Page 69 of Wild & Worthy

“It’s a business arrangement,” he says before turning his attention back to Addie. “It works out pretty well for Walker. He gets to play cowboy again without needing to have the money to bankroll it himself.”

I thought I knew what Addie looked like when she wanted to murder someone, but boy, was I wrong. The look she gives Cole now is pure, unfiltered hatred.

“Chace is a grown-ass man and can make his own stupid decisions, but that does not mean you own him. Do you understand me, Cole Maddox?”

His eyebrows rise. “I didn’t realize Walker’s business had become yours.”

“Seems as though you just intentionally made it my business.” She steps even closer now, staring him directly in the eyes. “And whatever is happening between Chace and me is none of your fucking business. So if you think you can use me to get something from him, hold something over his head, or even bring my name into whatever arrangement the two of you have, don’t.”

She glances over at me before turning back to Cole. “One last thing. I may not hold much clout, but you forget I grew up at the Ashford Ridge fairgrounds. I know people too, Cole. You want to know the difference between me and everyone else? You have nothing to hold over me that I care enough about losing to stay quiet when it comes to the people I care about. So whatever fucking thing you and Chace have going on stays between you and Chace.” She takes a step back. “Do we understand each other?”

I don’t know if it’s because of what she said, whether he even gives a shit about the threat, or what, but Cole only tips his hat.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Great. That’s settled then. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a horse to load.”

As she turns to walk away, I grab her arm. “Let me help.”

She pulls out of my grasp and glares up at me. “Don’t bother.” Then she shoves past me, shoulder catching mine as she stalks toward the stables.

I watch her walk away until Cole lets out a low whistle beside me.

“Well, damn, Walker. You sure got your hands full with that one.”

Boy, don’t I know it.

Chapter twenty-five

Chace

Iglance over at Addie from the driver’s seat for what is probably the hundredth time in the last two hours.

By the time I caught up with her at the stables, she already had Dusty loaded and was sitting in the passenger seat, earbuds in, and flipping through pictures on her camera. I’ve spent enough time on the road with her over the last month to know that when the earbuds go in, she wants to be left alone. And for the last two hours, that’s exactly how she’s kept it. Earbuds in, scrolling through her phone, and barely more than a few words spoken. She hasn't said a word to me about Cole, and I have no idea what she’s thinking about any of it.

I glance in my mirrors long enough to make sure no one is behind me before taking a wide turn into the stable entrance where we’re dropping Dusty off for the next couple of nights.

Once I’m parked, I tap her shoulder. “We’re here.”

She’s removing her earbuds when I look back at her. “You sure you still want to drop him off? We can drive straight through to Casper if you want.” I look back through the windshield and let out a slow breath. It’s not what I want, but if it’s what she wants, so be it. “I can set the tent up in the dark.”

When I look back, she holds my gaze for what feels like an eternity before sighing, reaching for the door, and jumping down. “No, this is good. We can stick to the plan.” Then she slams the door in my face before I can say anything else.

Okay then. She’s still pissed. Noted.

I should be the man and just bring it up myself. I know that’s what I should do. But doing that means telling her why I’m taking money from Cole. Why I can’t afford the entry fees myself, and why I need the money in the first place. I need to tell her. I’m just not sure how to.

It ends up taking us over an hour to get Dusty settled into a stall and comfortable enough for Addie to feel good about leaving him. You’d think he was her damn kid by the way she tears up as we pull out of the driveway, which only serves to make me feel like even more of an asshole. “We can still go back,” I give her another chance for an out.

“No. I’m fine. I just don’t like trusting him to other people, that’s all.” She turns back to look out the window without another word.

Fuck me. I just want to reach over and pull her legs across mine, feel her soft skin under my palm, and apologize the only way I know how. But one glance at her and it’s pretty damn clear, she still doesn’t want me near her, let alone touching her.

“What’s for dinner?” she asks.

Well, shit. First time she’s addressed me first all evening. I take the opportunity like a kid who’s finally been let back into his mother’s good graces, taking my eyes off the road long enough to shoot her a half grin. “I’ve reserved us the finest table McDonald’s has to offer.”

“You’re so classy, Walker.” She snorts, and for half a second, I think I might actually be getting somewhere. “Sounds good. I’m exhausted. Long day.” Then she turns back toward the window, shutting down any hope I had of keeping the conversation going.