Hitching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 1)

“You never thought you’d get busted, is what you mean, right?” I glare at her as I sit stiff as a board.

She shifts in her seat, frowning. “No, it’s not like that at all.”

“So please enlighten me. Please tell me what it’s like because, right now, none of it is adding up, Zoey. None of it. The past three weeks have been the best time of my life, and for it to end like this? It’s completely fucked up.”

“Riley, I know. I should’ve told you as soon as I got here, but I was scared you wouldn’t give us a chance. I never meant for it to get to this level. Benjamin proposed to me after Vegas.”

“So you were dating someone during Vegas? Just wondering if you’re a cheater or a liar, or both.” I’m growing more frustrated with every passing second.

Shaking her head, she opens her mouth, then closes it, trying to find her words. I don’t rush her, giving her all the time she needs for now, but the clock is ticking.

“Kinda. No. We weren’t official. We had gone out on a couple of dates, but we weren’t together. I only went to amuse my mom and dad because they’re friends with Benjamin’s parents. Each date was worse than the one before, and I hadn’t planned on going out with him again. But then he shocked the shit outta me when he proposed at Summer’s wedding. Everyone in the family and our social circles were there, smiling at me, and I was expected to accept. It all happened too fast, and I said yes. Even though I had doubts, I was terrified of disappointing my parents in front of so many people.”

At the mention of her folks, everything she’s told me about them makes sense. Always living in her sister’s shadow and wanting to impress them, though I can’t understand why. They all sound horrible.

“So you said yes and filed for an annulment soon after…” I clarify.

Zoey nods. “I had my lawyer send the papers for you to sign, and when you sent them back, it didn’t feel right. So a couple of weeks later, I came here to find out if you’d felt the same or not.”

I let her words soak in, understanding the situation she was put in, but that doesn’t explain why she felt like lying to me was her only option.

“We talked about honesty. At any point over the past three weeks, you could’ve told me the whole story. We could’ve figured it out together, as husband and wife. You talked about your parents and their expectations, but somehow, you forgot to mention Benjamin was what they wanted for you too. You lied to my face and hurt me. You betrayed my trust and my family’s trust too. I feel used, like you came here to take advantage of me, like an excuse you needed to get out of your proposal, and it’s a dirty feeling. I thought I knew you, but I’m not so sure anymore.” My heart pounds rapidly while I’m harsh and to the point. I look up at the clock, and though she opens her mouth to more than likely refute everything I’ve pointed out, I interrupt her. “Your time is up, Zoey.”

She stands, wiping tears from her cheeks. “I’m leaving with Benjamin first thing in the morning. My car will be picked up before the end of the month.”

I stand, frowning. “So that’s it? You’re going back to Phoenix with him?” I search her face, knowing it’s not what she wants.

“I have to,” she says, shrugging. I want to tell her it’s bullshit, that she doesn’t have to leave, and remind her that she can stay here with me forever. I’m tempted to mention that we can get through this because even though I’m hurt, I’d be willing to fight if she is. She’s my wife, married to me, but I don’t say any of that. Instead, I stare at the wall, replaying everything that’s happened. The question of if she plans on returning lingers in the room. Though I want to ask, I don’t think I’ll be able to take the truth if her answer is no.

At my silence, she walks toward the door, and I follow. She turns and looks at me before opening it. “I know I hurt you, but please know I never intended to, Riley. I really am sorry.”

“I have to believe you didn’t, or I’ll drive myself crazy. However, you need to figure out what you want in life, Zoey. I love you, but is it enough for you? Will living on the ranch make you happy? Small towns aren’t for everyone, and I understand that, so you need to decide,” I tell her, the look on her face tempting me to kiss the fuck out of her. “Decide so we can both move on with our lives—either together or apart. The ball’s in your court. You already have the papers with my signature on it, so make your decision and let me know when you have it.”