Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 73664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
My spine stiffens at his cut-and-dried decision making when it comes to my life. My friends. My…lover.
I do work at Bridger Ranch and I’ll continue as long as I wish. My father doesn’t own me. I’ve spent enough time with men having power over me, and I’m done. Of course, unlike the others in the past, he means well, but that somehow makes it worse.
I feel smothered. Suffocated instead of free.
If Dad knew about what I’ve already done and shared with Austin, he’d probably have a stroke. He’d probably even try to ground me like I was sixteen. I might be his daughter, but I’m not his little girl any longer. I can decide for myself who’s good and who’s bad. I’ve certainly had enough experience with that.
I let out a sigh and try to get through to him one more time. I don’t want to choose, but I might have to. “Just tell me, Dad. What did their father do, other than pay you less than what your property was worth?”
His dark eyes flick to mine. “You won’t understand.”
“Seriously?” I shake my head. “Last time I checked I was a college graduate and I got into vet school, which is highly selective. You saw my test scores. Don’t patronize me like that.”
His gaze softens. “You’re an intelligent gi—”
I glare at him.
He clears his throat. “Young woman.”
“I’m twenty-seven years old. You were married and had me by that age,” I remind him.
“You’re still healing. This isn’t something you need to concern yourself with. And the Bridgers—the ranch and the men—are bad for you.”
I groan. I know bad men much better than my father does. “Jesus, Dad. What if I want to get involved in what you’re accusing them of? To know what’s going on with my own family, with my employers?” With Austin. “Can’t I make my own opinions?” With Austin.
He wrinkles his forehead. “Why would you want to get into the mess? You need calm, not stress. I’m going to find you another position without any complications. The Bridgers don’t need to be part of your life.”
Like Austin Bridger—who stood there like a statue, eyeing me with the same confusion I felt. The same need.
What did I expect from Austin during that confrontation? He never even knew his father. He couldn’t say anything. Did he even have anything to share? He told me he’d never met his dad before, never been to the ranch before last week and that he’s only here now because of the will. Because Jonathan Bridger bequeathed it.
I bite my lower lip, thinking back. I wasn’t fair, pleading with my eyes at him the way I did. There was nothing he could do. If he had spoken up, what would he have said? Or done? If he acknowledged knowing me, even in passing on the ranch, he might have given us away. Chance would be pissed. My dad would be more than pissed.
I don’t want to be a dirty secret, but I also don’t want to be told what to do. Who to see. Who to care for.
“All right, sweetheart. We’ll talk, but later. The monthly city council meeting is tonight and I have to prepare.”
“Tomorrow morning then?”
“Yes,” he relents, his shoulder relaxing. “At breakfast.”
It will have to do. In the meantime, I have someone else to deal with. Someone who makes my heart race and my pussy clench. The last time I talked to Austin, he had his hands on my breasts. I want that again, and more.
Because the one thing I’ve been sure about lately is Austin. And me. And while I know what’s happening between us was fast, that I barely know him, I’m not letting fear stop me. The one orgasm he gave me was like a drug. I want more. Need it.
Crave it.
And that was his fingers. I ache for what he could do with his mouth and his dick. I’m finding satisfaction from a man, just as Dr. Lake suggested.
For the first time in ages, I want something. And I’m going to get it. Doctor sanctioned, too.
I rise, lean forward across his desk, and give him a quick kiss on his cheek. “Thanks, Daddy.”
I leave his office, stride down the hallway, say a quick goodbye to Doris, and exit the building.
I’m going to go to Bridger Ranch, and not to work. I want something.
Dick.
I want it and the only one who can give it to me is Austin—a family enemy.
15
AUSTIN
* * *
“Have a seat,” Shankle says.
Interesting. It’s our huge-ass house, and he’s telling us to have a seat.
But Chance obeys him as if the lawyer has him under some kind of thrall.
Miles and I look at each other. He shrugs. I shrug back.
Then we both drop onto the couch facing Shankle. He props his foot up on his knee, relaxed as usual.