my heart despite how it’s leaping in my chest. “And what happens when you get bored of playing cowboy? When you miss your fancy penthouse and corporate jet?”
He steps closer, close enough that I can smell his scent — the one that makes my stomach flip even now. “I won’t miss anyof it. Not for a second. The only things I’ve missed are you and Bradley.”
“How do I know you won’t leave again?” My voice wavers despite my best efforts.
“Because I’ve spent my whole life chasing things I thought would make me happy,” he says softly. “Money, success, power. None of it compares to what I found here. With you.”
I want to believe him. God, I want to. But I’ve been burned before. “And your company? Your legacy?”
“Still there,” he admits. “I’m still an investor, still on the board. But Dave’s taking over as CEO. He’s been wanting it for years, and honestly, he’ll probably do a better job than I have lately. My head and heart haven’t been in it.” He reaches for my hand, and I let him take it. “They’ve been here.”
His fingers are rough now, calloused from the weeks of ranch work. Before, they were smooth, corporate hands. The change somehow makes what he’s saying feel more real.
“I signed the papers yesterday,” he continues. “Flew back this morning. Came straight here.” He gestures around. “If you’ll have me, I’d like to stay. Help you run this place. Be with you and Bradley.”
My heart is pounding so loudly I’m sure he can hear it. “And what if it doesn’t work out? What if this is just a phase?”
“It’s not,” he says firmly. “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. I’ve never felt more myself than I do when I’m with you.”
I search his face for any sign of doubt, any hint that he might regret this decision, but all I see is determination. And something else — something that makes my pulse quicken.
“What are you saying, Oliver?” I need to hear him say it.
“I’m saying I love you, Carly.” The words come out strong, confident. “I’m saying I want to build a life with you and Bradley. Right here.”
My breath catches. Those three words. I’ve been waiting to hear them, afraid to hope for them.
