"Did you want to come inside and meet my aunt?"

He clenches the steering wheel. "Maybe another time. I'm going to hit the road so I can grab those steaks from the market. Let me know if you can't make it. We'll reschedule for another time."

"I told you I'd be there."

He peers out the window instead of looking at me. "Yeah, okay. I'll see you later then."

I take his phone out of the cup holder and leave my number. "Here. Now you know how to reach me."

His smile makes me want to stay in the car and follow him anywhere. "I'll see you soon."

"Yes, you will."

The third degree. That's what I get from Addy the moment she learns I'm back on the ranch. She shows up and barges in my room, asking questions before the door can shut behind her. "What the h.e.l.l was that last night, cuz? Did you know that guy?"

"I said I did."

"Enough to go home with him, because I know for a fact you didn't come here."

"We've been together before, if that's what you want to know. He's doing some work in town. When he saw me we reconnected. I spent the night at his house, and then he made me breakfast."

She rubs her hands together. "Breakfast? Is he a gentleman? Have you found your very own Wes?"

I toss a pillow at her. "Shut up, b.i.t.c.h," I say in a playful tone. "Cob is nothing like Wes." In my defense I don't know him well enough to determine that, though he is sort of displaying the same kind of qualities. "Cob. What kind of name is that?"

"A nickname, obviously. Just so you know, I'm seeing him again tonight."

"So we shouldn't wait up?" She snickers. "I thought you came here because you wanted to start over."

"I am."

"With someone from your past?"

"Possibly. He's not really that far in the past."

"I say go for it. He's a looker. I was impressed last night when I saw you with him. I don't think I would have come home either."

I smack her lightly. "You're terrible. You have Cole."

"I was only stating the obvious. He's very attractive." I don't know why this makes me feel threatened. If Addison Mitch.e.l.l is anything it's faithful to Cole.

"We're slowly getting to know each other."

"Slowly. You must have different definitions of slow where you come from." She nudges me as she says it.

"Whatever. It's complicated. I'm unsure if I like him. Okay, that's not true. I like him too much, but he has a reputation for bedding a lot of women. I need to be careful."

"Some people just screw. s.e.x is s.e.x."

"You're awful. Does Cole know you feel that way?"

"How do you think we first hooked up?" She giggles.

"Well how did you know you wanted more? When could you tell?"

She shrugs and plays with the fabric of a shirt I have hanging up. "I don't know. It just happened. I missed him when we weren't together. I was happier being with him than anywhere else. I think for me personally, it was getting over the forbidden part, and his past, who he was, and the blood that runs through his veins. I had to forgive him for keeping the truth from me. After that happened it was easy to admit my feelings."

"You make a great couple. It's obvious how much he loves you."

"One day I'll be his wife. Dad gave him permission. I thought I was dreaming when it happened. The family has finally gotten over the haunting grudge they held for the Chase family. Cole won't be a burden because of the family he was born into. He didn't ask to have their blood, so he shouldn't be punished because of their actions. What happened to my mother years ago was tragic and horrifying. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, especially her. I lost a little brother or sister because of it. But Cole never knew them. He's innocent. If my mom can love him, than I think it's safe to say my father can forgive him for being a small part of the reminder."

"You're getting really serious. I thought we were talking about my problems."

She laughs. "Sorry. Sometimes I just need to get it out. It's good to talk about our problems."

"I haven't had a good conversation for a while. Cammie used to be the person I called, but it's different now. I can't talk to her about my feelings. She doesn't understand. Sometimes I can't begin to understand why I got so hung up on Wes. I guess he was a crush I a.s.sumed I finally had a chance with. When I see him with Cammie it makes me happy to know they have each other. Does that make sense?"

"I guess. You are obviously trying to move on with your life. That hottie you left with last night must have been some help."

I snicker. "He was. Trust me."

"Good. You should bring him to dinner. I'm sure my dad and Noah would love to give him a hard time."

"Maybe another night. We've already made plans for this evening."

"Wow. You're seeing him again so soon. Is this something that could get serious? Are you considering hooking up with the womanizer?"

"I don't know if that's what he is. Maybe he's changed."

"How many guys do you know have changed?"

"I don't know of any."

"Because they don't. He either screws around, or he doesn't."

"I guess I'll be certain to prepare for the worst."

We sit and chat for nearly an hour before Addy leaves. By the time I charge my phone I notice I have an awaiting message from a number I don't recognize.

I'm sorry about this, but I have to cancel our dinner plans tonight. Something came up. I'll be in touch. Cob

Chapter 15.

Cob As soon as she began giving me directions I had a feeling where we were headed, though it wasn't until she verified the last name when I knew this whole ordeal just got a lot more complicated. I finally found a woman, who cannot only hold my interest, but makes me want something more than a fast f.u.c.k. It's unclear how this could play out in my favor, especially considering what my being here could mean for her family.

I'm used to communities coming together to try and stop roads from being developed in their small towns. It's normal for folks to not want huge changes, especially in places like this. They're set in their ways, conformed to a certain lifestyle that doesn't result in highways and interstates.

This is where I despise my job. It's where lines are crossed. I'm the enemy, and in this case in a terrible predicament. I want to see Callie again. Her eyes. d.a.m.n those green eyes make me crazy. The way she moves. Her defensive way of carrying herself. It's all appealing to me. She challenges me, and I can't refuse her.

Except now I kind of have to. I can't sit around and pretend everything is going to be okay. I can't have her over my house and get to know her more, because I'll want what she'll never be willing to give me. I've come to town to impose a road to be built through her precious families ranch, and there's nothing I can do to stop it. The paperwork has been signed and turned in. They've been served. Legally, it's up to the courts whether the government will be able to proceed, but for now I'm right smack in the middle. It's my name a.s.signed to the case.

Callie messages me back a little after I've told her we have to cancel our plans. I'm p.i.s.sed at the whole ordeal, but at least glad I got to spend time with her again, especially after the first encounter ended so quickly. She's one of a kind. I suppose I'm lucky to have gotten to be with her twice.

Already cancelling? Was it something I said? How about tomorrow? C I stare at the message for a few minutes contemplating what I can say to push her away, except I don't want to say anything at all. I'd prefer to keep the peace in case there is a chance that when this business is over I'll have an opportunity to see her again.

I don't want to cancel at all. It's work. I have to leave town and I'm not sure how long my trip will be. I'm sorry. Cob It's all I can say. If she thinks I'm gone it won't hurt her feelings or make her feel like it was her fault. I can already tell she's been through something traumatic, probably by a guy who didn't appreciate her the way she obviously deserves. I wish I could be the man who has a chance with her, because I've got a feeling she could change me.

Okay. Get in touch with me when you return. If not, thanks for everything, especially breakfast. Xoxo C I smile when I read her second message. For now I'm in the clear. I just have to stay home for a few days to avoid being seen. The town is too small for me to a.s.sume she won't run into me. I can't take chances.

Around seven I throw a steak on the grill with some corn. I no sooner finish cooking when I hear the bell ringing on my front door. It only takes me a couple seconds to make it inside from the opened deck and venture toward the entrance of the home. There's no sense of peeking out the small hole in the door to see who might be on the opposite side. I have a good idea already, so when I open it and find Callie I let out a sigh. I should have known she wouldn't trust me. "Callie, what're you doing here?"

"I had to see for myself if you were telling me the truth. Where is she?" She asks.

"What? Who?"

"The other woman you invited over instead of me."

Now I'm laughing. "That's what you think? You believe I have a slew of woman at my fingertips? You think I canceled our plans to be with another female?"

"Or male. I obviously don't know all your secrets," she says in a flippant way.

I'm trying not to chuckle. Nothing about this is funny, but the fact that she a.s.sumes it's another woman entertains me. "There's no one else coming over."

When she turns to look at me I can tell she seems hurt. "Why then? Did you suddenly decide I wasn't worth your time?"

"It's not about you."

Her hands are waving around. "Oh, wow. It's not me it's you. Do people still say that?"

"No seriously, it's more complicated."

"Explain it to me, because I'm tired of being the last person to know the truth. You have no idea what I've been through this year, why I've moved away from my family. You can't begin to know how it feels to be betrayed by the people you care about. Now this." She pauses for a second and smiles, but not because she's happy. I think in some ways she might be having a nervous breakdown. "Lys told me to be careful. She said you were bad for me. I guess she knew you couldn't be honest with me. We had s.e.x. That's all this was, right? I've read too much into it, like I always do."

I try to take her hands, but she pulls them away. "Callie, what you're saying might have been the truth a long time ago. You're wrong though, at least where you're concerned. Look, I have no idea what you've been through. That much is true. What I do know is that I want to see you again. I wish I didn't, because this would be so much easier, but I can't deny it, not when you're this distraught." I give a second attempt at capturing her hands, and this time she allows it. "Your family. I can't continue to see you because they'd never approve."

"I don't understand."

Of course she wouldn't. "Callie, I hate to tell you this, but the reason I'm here is because the state wants to put a road through part of your uncle's ranch. I didn't know you were related until I had to take you home this morning. Like I said before, I'd like to get to know you better, but I'm afraid your opinion of me is going to change in the near future."

"Build it somewhere else," she suggests. "There has to be a secondary plan."

I shrug. "The paperwork is submitted with the government. There will be an official hearing for the town people to address their concerns. Your uncle has already contacted his attorney."

"How much of his land?" She asks. "How bad is it?"

I'm quiet as I answer. "It's about forty acres. He'll be compensated accordingly, but only if he signs off on the plans."

"How many other farmers will this affect?"

"Thirteen individually owned properties. Most have already taken the monetary offers."

"My uncle Colt won't give up the land."

"He has plenty. What will forty acres hurt? It's on the furthest part of his property."

"That land was owned by his father. I'm telling you right now, he'd rather die than let the government come in and build on it." She walks away from me and covers her face with her hands. "This can't be happening."

"I wanted to tell you this morning, but we were both coming down from such a great time. I thought I'd be able to make it work without you finding out, but it's only a matter of time."

"I appreciate that you're telling me now."

"If the circ.u.mstances were different I'd want to see you again, Callie. There's no one else I'd rather spend my time with in this town."

She nods as she turns to face me. "It's just a job right? You didn't go after my uncle because of a vendetta. You're only doing your job."

"Yeah. What are you getting at?"

"Do you still want to see me, Cob? If you had a choice, would you want to get to know me?"

"I would." It's not a trick question. If she has me this hard up already I know she'll be worth the effort. "I've yet to come across another woman who captures my interest the way you do."

"Then it's settled. I came to Kentucky to start over, and somehow I found you instead. Maybe it's a coincidence, but if it isn't, if there's a chance this is the direction I need to take, I'm not about to let your job get in the way. I like you. I'm telling you this because I have nothing to lose when it comes to my dignity. I've slept with you, not on one occasion, but twice. I enjoy your company, and would like to get to know you. If you don't find me just as interesting I'll walk back out that door and stand by my family as they fight to keep their land. I'm tired of watching everyone else find happiness while I sit on the sidelines. If I want to be friends with someone it should be my choice. You can't make that determination for me in a text message."

I offer her a seat on the couch and take the s.p.a.ce across from her on a chair. "You're right. I only did it because I refuse to come between you and your family, and I know they'd never approve. People don't see that I'm a normal person. I'm the enemy, because I deliver the bad news. The messenger is always the enemy."

"We don't know each other." She announces. "That much is true. Let me fill you in on something. I'm a family person. I was raised that blood is more important than anything else in this life. For my entire life that's been drilled into my mind. Last year I fell in love with a man, and soon after I discovered that he was in love with my sister. This wasn't a stranger. It was someone I've known my entire life. The people I've been taught to stand behind have betrayed me. Now, I'm not saying my family here will do that to me again, but I'm tired of people dictating what I can and can't do. If I want to be mad, I'll be mad. If I want to hate someone, I don't need someone telling me it's wrong. If I want to spend the night with a man who I find interesting, I'm going to do it. I'm not a child. My daddy doesn't have a say in my life anymore."

I don't know what to say. She's summed it up nicely. While rubbing the thighs of my pants I ask one question. "How do you like your steak cooked?"

"Medium rare," she replies with a smile.

I stand and extend my hand for her to take. When she does, I pull her into my arms. "You're determination is so f.u.c.king s.e.xy."

"Apologize," she orders.

"I'm sorry."

"For what," she inquires.

"For telling you a lie. For a.s.suming it was better if I walked away."

"What my family doesn't know won't hurt them. Let's make that clear right now. I want to be selfish for once."