Page 5 of Hard To Fall
I push the door open and see her standing at the desk, small iPad in hand. Her sunglasses are gone, and her hair is pulled into a messy knot. She’s got a streak of rodeo dust across the belly of her tank that makes it look like she belongs here.
Fuck. Stop it.
She looks up and smiles. “Hey, Colt,” she says easily, like she was expecting me, eyes flicking to my knee, then my ribs. “You’re walking better than I expected.”
I glare. “You’re in my office.”
She tilts her head. “I guess we’ll be sharing for the time being.”
“This isn’t your personal makeover show,” I growl.
She lays the iPad down on the desk and steps around it calmly. “No. It’s a failing brand with massive potential. But it’s got outdated systems, weak sponsor pipelines, and zero modern media strategy. That’s why I’m here.”
I stare at her. She doesn’t blink.
God, I hate her already.
“You don’t know this place,” I snap.
She meets my gaze without flinching. “Then teach me.”
I laugh, low and bitter. “You don’t get it, sunshine. I don’t want you here.”
Her smile is confident and unbothered, and that makes me more irate.
“That’s fine,” she says. “I don’t need you to want me here. I just need you to get out of my way.”
A low whistle comes from behind me as Levi walks in. “I see everyone has been caught up to speed. Lily, please ignore my cranky brother. He’s always been like this, stemming back to childhood when I beat him in a barrel race. It’s why he refuses to have them at the rodeo."
“Levi,” I snap.
He puts his arm around me, and I shrug him off, growing even madder as he chuckles and steps closer to her. “I can show you the video; it’s what got me into the Texan Barrel Race a few years ago.”
“Levi!” This fucking guy never knows when to be professional.
“He’s still testy about it,” he whispers, and she grins, giving him the most perfect smile.
“Brother, if you don’t leave–”
“So, I’ve got to go. My ride is up next. Welcome to Hearts RoundUp, Lily. If you need anything, don’t ask this guy.” He throws his thumb my way, and my blood boils. He pushes past me, clapping me on the back, and I turn on my heels, following him out, leaving her standing right where she is.
He doesn’t stop walking, and I keep pace. “I’m going to fucking kill you,” I growl.
“You’ll thank me first.”
I jog in front of him, putting my hand on his chest, stopping him. “What are you talking about?”
“She’s good for you.”
“Get the fuck outta here.”
“I’m serious, Colt. You can’t be doing this for the next six months, let alone the rest of your life. Let her get this place to the top again. Let her take the stress off your plate.” He begins to walk and, with a smirk, says, “It would do you wonders.”
I narrow my eyes. “The only thing I wonder is why I don’t kick your ass right here.”
He barks a laugh. “This is what I'm talking about. You need to be nicer. Listen, when you're a nice guy, women want to suck your dick. And when you get your dick sucked, you're a nice guy. See how the world goes round, Colt? You should jump on this merry-go-round.”
I take a swing at him, and he dodges me, laughing as he runs for the entrance.
