Page 43 of Taming the Billionaire Cowboy
“Glad to hear we’ve got you embracing the authentic ranch experience.” She gives me a warm smile before turning her attention back to Bradley, who is pointing out the different parade floats.
The floats continue to pass by, and Carly stays close to my side. I don’t know what she’s told her family about me, but judgingfrom the way they keep glancing my way, they know that I’m more than just her boss.
My chest swells with pride. I want to be so must more than just her boss, so much more than just another guy. I know it’s early, but I already know I can’t walk away from what we have, from what we’re growing — both with the ranch and between the two of us.
The sun is nearly fully set. The parade is over, but no one is moving to leave. “Isn’t that it?” I ask.
“Now the fireworks!” Bradley shouts.
Carly nods in confirmation. “Now there are fireworks.”
The fireworks go up, bangs and sparks through the evening sky.
“I want one of those,” Bradley says, and Carly and I both laugh.
“You want everything,” Carly says, looking at him with a fond smile.
My chest feels full of every wish, every spark, every possible thing. “Me too,” I tell her.
CHAPTER 19
CARLY
Stepping into Ramblin’ Roses, the familiar smell of polish and gin greets me. It’s still early - the bar’s not open yet - but Oliver and I finished everything around the ranch in record time, and I didn’t want to keep Bradley waiting longer than he had to, so I figured I would pick him up and take him to a movie. Oliver has some computer work to do, anyway. Not that I’m planning my schedule around his.
Or, at least, not I’m trying not to.
“Carly,” my aunt calls. “Over here!”
“Hey, Mom,” I say, squeezing past stacks of new glassware and bags of lemons. “Hey, Aunt Gina. Where’s Bradley?”
“In the back, drawing.” My mom moves a pile of boxes, trying to make room for me. “How you doing, honey?”
“I’m okay.” I glance around, taking it all in, realizing how strange it feels to be here after so much time on the ranch.
I haven’t worked at the bar in weeks, and I would be lying if I said I missed it. I much prefer the company of animals to people. Well… except for a select few people.
“You’re more than okay,” Gina says. “Looks like a certain newbie cowboy brightened you up. Even if you’re not saying so.”
My face warms and part of me wants to spill everything — I already have with Ferris — but another part feels that even mentioning my good fortune will jinx it. “You’re one to talk,” I tease, instead. “Who was that guy you were with last week?”
“Oh, don’t change the subject,” she says, laughing. “Everyone in town knows about you two.”
“And everyone is saying he’s a real-life billionaire,” my mom adds. “Well, everyone but me.”
“It’s not what you think,” I say, but I’m not sure I believe it. I want to think it is, and that’s what scares me most.
They both raise their eyebrows like they’re just waiting to see how long I can go on lying to myself. Like they already know it’s not long at all.
“You know how rumors are in this town,” I say. “He bought the ranch. We’re working together. That’s all.”
“So serious, huh?” Aunt Gina teases. “Well, I’m glad to see it’s not just business, even if you won’t admit it.”
“You two were cute at the Fourth of July parade,” my mom says.
I think about that afternoon, how easy it was to be together. I didn’t expect that. I didn’t expect any of it.
The memory softens me, makes me want to be honest. Makes me want to stop pretending.
