Page 39 of Worth the Fall
He took off his dusty hat and ran a hand through his messy hair. “I’d gladly take an apology from your ex-boyfriend any day, but I’ll be darned if you do it on his behalf.”
I really loved how he called Harrison my ex-boyfriend. I looked at my shoes, unable to hide my blush. “Well, then, let me say thank you for defending my honor.”
“They call me the fireman,” He shrugged with a knowing smile. “Puttin’ out old flames all over town.”
I laughed out loud, I couldn’t help it.
He put his finger under my chin, as if he couldn’t help himself, and forced me to look at him. His lips were in a hard straight line, and he was tilting his head.
We stared at each other, the world seeming to disappear around us.
I was barely breathing.
He dropped his hand, as if reality had slapped him. “I’ll let you get some rest. See you in Oklahoma?”
I let out a breath I’d been holding for way too long. “Yes. I’m headed to Chicago for a bit to regroup, and then I will see you there. Travel safe.” My words came out staccato.
“You too.” He took a single step away.
“Thank you,” I said, not able to move.
“Thank you,” he said, taking another step.
We stared at each other for another thirty seconds before finally both turning and going our separate ways.
I had been punched in the face by someone who was supposed to be my husband, so why couldn’t I stop smiling?
Chapter Fourteen
I pressed the frozen bag of peas against my cheek and opened my laptop. All I wanted to do was collapse for a week and forget what happened, but if Harrison’s threat was real, I needed to hurry.
I set down my peas and drafted an email.
[Mr. Sterling,
I feel it is my duty to clarify some rumors you may or may not be hearing in the near future. I believe you’ve met my former partner, Harrison Warren. Though I’d like to keep you out of my personal life as much as possible, unfortunately, that’s not possible.
Harrison got it in his mind that Colton Nash, the bareback bronc rider, and I had formed a relationship without his knowledge. I want to specify that Colton Nash and I are not in a relationship, nor have we been anything other than professional.
Feelings were hurt, and Harrison informed me he would report this to you as soon as possible. I apologize for the late email; I thought it was best I tell you firsthand.
If you have any questions, I’d love to chat anytime and get everything cleared up. I will be back in Chicago in a few days and look forward to reviewing the material for this project.
I am working on my next impression report to send, and itshould be ready by Tuesday.
Thank you,
Allegra Ford.]
Tears were streaming down my face by the time I hit send. I felt like I was signing a resignation letter. I had worked so hard for that job, and to have it all thrown away by a misunderstanding felt unfair.
I thought about calling Martha; she always eased my fears and made me feel better, but it was late, and I didn’t have the energy. I would in the morning.
My phone did ring, though it wasn’t Martha’s telepathy like I hoped. It was my mom.
I took a breath, thinking about letting it go to voicemail, but I wanted any company I could get at this point.
“Hi, Mom,” I answered.
