Page 66 of A Cowboy to Call Her Own

Big E hummed his acknowledgment.

“You don’t need to stay, either,” Asher said.

“I think I’ll hang about for a bit longer,” Big E said quietly. “Feels like there’s a lot of dust left to settle around here yet.”

“I appreciate it.” Asher stuck his arm out to shake Big E’s hand.

Big E gripped Asher’s hand and pulled Asher in for a tight embrace. One that Big E ended with a hearty thump on Asher’s back and Asher’s word that he would call when he landed in New York. Big E touched the brim of his hat, then walked over to join the others at the trailer.

Asher finally climbed into the UTV and drove back to the house.

Hours later, his flight confirmed, the office set back to rights and his bags packed, Asher heard the familiar bootsteps in the kitchen. Kelley was there. Asher sat behind the desk and rubbed his palms on his jeans and fought to find the words for one final goodbye.

Here we go. And for the record, cowgirl, I am really sorry.

* * *

Humming a countrylove song, Kelley set the picnic basket she prepared for her sunset ride with Asher later on the kitchen island, then went in search of her cowboy. Stepping into the office doorway, she caught sight of Asher’s packed suitcase and grinned. “I see you are finally moving into a bedroom. That will surely be more comfortable than the couch.”

He stood, came around the desk but didn’t close the distance between them.

Okay. The love song broke apart in her suddenly dry throat. Kelley swallowed and searched Asher’s very composed face.

He leaned against the front edge of the desk, fluid and graceful yet reserved and guarded all the same. “Actually, I’m heading back to New York.”

Oh. Okay. Kelley locked her knees and braced herself. “When?”

“My flight departs at four thirty.” He held her gaze, steady and undaunted. “Today.”

That was the same time they were supposed to be out on a trail ride with River Run and Maple. The same trail ride he had invited Kelley on yesterday in a late-night text, wishing her sweet dreams. She clenched her jaw until the burn of disappointment receded.

This was the goodbye she knew was coming. This one she prepared for. This one she expected. It was not supposed to change her.No. She would not allow that.

“Big E wants to ride with you later,” he said, his words smooth and refined as if all was as it should be. “I’m sure Frannie and Owen would like to go as well.”

But not you. She forced herself to stand tall. Her shoulders back. Her heart in plain sight.Don’t hold back, cowboy. She would not flinch. He could count on that. She asked, “What about the parade?”

“I worked it all out with Owen before he left for the Rising Star Classic,” Asher explained. He anchored his arms, no tension in his grip around the desk edge. No strain in his words. “It’s been more of his vision and his project anyway.”

Kelley matched his indifference. “What about the pasture patrol?”

“Big E is already looking for buyers,” Asher said simply.

Kelley curled her fingers into her palms and let her nails bite into her skin. “What about the stables?”

“I need to talk to my brothers,” he explained, easy and sure. “We need to decide how to move forward together.”

She nodded. “You certainly have all the answers, don’t you?”What if I dared you to stay, cowboy?Kelley planted her boots.Got an answer for that? Didn’t think so.

“They want me back in New York. My boss called this morning,” he said, so very cool and unflappable. “I have to go. They need me.”

I need you more. What do you think of that?Kelley smashed her lips together and waited out the tremble before she said, “It seems your mind is set.”

“It always was.” He did not blink. He stayed the course and said, “We both knew this was always how it was going to be.”

“Of course, we did.” Kelley took in a careful breath, steadied herself, even while her pulse beat wild inside her. She forced a small smile. “Don’t worry. My heart is not breaking or anything like that.” He could not break what she did not give him.

“That’s good.” His gaze trailed over her face. His words gentled, revealing the slightest hint of regret. “I never wanted to hurt you.”