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“You’ve got your head up your ass.”
“Sometimes, maybe, but not when it comes to that.”
“Turn at the next right.”
I slowed the SUV and turned onto the dirt road she’d pointed out. A Carter Energy sign indicated there was property we’d leased this way.
After a mile or so, she pointed to the left and I turned down another dirt drive. The scent of oil filled the car as we approached the working well. I eased to a stop between the storage tank and the pump.
Mulaney opened the door. The creak of the oil pump jack moving up and down was the only sound. She kicked at a rock and then an empty beer can, which sailed across the ground in the wind.
I got out and leaned against the hood of the car, watching as she cursed and stomped around. When she came close, I caught her by the waist. She wriggled in my arms, but I kept her back flush to my front.
“The last few months we’ve been tested, and we made it through.”
She managed to whirl around. “You shouldn’t speak so soon.”
“When I said those vows, there wasn’t an asterisk in case I found something out later I didn’t like and would back out of our marriage. I accepted the past, present, and future, the same as you.” A disgruntled noise escaped her. I brushed my lips against hers. “Although, I’m sure there won’t be a thing about me you don’t love.”
“I’m trying to be serious.” She wrestled again, but I was too strong.
“So am I.”
“I mean it. I’m no saint.”
“I should hope not.” I slid a hand up her spine. “Is that all you brought me out here to say?”
“Didn’t you ever wonder why I never dated?” A spark of anger changed her tone.
“Not really.” Her nostrils flared as she glared at me. “I’m not in the habit of thinking about you with other men.”
Her fierce expression wavered. “Why didn’t you marry that girl you brought to all those functions a few years ago?”
“Because I always put work first. She wasn’t the right one. That wasn’t fair to either of us so it never evolved into anything.”
Lines of uncertainty creased her forehead. “How do you know she wasn’t the right one?”
I cupped her cheek. “Is there any doubt in your mind I’m the person you should be married to?” Her expression was blank, and my confidence tripped. “Setting aside all the outside stuff,” I clarified. “In here, do you know?” I pointed to her chest.
“Yeah.”
“I didn’t have that with her.” I wove my fingers through her hair, cradling the back of her head. “Are we done talking about old news?”
“Being rejected and cheated on shaped everything from the time I was seventeen. It was so humiliating, hurt so damn much, I just couldn’t let myself be vulnerable. I never wanted to feel that way again. You have the power to do so much more.” The words tumbled out of her mouth, raw and honest.
She was the strongest person I knew, even back when we were kids. I wanted to punish Bryce Green all over again, knowing full well he was the one who’d hurt Heartbreaker. I’d seen during the confrontation in the convenience store how she still carried wounds of the past, but she didn’t have to worry about that anymore.
I ran my nose up the column of her neck. “When you’re with me, you’re safe,” I said low in her ear.
“It’s not just what happened back then. My career and my family are the most important things in my life.”
I pulled back so she could see my face. “I know that.”
“The world we’re in, it’s hard for women. And I’m not using that as an excuse. I’ve accomplished more than a lot of women in our field. People already talk, and I can’t give them any more fuel. I know I’ve worked for your family for so long we should be past it, but it’s important that my accomplishments are recognized for what they are and not tainted with rumors suggesting I’m where I am by sleeping my way to the top.”
“I’d destroy anyone who even hints at that.” My temper rose just thinking about someone daring to say such a thing.
“Well, you’d have to start with your brother.”
