“Hey, Meghan,” I say, hoping I don’t sound rushed. Meghan is the daughter of Baker Kelly, the owner of the Lucky Seven Ranch, our biggest competitor and who Colby works for now. Meghan is the kind of girl who always gets what she wants. It wouldn’t surprise me if she’s had her way with Colby. Not to mention, she’s beautiful too. I dread the thought of her and Colby sneaking off together like we used to do.
Meghan turns her eyes to William. “Who’s your date?”
I can’t help but smile. She’s not going to get anywhere with him. “William Ashton. You might’ve heard his name before. He’s a big time designer in New York.”
Her mouth drops. “Oh my God. Yes, I’ve heard of him. He’s so dreamy.”
“You should go introduce yourself. He’d love to meet you.”
Meghan bites her lip. “You don’t mind?”
“Nope,” I say, shaking my head. “Go for it.”
She takes off like a lioness hunting its prey. William’s going to hate me for leaving him alone, but the last thing I want is for Meghan to know I’m looking for Colby. After searching the house to no avail, I’m convinced he’s left. He was never one to stay at any of the social events for long. I start my way back through the house to William when I see him. Stopping at the window, I watch Colby outside as he stands alone by the water fountain in our garden.
I sneak off through the kitchen and to the back door that leads directly out to the gardens. There are twinkling lights everywhere in the trees, giving the atmosphere a Christmas-like feel. My heart beats out of control as I turn the corner toward the fountain. I don’t know why I want to talk to him now. So much time has passed between us. Basically, I just want him to know I’m not pining away for him, that he didn’t hurt me when he left. Which isn’t true at all.
Slowly, I make my way toward him. He’s not dressed in a tux like all the other men. Instead, he’s in a simple pair of khaki pants and a navy-blue blazer. I know he can afford the finer things, but that’s not who he is. It’s one of the qualities I used to like about him, or at least I thought I liked about him.
“I’m surprised you’re here,” I say, stopping a few feet behind him.
He glances at me over his shoulder, his electric blue eyes meeting mine. A hint of a smile spreads across his lips. “It’s good to see you too, Bri.”
“Don’t call me that,” I snap. It brings back too many memories.
Smile fading, he turns to face me. As always, he still manages to make me feel things I shouldn’t. His eyes bore into mine. “I wondered if you’d ever talk to me again.”
I scoff. “You mean, after you left and never looked back.”
His jaw tightens. “That’s not what happened. You should know that. I wanted things to work out between us.”
I hold up a hand to cut him off. “I don’t want to hear it, Colby. If that’s really what you wanted, you wouldn’t have left.”
Turning on my heel, I try to storm away but Colby’s arms wrap around my waist. I halfheartedly try to pull away, but I’ve missed his touch. “Why are you so damn stubborn?” he growls, turning me around in his arms.
Breathing hard, I glare up at him. “Because I hate you.”
He holds me tight. “Yeah, I see that. It was obvious you hated me after I left. Before you get back on your high and mighty horse, hear me out now that I got your attention.” His eyes search mine and I can feel my resolve slipping away. “After I left, I kept my distance, not because I stopped caring about you, but because I respected your wishes to keep what was between us private. I was waiting for you to make a move.” His gaze hardens. “When you didn’t, I had my answer.”
I push against his chest and he lets me go. “I don’t want to hear it, Colby. My father said you were tired of working with us. I took that as a sign you were done with me.” Eyes burning, I hurry toward the back door, but Colby calls out for me.
“Bri, wait!”
I don’t stop because I already feel stupid enough as it is. Maybe I should’ve stayed to listen to him, maybe not. All I know is that I’m no fool. I can’t let my guard down again. I never should have gone out there to talk to him in the first place.
3
Colby
Women are frustrating. I can tame and train one of the biggest animals in the world and not lose my cool, but a woman—within seconds I’m scratching my head. No, this isn’t accurate. It’s not all women—it’s Brielle. Just Brielle Armstrong and her stubborn spoiled ways. Damn woman puts me through the ringer with her presence, and she has since I first noticed girls.