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The Grumpy Boss Cowboy Billionaire Chapter 13 62%
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Chapter 13

Emma

Sunshine streamed in through the curtains the following morning and I rolled over, hugging my plush blankets against me. It was good to wake up satisfied, a little abashed, and pleasantly sore—studying the light dancing on the floor.

What was I doing? Sleeping with my boss? I had to admit, he was only technically my boss for another month, and then who knew what would become of us. He had been so sweet, earnest, and thoughtful at dinner.

The necklace and earrings sat on the nightstand in their display box, rectangular squares of silver and copper, offset from each other, with a piece of turquoise inlaid, and several micro gems of topaz and amethyst surrounding it. The fact that he asked the artist, someone who I had spent numerous hours talking with, which item they thought was a best fit for me was incredibly thoughtful. Especially, considering that I had been eying a similar set for days, just smaller and absolutely outside my price range buying for myself.

Victor confused me—on the surface, he was everything that I should run from: entitled, rich, haughty. But below that mask, I’d discovered an incredible person who was caring, deep, passionate, silly, witty, and broken. He sought so hard to take care of everyone and measure up to everyone’s expectations that he closed himself off from being able to truly connect with people. His instinct to pull his rich boy mask over his face isolated him, which made my heart hurt, wondering what had happened in his seemingly wantless life that made that his default action.

Grabbing my phone, I scrolled through my contacts to make a call. It rang twice then clicked.

“I’m guessing there’s a beer night in our future.” A playful voice answered.

A wave of lightness washed through me. Ashley had been my best friend since middle school and could basically read my mind. She taught elementary school in Scottsdale and had married her high school sweetheart. “Could you make the trek up here to Cactus Creek? First round’s on me.”

“Drive forty miles to see my best friend in the whole world?” She scoffed. “Psh, give me an hour.”

I laughed and hung up, throwing off the covers and kicking my legs off the side of the bed. Rising, I straightened and headed into the bathroom for a shower. Soaping up, my body .

I toweled off and threw on my jeans and a t-shirt, scrunching my hair as I headed downstairs. The kitchen was empty so I poured a cup of coffee and munched down a bagel. Once outside, I headed toward the dining hall. The electrician was on a ladder, installing the new chandelier lights while the builder worked on the wood planking on the stage at the far end of the room. I traversed the space, ducking into the prep kitchen. Ash texted, saying she was on the road—meaning I had about thirty-five minutes, and another text came through from Victor. My belly tingled as I read it.

Got pulled into a meeting with Bruce and the other eggheads. See you later tonight?

I messaged him back, mentioning that I was going for a drink and to meet a sommelier.

I headed back to the mansion and grabbed the keys for the Land Rover, headed to Cactus Creek proper. As I pulled up to the bar that afternoon, the sun was still high, casting a golden glow over the rustic building. Its wooden exterior, weathered just enough to give it character, gleamed softly in the daylight. Large windows reflected the vibrant blue sky, and the gentle buzz of a neon sign above the entrance spelled out 'The Rusty Spur' in cheerful, looping letters.

Flower boxes under the windows brimmed with vibrant desert blooms, adding a splash of color to the earthy tones of the building. A couple of old, wrought-iron benches flanked the entrance, where patrons could sit and enjoy the warm afternoon air. I pushed open the heavy wooden door to the intimate lively space, with natural light streaming in through the windows

After our town hall meeting, we had been welcomed into the Cactus Creek community with arms wide open. At least twice per week, we had been having visits from locals at the park, either to look, to help, or to network. I had befriended a number of the restaurant owners in Cactus Creek and told Ashley to meet me at one of my favorites. I spotted the owners wife behind the bar. She came right over and shook my hand, beaming and greeting me warmly.

After a few moments of pleasantries, I let her know I was meeting a friend there and she ushered me into the barroom. The walls were adorned with vintage Western memorabilia—framed photos of cowboys and rodeos, antique spurs, and a couple of old, weathered saddles.I seated myself at the bar and pulled out my phone to take notes on their wine list.

I wasn’t waiting long—Ashley arrived with a squeal and hurried across the room, pulling me into a tight hug. “Ugh! I have missed you so much!”

I grinned and returned the embrace. “It really has been too long.”

She released me and held me at arm’s length. “Wow, girl. This dude must be something. You're positively glowing!”

I blushed and ducked my head, making her giggle harder. “Shhh, we’re trying to keep it on the DL.”

“Giiiiirl, it is written all over your face.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “Plus you have bruises on your neck.”

My face reddened further as I moved to cover them up, and she grabbed my hand, pulling me down into a chair beside her. “So, please tell me everything…spare no details.”

My face burned as I thought about it.

“Ash, he’s something else.” I bit my lip, tingle rolling through low in my belly. “On the surface, he’s a pompous ass, but once you get to know him, he’s quirky, witty, and deeply concerned with taking care of people.”

She grinned at me. “Did you come to these conclusions before or after you climbed in bed with him?”

I smacked her playfully. “Come on now. Give me some credit.”

“That is me giving you credit.” She motioned to the bartender to come over and order a drink.

I brushed my fingers absently on my neck, where Victor had left the slightest fingerprints in my skin. After she had finished ordering, Ashley turned back to me. “So it must be pretty hot, to leave marks?”

I swatted at her again, and she fended me off with a menu, laughing. “Ashley! It’s private!”

“Aww, give a bestie a break! You said it yourself, I’ve been married for like a hundred years. I have to live vicariously through your kinky billionaire experience!”

We both burst into laughter as they brought over some chips and salsa, along with Ashley’s cocktail and my beer. We sipped our drinks before she continued. “In all seriousness, bestie,” she stuck a chip in the salsa and pointed it at me. “Give me the deets.”

I shifted in my seat as I thought about it.

“Honestly? It was like something out of a romance novel…so hot, so unexpected, and so perfect. When we're alone, it's like there's no one in the world besides us.” I shrugged. "And when we're working together, I feel like he really trusts and respects me."

“Aw.” She put a hand on my knee, eyes bright. “Who knew that was all it took to make you shine?”

I chuckled, fidgeting with my chip.

“Seriously, I’ve never seen you look so happy.”

I glanced over at her. “I think I was happy with Brian.”

She rolled her eyes and gave me a sidelong glance. “Girl, please. You were bored with Brian. That fratboy dropout was just riding your coattails and compensating you with subpar orgasms. You look happy, for the first time…maybe even since your folks passed.”

Tears sprung to my eyes and I blinked them away, then turned to her in surprise. “Seriously?”

She nodded. “You always put up with so much nonsense for so little payoff. You deserve to put your wants and your needs first, and get what makes you happy.” Ashley scrunched up her nose. “Which apparently involves some light choking.”

She stuck out her tongue at me as I swatted her hand. I considered for a moment, picking up another chip.

“It doesn’t feel like work to want to be around him. I can be myself, say what I’m thinking, say what I’m feeling. Even if it’s a little bizarre. He doesn’t seem to judge, just appreciate me being honest, straight, and authentic with him.” I shook my head. “It’s like he’s never been around another person who saw him as Just Victor…they’ve always seen him and interacted with him as a wallet with legs, or his name, or his influence. I don’t know. It's like he's not used to being treated like a regular person.”

Ashley gave me a sad smile. “It doesn’t sound like too much of a stretch for any of that to be true. He’s the second-to-youngest son of an heirloom real estate mogul. He probably hasn't had many people in his life treat him as anything beyond that, nor expected him to be anything but that.”

I considered her words. Maybe being involved with him wasn't such an outrageous idea. I pondered for several more moments as Ashley helped herself to another chip and ordered another drink.

“I will offer one word of advice,” she said after taking a swig from her next cocktail. “Being that I have been married for seven years, the most important thing you can have within your relationship, to make it last, is honest communication about your feelings. Be up front with what's going on with you, where you’re at, and what you want.”

I gave her a wide smile. “Karl is a lucky man.”

She tapped me on the end of the nose with a chip. “You know it, sister.”

A young man sidled up next to me to order a drink. He wore a blue button-down shirt, nice slacks, and well-made leather shoes. He approached me and offered a hand.

“Hi there, I’m David.” I shook it, suddenly shy, wondering how loud our conversation had gotten.

He gestured across to the room, where several other young men in similar dress sat with beers. “Some of my coworkers and I came for a drink and I couldn’t help but notice you. I think you ladies are both beautiful, but I see this young lady is wearing a ring.”

Ashley raised her left hand.

David continued, “But I see you are not, and I couldn’t not introduce myself and ask you for your number, if you would be interested in going to dinner with me sometime.”

I felt my face burn and I inclined my head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, David, and I’m completely flattered by your invitation. However, I am seeing someone.”

He gave me a sly smile and narrowed his eyes. “You don’t have to make up a boyfriend, beautiful.”

I could feel Ashley’s hackles rise as she leaned forward. “She’s not. And it shouldn't take some other man laying claim to her to respect her.”

David took a step back and put his hands up before turning and heading back over to his table.

Ashley and I looked at each other and shook our heads.

"Is it that outrageous to think I'd have a boyfriend?" I sighed.

"No." She rolled her eyes. "People are idiots. Don't worry, someday, you'll have a ring on that left hand and you won't have to worry about it. At least not as often."

She laughed and raised her glass. I clinked mine against hers.

"It's a little early to be thinking about that. But I'm going to toast you anyway because this week has been amazing, and I'm proud of us both."

As we enjoyed our evening, I couldn't help thinking about what she said, imagining what it would feel like to wear an engagement ring. It wasn't something I'd fantasized about before, but the thought of Victor when he pulled out that jewelry box at dinner made me picture what the future might hold.

Would we still be together in a year? Five years? Longer? Could we build a life together, a family? What would our children look like?

For the first time in a long time, I was letting myself think about the distant future instead of focusing only on the next step I needed to take just to get by. It felt good to dream about who I would spend the rest of my life with, and what kind of life we'd share. I had always been cautious, never letting anyone too close, never letting my guard down. With Victor, though, it was different. He made me feel safe, protected, and cared for.

And, as the evening wore on, I found myself daring to wonder if he was feeling the same.

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