“Gee, thanks.” I roll my eyes.
“Sorry. That sounded really sexist and condescending, but I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I think you underestimate me.” He nods in agreement. “I’m more than just my corporate job or my life back in Chicago. I feel like you have me painted into this box based some preconceived notions you have of me. Like, I can’t be a city girl from Chicago who moves to the Rocky Mountains and enjoys a slower-paced life than what I had previously.”
He sighs. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I guess I feel like we don’t know that much about each other, so I fill in the gaps based on what I do know about you.”
“You can always ask.” I see a bit of unease on his face. “For example, you ever regret not following in your father’s footsteps and taking over the business?”
He grabs a log and tosses it on the fire before settling back into his chair. I angle myself so my back and shoulder lean partially against him as I watch the flames dance in the fire.
“No, regret isn’t the right word.” I can feel his voice rumble in his chest where my shoulder is resting against him. “More like fear. I worried that I disappointed my dad. I know now that it isn’t the case, but I struggled with it for years. Growing up, it was always a foregone conclusion: When you take over . . . Guess everyone just assumed I would—being the eldest son and all—but I never had the passion.”
“Your heart was always in the land?”
“Yeah, I guess so. I just felt like I wasn’t the outgoing person like Trent. Kind of seemed like I was in his shadow, which is ironic since I’m the oldest.”
I can hear the sadness in his voice and I want to wrap my arms around him, but I know Tyler Slade isn’t the kind of man who wants or needs pity. So I stay quiet and let him continue.
“Don’t get me wrong, though. I’m no pushover and I sure as hell don’t like being told what to do.”
Images of him taking control in some of our more intimate moments flash through my mind and my cheeks redden at the memory. He must notice, because he shifts behind me and looks at me.
“What’s going through that head of yours?”
I giggle. “Oh, just that I’m very aware that you like being in charge.”
“Mmm, you certainly don’t seem to mind it.” He tips my chin upward and captures my mouth with his as my body immediately comes to life. I break away and settle back against him, hoping he keeps talking.
“Did your parents ever express disappointment toward you?” I ask.
“No, not at all. In fact, it’s the opposite. My dad is really impressed with how I’ve grown our ranch. He tells me all the time how grateful he is, because now he can retire on it.” He laughs. “I’m happy Trent was born with that drive to take over and grow the business, because if he’d wanted to move away or do something else, it would have fallen to me, and I absolutely would’ve stepped up and done it.”
“You would’ve sacrificed your passion and the life you wanted for your father? For the business?”
He nods his head. “Without a second thought. Family means everything to me.”
I curl against him tighter. Tyler Slade is an impressive man—one I hope and pray I don’t lose, because every moment we’re together, every moment he opens up to me, I fall a little bit more in love with him.
“So now for the hard questions.” I turn to face him.
“Oh boy, whatcha got?”
“You said Selma didn’t break your heart. Was there someone who did? Was there the one who got away?” I smile, hoping it conceals the fear I feel. No one wants to know they’re someone’s second choice—that if there is that one out there who could return, it might destroy you.
“No, Brook. I kno—”
“You called me Brook.”
“Sorry, that okay? Guess I heard someone else call you that.”
“No, I like it. All my close friends call me that.”
He reaches out and brushes a stray hair out of my eye. “Well, Brook, nobody has broken my heart or gotten away. There’s no big story about lost love that has turned me into a jaded asshole. I’ve dated and met several women over the years, and some were a stronger connection than others, but none were both the physical and emotional connection I’ve been looking for.”
“Which was Selma?”
He lets out a strained laugh. “Physical. We ended things mutually. I think we both wanted more and couldn’t offer it to each other.”