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He glanced away from me, exhaling before refocusing on the paper in front of him.
“But, nonetheless…” He adjusted his posture. “I take full responsibility for what has happened and for the harm that was caused. It was never my intention for this, for someone under my employment to be involved in such reprehensible actions.”
His voice was low and gravelly, laced with sincerity as he met the camera head-on. I stood behind the tripod, arms crossed, watching him intently.
“At Stone Ranch, our employees are like family. And it is deeply painful to know that one of them chose to betray the trust of our guests, the people who come here expecting a safe and enjoyable experience. If there’s anyone to hold accountable, it’s me. I let down not only my team but also the guests who walk through our doors. Stone Ranch should be a place of trust and security.”
He paused for a moment, his eyes flicking up to mine.
I gave him a small nod, pride swelling in my chest. He was doing great—sticking to the message, staying composed. It was almost like we’d been prepping for this all damn day…
“I understand the anger. The demand for justice,” Colton continued, his voice unwavering. “If I were in the position of those affected, I’d feel the same way. However, I ask that this anger not be directed at the hardworking employees of Stone Ranch, the people who remain committed to upholding the values we stand for. If blame must be placed, let it rest on me. I accept it fully.”
He took a slow, measured breath before pressing on.
“Moving forward, we’re taking immediate and decisive action to rebuild trust, implement stronger safeguards, and ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. Stone Ranch is committed to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of everyone who steps through our doors.”
A smile tugged at my lips, warmth spreading through me as I watched him speak with such conviction.
God, he was a good man.
Deep down to his damn bones.
I didn’t know how they made someone better than Colton Stone.
“As for the individual responsible,” he continued, his voice turning sharper, “they took deliberate steps to cause harm and betray the integrity of this ranch. They will face the full consequences, and we support any and all measures to ensure justice is served.”
Another pause. His eyes flicked to mine again—one last check-in before he brought it home.
“Again, my deepest apologies to those who were negatively impacted here at Stone Ranch. Thank you.”
As soon as the words left his lips, I reached down and hit stop on the recording.
Then, for what felt like the twentieth time that day, I grinned at him.
“You fucking killed it.”
Colton threw himself back, his hat tilting slightly as he lounged against the chair.
I took him in—all of him. Every inch I could see, every detail I wanted to memorize.
Was I crazy for the thoughts racing through my mind? The ones screaming so damn loud, telling me I was in love with this man?
Because I was.
So fucking gone for him.
God, I was so sorry I ever let myself get tangled up with him in the back seat of his truck.
Not because I regretted it—but because now, leaving felt impossible.
The last few weeks with Colton had been like a breath of fresh air. I never had to change myself around him. I never had to adjust the way I approached him, the way I spoke, or the way I existed. He accepted me fully, effortlessly, without hesitation.
He was stubborn. Grumpy as hell. But beneath it all, he was kind.
Not the kindness laced with pity, not the kind that made you feel small. No, Colton never treated me like I was fragile, like I needed saving. He was genuine.
The way I felt about him…it was like someone had locked a star inside my chest.
