“Some women will do anything for money.” She could’ve cut holes straight through him with her disgust. “Don’t get your hopes up.”
He wasn’t sure if she was finished or not, and Spur had learned to let a woman say what was on her mind before he tried to explain.
She scoffed, rolled her eyes, and slammed the door in his face. He flinched as the lock clicked, and helplessness drove though him. “Olli,” he called again. “Let me explain.”
“Go ahead,” she yelled from inside. “Explain, O Mighty Spur.”
Frustration filled him, and Spur didn’t want to yell through the door. He also didn’t think she’d actually hear a word he said in the emotional state she was in.
He backed away from the door and took a seat on the top step. I’m sorry, he sent to her. Just come outside when you’re ready, and I’ll explain everything.
He had plenty to do back on the ranch today, but he was willing to sit there all day if he had to. Blaine had the hoof rot under control, and Spur expected to see smoke in the sky by lunchtime. He used to get upset about diseases and the setbacks they caused. But he’d learned over the years that he should expect such things. They were going to happen whether he got mad about them or not. No one could prevent everything, all the time.
Only five minutes later, the door behind him opened. Spur scrambled to his feet and swiped his cowboy hat off his head. “I’m sorry,” he said aloud, deciding to lead the discussion this time. “It was just my mother, and you don’t know her real well yet, but I know how to handle her.”
“By lying to her?”
“She just makes such a big deal out of everything,” Spur said, desperate for Olli to understand. “We are new, Olli, and yeah, maybe I said we were just having a good time when we’re not, but I don’t know. I’m having a good time.”
“You know what that means, though, right?”
“Yes,” he said, hanging his head.
“You said you were too old to play games.”
“I am.”
“Then why can’t you just tell her the truth?”
“You don’t know her.” He looked up at Olli, who clearly didn’t believe him. “I’ll talk to her this afternoon. She invited us for dinner with her and my dad, like I’m going to be proposing to you by the weekend.” How could he help her see? “Once, when Blaine was dating this woman, he went to the parent dinner. My mother actually asked his girlfriend what size she was and if she’d consider getting married at the country club so we wouldn’t have to have so many people out to the ranch. Needless to say, she broke up with Blaine that very night. They’d been out four times.”
Olli started to soften, and Spur didn’t want to throw his mother under the bus. He loved her; he did. She had moments where she was wonderful, and he appreciated all his parents had done for him, all they’d provided so he could have the life he did.
“I told her what would get her off my back,” he said. “I was actually trying to protect you.”
“You want to protect yourself,” she said.
“That too,” he admitted. He took one step forward, buoyed when she didn’t retreat from him. “Please don’t be mad.”
“Tell me the truth,” she said. “Don’t hold back, Spur. I’m a big girl. I can take it.”
“You want the truth?” He swallowed, unsure of what she required of him.
“Yes,” she said.
He licked his lips, and he saw no way out of saying what was in his heart. “The truth, Olli, is that I’ve already started to fall in love with you. I think you’re sexy, and smart, and resourceful. I think you’re tenacious in the best way possible. I love spending time with you, and I’ve started to imagine what life would be like with you at my side all the time.” He swallowed again, his throat so dry and so narrow. “I’m not here just for a good time. We’re way more than friends. I am helping you with an investment, and I’d give you the money you needed if you’d accept it from me.” He twisted his hat, running his fingers along the outside of the brim, trying to find anything else to say.
“I think that’s it,” he said, nodding. “That’s the truth.”
She sized him up, and Spur stood very still while she did. “Okay,” she finally said.
“Okay?” he repeated.
“Yeah, okay.” She reached for him, and he twined his fingers through hers.
“Can I kiss you to make sure we’re okay?” he asked, crowding into her personal space.
“If you must,” she said with a sigh, and Spur chuckled as he pressed his cowboy hat to her back and kissed her. “See?” he whispered, his lips catching on hers. “Way more than friends.” He kissed her again, feeling her melt into him. He sure did like that, and Spur hoped she could also feel the truth of what he’d said.