Before I can say a word, he grabs me by the shoulders and pulls me into a kiss. It’s hard and desperate, like he’s trying to prove something. My heart skips a beat, but before I can process it, he pulls back, his eyes blazing.
Why is he doing this in front of everyone? Has he lost his damn mind?
“What the hell were you thinking?” he snaps.
I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”
“Running out here by yourself? With a predator on the loose?” He gestures toward the woods. “Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?”
I cross my arms, my irritation flaring back to life. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, Wade. I’ve been doing it for a long time.”
“That doesn’t mean you should take unnecessary risks,” he counters. “What if something had happened to you?”
“But nothing did,” I point out. “I’m fine.”
“That’s not the point.”
“Then what is?” I sigh. “I’ve lived next door for the majority of my life. I know these trails like the back of my hand. There’s always been a risk of a predator of some sort or even a transient being on those trails, too. I refuse to live my life in fear.”
“I’m not saying live your life in fear. Did you have mace with you? Did you carry your nine? You could have told any of us, and we’d have gone with you. You’re too stubborn.”
“And you’re overbearing,” I shoot back. “I’m not some damsel in distress, Wade. I don’t need you swooping in to save me.”
“I know that! I’m not trying to swoop in and save you in any of this! I am trying to keep you safe! I cannot bear the thought of losing you because you were attacked by some wild animal! I can’t bear the thought of losing you at all.”
Whoa. Those are some pretty heavy words to be announcing to the entire ranch.
Especially to Caleb, who is now standing against the barn, looking between the two of us in shock.
“I’m not a child,” I murmur as I cross my arms in front of my chest, just like a child throwing a temper tantrum.
I was spitting mad at him for making a scene in front of the entire ranch, but now, I’m terrified that he did this in front of everyone. It makes it real. There’s no going back on our feelings, especially since Caleb knows.
He lets out a groan that quickly turns into a growl. His expression softens slightly, but his frustration is still evident. “I know you’re not, Sutton. You’re stronger than most. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to worry about you.”
I sigh, some of my anger ebbing away. “I appreciate the concern. But I need you to trust that I know what I’m doing.”
He nods slowly, his gaze searching mine. “You can’t know what you’re doing when it comes to these predators. Whatever got the cattle isn’t scared to come up to the barn, which means…”
“I know what it means,” I say, waving my hand dismissively. I shake my head and start walking back toward the guest house.
I need a shower and food. Probably some more wine after this ridiculousness that he’s imposing on me.
“Damn it, Sutton. Could you stop being so damn stubborn for a few minutes and listen to me, please?”
“I don’t listen when someone is talking at me. You didn’t even bother to take a breath long enough for me to answer your questions. Yes, I was carrying mace and my nine. I only had one AirPod in on my run so that I could hear if anything was close. I also am a single, very small woman who once lived in a college town and in the city; trust me when I tell you that I am always aware of my damn surroundings. I’m not being stubborn. Maybe you should stop for a second and understand that I am not a child who needs to be scolded every five minutes.”
“Sutton,” he calls after me as I continue making my way to the guest house.
“Maybe you should learn to trust me,” I mutter under my breath.
I can hear Wade cuss and his footsteps as he chases after me. I’m not stopping, though; I’m not in the mood for an I’m sorry or anything else right now.
I only want a shower and food. Possibly a nap, and none of those entail spending more time with Wade. I will not reward him for acting like this toward me.
I’m a freaking Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, for cripe’s sake. He just made a scene in front of the entire ranch. That oneaction could have just stripped all of my hard work and authority away. I won’t stand for that.
Chapter Thirty-Five
