Page 54 of Burning Skies
Sure. “So you’re planning to date other women until, what, we get married?”
He sputters. “I wouldn’t say that exactly.”
“Or will you keep your sidepieces once we tie the knot?” He just stares at me, so I keep going. “Because if you’re running around with women, I’m not going to give up the guy I was seeing before my father demanded I had to go out with you.” I suppose, technically, I wasn’t dating Beau, but Ian doesn’t know that.
His eyes go glacial. “My wife willnotfuck around behind my back. Do you hear me?”
Now we’re getting to the real man behind the suit. Leaning back, I swirl my wine. “Number one, it’s funny that you think you can tell me what to do. Two, you’re assuming you can get me to walk down the aisle, the chances of which are getting slimmer by the minute. And three, if you fuck around behind my back, all bets are off here.”
His fist clenches as he stares at me. “No one told me you were so mouthy.”
“No one told me you were a rude asshole, but here we are.” I motion for the waitress, and when she stops by, I ask for the check. When she puts it on the table, I snatch it up before Ian can.
“What are you doing?” he asks, annoyed, as he gets out his credit card.
After I check what the bill is, I throw down some money and slide my chair back. “Paying my half. Thank you for an illuminating meal.”
Thank God I drove here.
But when I try to walk away, Ian stands suddenly and grips my arm. Hard. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a spoiled brat?” he grits out.
I look him in his angry eyes, grateful we’re in public. “A time or two, yes. But I know what I’m worth. And I’ll never put up with someone who manhandles me.” I pointedly look at his death grip on my arm.
He finally lets go and shakes his head. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” He adjusts his tie. “Let’s try dinner again on Wednesday.”
This man is straight-up crazy if he thinks I’m going out with him again. “I’ll let my father know we aren’t a good match.”
He calls my name as I walk away, but I can’t do this anymore. I won’t date someone with that kind of temper.
Because I’m worth more.
And I know just the man who deserves me.
22
BEAU
Sitting in the dark,I stare at the TV, but I haven’t a clue what’s been playing for the last hour. I keep thinking about Honey being on a date with Ian. He’s wining and dining her, and I’m sitting here twiddling my thumbs.
Fuck this. I stand up and grab my keys before I remember Honey and I have no future. Trig will see to that.
Goddamn it. I toss my keys back into the bowl. They land with a clatter that sends the kittens scattering across the house.
Fireball lets out an angry yowl from behind the couch.
“Sorry I scared you,” I mutter as I pace around my house, furious that I’m in this situation. I should’ve left well enough alone. All I’m doing is making life harder for myself.
I’m about to take a cold shower to get a grip when someone knocks on my door. My brothers usually just barge in. Maybe it’s a ranch hand working late.
But when I open the door, I’m greeted with another pissed-off kitten. “Honey. What are you doing here?” Pretty sure a light breeze could blow me over, I’m so shocked to see her.
“Are you going to ask me in?”
I rub the back of my neck. “I haven’t finished renovating this place yet. It’s kind of a mess. Maybe?—”
She limps past me and tosses her purse on my couch. “Can I have a drink? Something strong.”
Um. “Whiskey okay?” I ask as I close the door and flip on the lamp.
