"I'm having a conversation." Cole's tone stays pleasant. Reasonable. "About business. Which, last I checked, doesn't concern the hired help."
That does it.
The words hit like a slap.Hired help.Like I'm nothing. Like five years of holding that ranch together means nothing.
My hands curl into fists. I step forward, anger flashing hot and immediate.
Hazel reaches for my arm but I'm already moving.
Chace is there before I can do something I'll regret.
He wedges himself between us, one hand out, firm but controlled. "Alright," he says, voice steady. "That's enough."
Cole chuckles softly. "Touchy."
"Yeah," Chace says, not looking at him. "And you're done."
He turns to me, lowers his voice. "Not worth it."
My chest is tight, every muscle coiled. I don't look away from Cole.
Chace leans in closer. "Let's call it a night."
The silence stretches.
Cole takes a step back, satisfied. He looks at Hazel one more time. "Offer stands, Hazel. For now."
Then to me, still smiling: "Enjoy the rest of your night, Dawson."
He walks away like he's already won.
My jaw aches from clenching it so hard.
"Come on," Chace says quietly. "Let's get some air."
Outside, the cool night hits my face. The noise from the bar fades behind us, replaced by the sound of gravel crunching under boots.
Shae's already heading for her car, phone out, clearly done with the night. Addie touches Hazel's arm, says something quiet. Hazel nods but doesn't look convinced of whatever Addie just said.
My hands are still fists. The adrenaline hasn't faded. If anything, it's worse out here in the quiet.
Hired help.
Like I don't bleed for that ranch every goddamn day.
Hazel's standing near Shae's car, arms wrapped around herself. Her expression is tight. Angry. But there's something else underneath it. Embarrassment, maybe. Or fear.
Cole just made it public. Made his offer known. Everyone in there heard him talk about Mae's situation, about him trying to buy the ranch. About the fact that Mae might need to sell.
About me being nothing but an employee.
I look at her across the gravel lot.
She looks back.
For a second, neither of us moves.
Then I'm walking toward her.
