AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’d rather not, Sir.”
“One,” I nearly growled through the speaker.
“Out of all the things you could have asked me today, sorting out Tiana Steele didn’t rank in the top thousand. Hell, it didn’t even rank in the top ten thousand.” He was breathing heavily. “I trust you, Sir, but I like what we’ve built.”
“There’s more.” I’d quickly learned that after being raised in such a posh environment, he had a particular way of speaking, usually polite with a condescending tone, without oversharing. He wasn’t speaking like that and I wondered if there was something else on his mind. “I won’t judge you, rebel,” I added, trying to get him to speak.
My rebel cowboy, who attended fancy business meetings during the day when he was forced to, but wanted nothing more than to be outside in the open air riding horses. Training others to ride, not for competition like Luke and Tate, but for fun. His confidence had grown over the past few years, but he was afraid to rock the boat. His parents set him up to run major parts of their company, however he’d won his wealth and reputation all on his own.
One day, he’d take that final leap and leave the stuffy business world behind.
“Tanner.” His voice cracked. I hated that we were having this conversation via the phone. “My heart can’t handle another failed relationship.”
“Which says to me that you had feelings for her before, but didn’t tell her. You didn’t know your parents were dragging you around the world without giving a shit about what you wanted until it was too late.” I opened and closed my fist. I hated that they made choices for him without taking his needs into consideration. They treated him and his siblings well, but it was their way or the highway. “You didn’t want to break Tiana’s heart.”
“I should have led with that information, Sir.”
If we both had such strong feelings for her in the past, even though it had been a long time and she was pretty beaten up from recent experiences, it would simply make us love her more. I had gotten Dane to an excellent spot in his head. He’d stopped questioning his worth and stepped into a better version of himself. I couldn’t have him slipping because of a potential new partner. However, it could be just the opportunity he needed to really shine.
“I’ll get to the bottom of whatever is going on with Tiana. In the meantime, write me a list of twenty-five positive statements about yourself and send them to me. Am I understood?”
“I didn’t break a rule, Tanner. I’m not writing statements just because you feel the need to flex…” he shut his mouth with an audible smack.
“The call must have broken up because I know you wouldn’t talk like that. Can you repeat what you said?”
“It was nothing.”
“All right. I’ll come home now.”
“Please don’t leave Tiana when she needs somebody just because I’m trapped in a plethora of emotions, Sir.”
I swallowed hard, gathering patience I didn’t feel. “Last chance. You seem to think she is going to threaten our relationship rather than enhance and grow it. If you believe that, then you and I have some things to discuss.”
“May I speak freely, Sir?”
That’s what I had wanted from the beginning of this whole conversation. “Go ahead.”
“I don’t want Tiana to think she’s an afterthought to me. Like you’re bringing home a prize you won and I just happen to be there. I regret not staying in touch with her over the past few years. I planned on asking her out during high school, but I ran out of time. Once my parents made their decision, my choices were dismissed.”
“Thank you for sharing. Is there anything else?”
“Yeah, I am used to being left on my own. I hate it. So, if you and Tiana wind up together…”
“Pause. Either she’s with both of us or neither of us. I thought we worked through your insecurities already.”
“I thought we did too, Sir. There’s more to it, but I’d rather share in person if that’s okay.”
“Sure. I’ll text you when I’m leaving. I love you.”
“I love you more.”
“You keep thinking that.” I chuckled. “See you soon.”
“Later, Sir.”
I ended the call and pocketed my cell. Unfortunately, I had the funny feeling that he was right about everything.
Chapter 2
