Page 88 of Mister Cowboy
“Yeah, I read the whole damn thing searching for answers or advice,” he looked down at the baby in his arms. “I’m not sure what I hoped it’d say.”
“You’re welcome.”
She stepped toward the door again.
“I’m selling the ranch to Henry. He’s staying in Denver for good. I’m throwing him a birthday party tomorrow night. He doesn’t know a lot of people…so, I thought it might be fun to introduce him around. Will you come? Bring Michael, too, if you want.”
“What about Nadia?”
His face hardened. “She won’t be there. I was wrong about her. About you. About it all. I shouldn’t have pushed you away. Will you come?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea, Brecken.” She wanted to say yes. She almost had before he’d even finished asking her, but the longer he talked, the more uncertain she was.
“Because?”
His face looked hopeful and youthful.
She let out a deep breath. “Because you hurt me, and it still hurts every time I see you.”
He nodded. “Just think about it?”
“Where are you going?”
“Sensual.” He grinned, and her face warmed at the memory. It felt like a lifetime ago that they’d been there celebrating her birthday.
“I’ll think about it.”
The voices in her head screamed, telling her to tell him to go to hell. But her heart, the masochist, was ready to jump back in, damn the pain that would surely follow.
* * *
“This was a mistake,” she hissed as she pulled on the hem of her silk dress.
“Come on. You’re going to settle things one way or another tonight. Keep moving.” Michael pushed forward, running into the back of her and forcing her forward.
Walking up the stairs to the very same VIP area they’d sat in only a few weeks earlier, breathing became difficult and her chest tightened. Surely, she could still turn back?
Reaching the top step, her heart beat rapidly at the scene before her. Brecken sat back in a large loveseat, one navy-clad leg was crossed at the ankle over the other. He chuckled heartily, and the white shirt tightened slightly with each one of his breaths.
Henry sat across from him, arms moving animatedly and a big grin on his face as he spoke to the room. She gaped at Tina, not recognizing her at first glance since the woman was wearing a red dress and silver pumps. Victor and a few other men January recognized from the ranch sat around the circle, each one smiling and looking as if they were having a great time.
She stood frozen in place. Michael moved around her, pulling Carrie with him by the hand. “Hey, guys,” Michael said, reaching a hand out to Brecken.
Brecken stood, his eyes briefly meeting Michael’s before drifting to hers. He shook hands with Michael and then Carrie, nodding and smiling politely at her, all while January stood unable to move.
“January!” Henry hollered across the room and waved her over with a hand.
Her feet finally cooperated, and she walked toward Henry and took a seat. His blonde hair fell forward into his face, which was flushed with a contagious excitement. “I’m so glad you made it,” he said, wrapping her in an unexpected hug. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“And me you.”
“Uh-oh, don’t look now, but little brother is about to rip my hands from my body,” he whispered, pulling back.
She turned to find Brecken taking his seat across from them, his gaze intense and laser focused on her.
Henry nudged her arm playfully. “I told you not to look.”
She laughed and snapped her attention back to Henry. “I heard you’re back for good and taking over the ranch.”
