Protector Cowboy by Hope Ford

Author:Hope Ford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hope Ford

Chapter 12

King

When I got back to the barn, all the campers had left, including Eli. I had picked up my phone to call Natalie when a text from her came through. It was short, and when she finished by telling me she’s not a charity case, I knew immediately I needed to go see her. She’s independent, and I know it probably rubbed her the wrong way that I paid Eli, but I knew if I explained she would understand. Plus, quite honestly, after thinking about her all day, I wouldn’t mind another night of watching TV with her and Eli and hopefully another kiss from Nat.

I shower, grab a sandwich from the kitchen, and head into town. Just as I’m pulling in, Eli and another boy are walking through the parking lot. “Hey, Eli. Where you going?”

He points across the street. “To the park to watch a baseball game. You want to come?”

I pat him on the back. “I do love baseball, but I need to talk to your momma, okay? Maybe next time.”

He nods, and I watch him and his friend as he crosses the street before I walk up the steps to the apartment building.

I knock and stand back, waiting in anticipation to see Nat again. It feels like it’s been forever.

I smile when the door opens, but as soon as I see the frown on her face, my smile drops. “Hey, Nat.”

She stands, blocking the door and merely juts her chin at me. If her lack of a hello isn’t a clue, the way she’s glaring at me is a good indication of how mad she is.

“You’re mad. Can you let me explain?”

She still doesn’t answer; she just shrugs her shoulders, so I continue. “Eli earned every bit of that money. He works for two hours every morning before camp starts. Heck, he gets more work done than some of our hands do in a whole day. He’s a hard worker, and I just wanted to pay him what he was owed.” I swallow because she’s not softening at all. She’s still glaring. “You’re still mad. Look, Nat, I don’t think you or Eli are a charity case.” I flinch just saying it.

She stands taller, pulling her shoulders back but still not opening the door any further. “Okay.”

I put my hands on my hips. “Okay?”

She nods. “Okay. Is there something else?”

Well, hell. I swear I’ve never had to work this hard to talk to a woman in my life, but I know she’s worth it. Obviously, there’s something else going on here. “Yeah, you going to let me in?”

She tightens her hand on the door, and indecision crosses her face. She opens the door but only so she can come out on the balcony. “Look, King. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us, I truly do. But this”—she gestures between the two of us—“is not going to happen. It’s not going to work.”

“Look, honey, if you’re scared... I am too...” Honestly, I’m scared to death but probably not for the same reason.

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