Page 35 of The Rancher’s Ecstasy

Emily snorted. “And having affairs.”

Winston looked uncomfortable for a second. “Yes, well. I had to get it from somewhere. You didn’t like me to touch you.”

“Is this a joke?” Emily shook her head in dismay.

“Why would you think this is a joke?’

“I knew you were a prick, but I didn’t think you were so stupid to think for one second I would want to take care of you. You’re a pitiful excuse for a human being, and if I never see you again in this lifetime, I’ll count myself lucky.”

“I can’t believe this. What has happened to you? You used to be so nice.”

“You happened to me, Winston. Would you want to be with anyone who told you were fat and ugly? You told me I was worthless and showed me in so many ways how much you didn’t care for me. Why would I want that?”

“And I told you, if you only tried harder, you could look attractive, and I’d want to have sex with you.”

A cold knot grew in her belly. Her anger collided with the suffocating sensation of losing the best things that had ever happened to her. Emily walked to the cabin door and opened it. “Winston, you need to leave. Now.” Winston looked surprised.

“But we have so much to talk about.”

“We have nothing to talk about. It’s over between us, and I thank God for that every day. Get out.” They both jumped as a loud clap of thunder seemed to hit right above the cabin.

“I can’t go out in that. Where would I go?”

Winston walked to the sofa and sat back, laying his arms across the back. “I don’t think so. We can still talk. I think I can make you see reason.” He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “We could make love. It’s been so long for you.”

A laugh bubbled up her throat before sadness gripped her. “Actually, I just had incredible sex this morning.”

First shock and then disbelief crossed his face. “With who?”

“None of your business.”

There was a moment of silence. “It couldn’t possibly be that rancher. He’d never go for someone like you.”

A spasm of pain hit her. She started to believe she was pretty enough for Cole. Now, seeing how quickly he walked away, she knew it was an illusion. Something she’d eventually have to think about later. There was no way she was going to break down in front of this sorry excuse for a man.

“I need you to leave, Winston.”

Winston leaned back with a smile on his face. “Well, darling. I’m staying.”

Emily stared at him for a moment. She slammed the door and walked over to the desk in the corner. She stuffed her computer and her essential papers into a large briefcase first. She snatched her purse off her dresser and walked toward the door.

“Where the hell are you going?” he asked.

She turned back at the door. “There is no way in hell I will spend another night of my life with you. Goodbye, Winston. Please stay the hell away from me.”

A laugh sounded from inside the cabin. “You’ll be back, darling.”

She heard his comment before the door closed. She stood under the small overhang outside the front door of the cabin and looked around. The rain came down rapidly, but she wasn’t about to stick around. She made a run to her car, careful to protect her briefcase and computer.

She looked toward the house, uncertain if she wanted to try to talk to Cole now, maybe try later, or perhaps never. Emily didn't know how she’d get over the fact he believed she could be an adulteress. She decided to ask for another cabin and deal with everything else tomorrow. She just hoped Cole wasn’t around at the moment.

Emily’s heart sank at the angry look on Daisy’s face when she walked inside the house. Everyone seemed to think she was sleezy. She cleared her throat. “Daisy, is there another cabin I can rent for the night?”

Daisy frowned, confused, and her body stayed stiff. “Why would you want another cabin?” Her voice was tight with angst.

Emily sighed tiredly. “Because I refuse to spend another night with my ex-husband for the rest of my life.”

Daisy’s eyes widened. “So, he really is your ex? He made it sound like you’re still married and that you were waiting for him.”