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“There’s no easy way to say this. A guest reported you for fraternizing with another guest recently.”
Ian wasn’t sure what to say. He could deny it, but what good would that do him? He would not only be accused of fraternizing but also of lying. He wasn’t a liar, so he took a deep breath and nodded.
“I did. I know it’s against the rules…”
“It is, but we’re not going to fire you. Both Jax and I would be hypocrites if we fired you for doing something we did.”
“I don’t understand. It’s the rules.”
Devin nodded. “Those…rules, are more for the guests than the staff. Let me try to explain. When we first opened the ranch, you know we had a lot of single people coming here and flirting with the staff and each other. That is not the kind of operation we wanted. We don’t allow kids, for safety reasons, and I suppose some people took that to mean, it was for people to mingle. Singleor not. So, we made the new brochures up to state no one was to get involved with a staff member or other guests. I know people still flirt but they seem to know it’s harmless flirting, and nothing can happen between them. But attraction can happen. Anyone can meet the love of their life here.” Devin smiled. “Jax and I did, so if this Ms. Fairchild means so much to you, don’t let it slip by. You just have to be discreet about it.”
“It doesn’t matter. She left. I won’t see her again.”
“She left?” Jaxon asked him as he sat up.
“Yes. She checked out Sunday to go back to Chicago. She’s up for partnership at her law firm, and she really wants it.”
“That was almost a week ago. Have you heard from her?”
“No, and I won’t. I know she won’t be back. I’ll be fine. It didn’t go too far.”
“You were in her cabin for a while.”
“How do you know that? No. Never mind. I know how.” He clenched his jaw.
“I’m sure you do know. That’s why any time something like this happens, it has to be kept quiet. Some people can be damn manipulative when they’re pissed.” Jaxon sighed. “Look, the rules are in place so there is no, uh, people screwing anyone they can. We’re not that kind of place. We know there are people who are only out for a good time, but as far as fucking around with other guests or staff just for the hell of it, will not be tolerated. We know that’s not what was happening with you. I’ve seen you looking at her, Ian. You’re way past attraction. We’re closed nowand once we get everything done around here for the winter, you need to go and talk to her.”
Ian shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Being offered a partnership was her dream.” He shrugged. “It’s all she wanted.”
“Well, I’m sorry to hear that but maybe you still need to talk with her.”
“Why? I don’t want a long-distance relationship and I’m not moving there. I can’t. I’ve worked too hard to get where I am, and I know she won’t move here. That’s her dream job.” He shook his head. “It would never work.”
“We both know what it’s like having the woman you love, leave you. I had to go after Willa and Jaxon went after Presley. It’s what you do for love.”
“I never said I was in love with her. We barely know each other,” Ian said.
Devin chuckled. “I knew I was in love with Willa the minute she stepped from that limo. Love at first sight does happen. Though, Jax here, denied it.”
“Hey, screw you. I finally admitted it.”
Ian smiled. “I remember all of that going on. You were a little hardheaded on that Jax.”
“Yeah, whatever.” Jaxon stood. “I’m going back to the lodge and get some things done. Ian, you do what you think is right. We’ll support you.” He nodded, then strode out the door. Devin got to his feet, then followed his brother out.
Ian sat there staring at the back wall. They didn’t get it. Willa and Presley were willing to give up their jobs, but he knew Eden wasn’t. She worked hard to get where she was, too, and he was proud of her, but they could never betogether. Pushing to his feet, he strode from the office.
November brought cold weather and snow. Ian sat in his living room, staring out the front window. His heart was never going to heal. Eden had been gone almost three months and he’d never been so miserable in his life, and he knew he’d never get over losing her.
A few days later, he walked along the barn’s aisle. The stalls needed mucked out. The Bur Oak was closed for the season, but there were still things to take care of at home and the stalls needed fresh straw put down every day. That was his daily routine. Get up before sunrise, grab a cup of coffee, take the horses to the outside corral, break the ice in the troughs, then clean the stalls. After that, he’d lead the horses back into their stalls where he fed and watered them. Then he’d head inside and stare at the damn walls. He missed her desperately.
When he finished with the stalls, he placed the rake in the wheelbarrow, and put it in the back room. He stepped from the room, pulling on his coat when he saw the barn door open, and someone entered. He couldn’t see who it was yet, but his heart slammed into his ribs when he realized it was Eden walking toward him. What was she doing here?
“Eden?”
A smile lit up her beautiful face when she spotted him. She wore a coat, mittens, and a blue beanie with a fuzzy ball on the top of her head. Snow covered the cap and the shoulders of her coat.
“Hello, Ian.”
