Billionaire and the Cowgirl

She shakes her head. “It won’t work. His heart is too hard. Maybe if he started walking again, but that would take months of physical therapy that I don’t have the money for and he doesn’t have the urge to do. It’s a lost cause, and I’m so emotionally exhausted I just don’t have time for these things. I don’t have any energy left for you, Cane. If you’d just leave me alone, I think my life would be better. Swear to God.”

The words are like a knife. She’s not even angry. Her tone is resigned and mournful, and that makes it hurt all the more. She really sounds like she’s done with me. If I could go back in time, I’d murder eighteen-year-old me. Words and smiles aren’t going to convince her that she’s wrong. Her daddy is the key here, and so I’m going to convince him I’m the right man for Astor even if it means a daily round of buckshot in my ass. I’m not giving up on her or us.

CHAPTER 6

ASTOR

I shoot the glass of champagne back, not expecting the burn that comes to my eyes and nose. The hell? What have I gone and gotten myself into?

When I agreed to do the photoshoot, I had no idea I was going to have to travel to Houston. I thought I'd drive into Dallas or something but soon found out that wasn’t the case. I’d offered to drive myself to Houston but quickly realized it would be a waste of a lot of time. It didn’t make sense when we could jump on a short plane ride. We were cramming a lot into the short amount of time so I’d only have to leave my dad for one night.

He wasn’t too happy about it when I told him, but I made sure to prepare everything I could think of before I left. I honestly can’t remember the last time I slept away from home. It had to be before my father’s accident.

“How does that burn more than whiskey?” I close my eyes for a second.

“It’s a different kind of burn,” Cane says, snagging the bottle off the flight attendant’s tray and topping my glass off again for me. I pick it up and down that one too. I need it to calm my nerves. “You don’t like flying?”

“I’ve never flown before.”

“Right.” He hands the bottle back to the flight attendant, who hasn’t taken her eyes off him since we boarded. I swear she has little hearts dancing over her head as she continues to stare at Cane.

“He’s in love with me. It’s not happening. Might as well move on,” I blurt out. Wow, that champagne has gone straight to my head or something.

Cane bursts into laughter. I glare at him. “It’s true.” He smirks. “I’m all hers. Always will be.” I can’t help but feel a little flutter in my chest at his words. The pretty flight attendant purses her lips but nods before leaving us alone.

“Where are Birdie and Calder?”

“Ended up taking an earlier flight.”

“What?”

“Yeah, Birdie needed to handle some things, and Calder wanted to have a night with her in the city without having to work.

“So it’s only you and me on this flight?”

“Sterling is coming with his fiancée, Maria. Don’t worry, though. We can still join the mile high club if you want. There’s a bedroom in the back.” He points his thumb over his shoulder. I roll my eyes. “You do know you’re going to have to marry me now. Your first flight is a private one, which means you’ll be ruined for all other flights. You’ll never be able to fly commercial now.”

“Whatever. I haven't heard from you in like four days,” I mutter.

“Thought you wanted me to leave you alone.” He reminds me of what I said to him the last time we talked.

I turn my head to look out the window. When I said those words, they sounded right. If I could get some space from Cane then maybe I could start to let go. It was bullshit. I’ve had space from him for all these years, and that hasn’t worked yet. The past few weeks have been the most we’ve talked in a long time. Sure, I see him around, but my heart has never moved on.

“I thought time heals all things.”

“No amount of time would change what I feel for you, Astor.” I turn my head back toward him.

“I got a nurse to watch over my father while I’m gone. She’s a retired veteran. I’m kinda hoping she might be able to get through to him. But I doubt it.”

“She has outstanding credentials.”

“Cane.” I roll my eyes.

“What? You think I’m not going to check into someone coming and going from your home?” He gives me a look like I’m the crazy one here.