Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
I shake my head. “No, I think we’re good.”
He nods, smiling. “How’s your dad?” Before I can answer, he continues, “I haven’t seen him in a long time. I should come over and see him. Maybe I can take you out to dinner or something afterward.”
I know I look like a fish as my mouth opens, closes, and opens again. Speechless, I’m about to stutter something when Cole holds his hand out. “You can shut that shit down right now.”
Jake starts to laugh and pats Cole on the shoulder. “It’s all right there, big brother. I’ll have her home by midnight.”
Jake goes to take a step toward me, and Cole moves in front of him. “I’m not her brother, and you won’t be taking her out.”
They both are tense, staring at one another. I’ve never in my life been in a situation like this so I just stand here, not knowing what to say. All I do know is that Cole is pissed. I reach for him, putting a hand to his back. He turns and looks over his shoulder at me. He glares as if he’s pissed off at the world, but when he sees my crestfallen face, his features soften.
Cole
I don’t want to scare Sassy. It’s obvious she doesn’t know what to think with Jake and me squared off against one another. I try to smile at her, but I’m sure I look more like I’m grimacing than anything.
But there’s no way I’m going to stand by and let him think he has a chance with Sassy because he doesn’t. Not a chance in hell.
I take a step toward Sassy and thank God she doesn’t back away. I put one arm over her shoulder and glare at Jake. “You won’t be taking her out, Jake, and I’ll tell you why. You’re asking to take my wife out on a date, and you should know me well enough to know that I don’t share.”
Jake and Sassy both gasp. I’m sure I’ve surprised Sassy. We haven’t talked about the marriage or anything, but I’m sure she didn’t expect me to announce it to anyone either. I’m a little surprised myself, but there’s no way I’m going to let people think that she’s free because she’s not. She’s mine.
Jake looks between Sassy and me. “Are you sure you’re married? Because Sassy even looks surprised.”
Fuck, I should have just punched his ass and been done with it. He may be my foreman, but I don’t put up with shit from anyone. “Yes, she knows we’re married, and I know if I catch you looking at my wife again like you did a minute ago that you’ll be looking for another job.”
Sassy turns in my arms and puts her hand on my waist. “Cole, don’t...”
I look down at her. “Sorry, honey, that’s the way it is. Before he didn’t know, so I’m giving him a pass. But now he does, and if he looks at you or even thinks of asking to spend time with you, then he’ll be buried six feet under on this ranch somewhere.”
Her eyes widen, and she blinks up at me. I force my gaze away from her and give a challenging look to Jake. “Are we clear, Jake?”
Jake’s not happy about it, and I can’t say I blame him. But it is what it is. He holds his hands up. “Yeah, sure, man, we’re clear. Congratulations, I guess. I’m going to head into town.”
I nod and watch him walk away. Sassy is still standing under my arm, her hand on my waist, and I release her. She groans and puts her head in her hands. “The whole town will know we’re married by this evening, Cole.”
I shrug my shoulders. “So what?”
She shakes her head, and by the look on her face, I know what she’s going to say. I hold my hand up. “Think about it, Sass. If you’re about to say anything to me about money, stop now. I don’t want to hear it.”
“No, it’s not that. I’m just confused, that’s all.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Confused about what?”
“You obviously don’t want to be married to me.”
My arms tighten across my chest. “Why would you say that?”
She laughs and does a cute little snort. “Uh, because you didn’t ask me to marry you. You felt obligated because of”—she pauses and looks around to make sure no one is within earshot—“the auction. And well, now you’re telling people that we’re married.”
I shrug. “I think I told you once before that I never do things I don’t want to do.”
She throws her hands up in the air. “Fine, then whatever. If you’re not going to take...” Her voice trails off when I give her the look. The one that says if she mentions money again I’m going to lay her over my lap and spank her pretty ass. “if we’re going to do this then I need to start doing some wifely duties.”