RIVAL: An Enemies to Lovers Why Choose Country Romance

Chapter 28

Idon’t know if I’m pissed at Edith or myself more. No, fuck that. I’m fucking pissed at her goddamn dad.

My fingers curl over the steering wheel as I clench my teeth. “Fuckin’ asshole.” I can’t stop the words from pouring out as I pull up to park in front of my parents’ house. Mom needed me to pick up dad’s meds this morning, so I grab the brown paper bag and slam my door shut, shoving the keys into my pocket.

This itching energy that I thought would go away after fucking Edith is still crawling up my spine, but it’s shifted to something that feels more like guilt for how I treated her when I was mad at her father.

Could I have been easier on her?Probably. Definitely, actually. But I was so furious at him for swinging at me when I wasn’t prepared or expecting it. Then she had to go and give me those wide eyes, begging me not to hurt her daddy when he so clearly deserved to be splayed out with a busted jaw. It never should have just been me who left that joke of a fight with an injury.

Edith probably left with one, considering how hard I railed into her. I know it couldn’t have been comfortable and another wave of regret crashes into me. I didn’t even check to see if she was ready first.

“What the hell happened to your face?”

I set my keys on the counter and toss the bag into my dad’s lap. “Fuckin’ Clayborn,” I growl, then sit in my mom’s chair. I can hear her moving around in the kitchen, but I don’t want to bother her with this just yet. “Asshole came screamin’ out of his drive on my way into town and about ran me off the road. I got in his face about it and he took a swing.”

“Needs to be locked up, if you ask me.” Dad eyes me, then glances toward the kitchen. “Best get that covered up before your momma sees. She’ll spend the mornin’ worryin’ about ya and fussin’ like a ninny.”

Chuckling, I climb the stairs to the second-floor bathroom. Digging through the cabinet, I find one of the larger bandages and cover the one inch cut Edith managed to get to stop bleeding.

Back in the living room, my dad tilts his head toward the door. “I’ll tell your momma ya got an early start. Let that heal up a bit before she sees. You gonna report him?”

“Nope. I plan on findin’ him later to express my thanks. It was a cheap shot, and I probably deserved it for not stayin’ ready. I got my cell, so call me if you two need anything.” Dropping a hand on his shoulder, I give it a squeeze before heading outside.

Edith should be heading over soon, unless she decided to hide away at home for the morning. I wouldn’t blame her, and I should figure out a way to apologize for being so ruthless. But fuck, her pussy felt amazing. I won’t regret taking her, but I can apologize for not treating her right. It’s the least I can do.

I also need to make sure I don’t do it again. The last thing I need is Clayborn coming around here, demanding justice for fucking his daughter. Grinning to myself, I can’t help but think it was worth it.

Rustling from the tree line pulls my attention and I watch as Edith slips through. Her hair is wet and I frown, not liking that she’s washed me from her body even though I told her to get herself cleaned up. It’s not rational, I know this, but it irks me, nonetheless.

Opening my mouth to greet her before she sees me, it snaps shut just as quickly as a tiny kitten scampers out of the trees just behind her.

Jesus fuckin’ Christ, you’ve GOT to be kidding me.

“Are you the fuckin’ cat whisperer or somethin’?”

Obviously, she didn’t see me, so she freezes, staring at me with round eyes and a touch of fear behind them. Another flare of shame aches in my chest and I rub at it. That’s my fault and I need to fix it. I just don’t know how.

“What?”

Stepping toward her, she stiffens, so I stop. Lifting my chin to her right, I repeat myself. “A cat whisperer. Thought I said no more. My barn’s full enough as it is with Buck and Bonnie.”

There’s a tick of her lips that falls away faster than it showed up. “You remember their names.”

Scowling at her, I cross my arms. “Doesn’t matter if I do. I’m sure you’ve got one for him already, so what is it?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. A name for what?” She tilts her head sideways as if I’m the one who’s lost their mind. The moment she’s says it, her face drops down to stare at the ground.

That’s the moment the fucking kitten runs in front of her, not slowing down as he makes a beeline directly toward me. The little shit doesn’t even give me a second to react before he’s arching his back, spitting and hissing at my feet.

Snorting, I reach my hand out to let him catch my scent. I glance at Edith, who’s staring at him in shock. “You didn’t know he was following you? Wait.” I grip him by the back of the neck to stop him from biting me, and quickly check and verify he is definitely all boy. “Yeah, he.”

She looks back toward the trees. “Where did he come from?”

“Obviously from your damn house. You keep draggin’ them here one after another. Fuck off, cat!” I yell just as the little shit sinks his nails into my palm and bites the fuck out of me.

I can’t help my reaction because those nails are like talons digging into my skin, so I toss him away from me. He doesn’t land hard, but Edith is running forward and falling to her knees to check him over.

She’s cooing reassuring words as I study the trickle of blood welling up from the multiple nail holes and I swear to God, I’m fucking done with this day. I’m also positive the woman I just fucked in the middle of the road has no plans to tend these wounds with the way she’s glaring at me.

And fuck if she isn’t glaring hard.

“You didn’t have to throw him like that!” I swear, both of them are acting like I’m a devil and now the little shit is purring so loudly I can hear him from where I’m standing.

She settles back on her ass and praises him until he crawls up her body and starts rubbing his face against her hands and chest. He gets a smile from her as he meows and begs for attention.

Mumbling to him, I can’t understand her until she finally blurts out, “Billy! That’s what I’m going to call you.”

“He’s a goddamn menace!” I snap, still pissed that the nightmare bit me.

“I didn’t know he was following me!” she shouts back, then flinches and swallows hard. “Sorry.” Her apology is quiet, and I’m actually stunned by the way she snapped at me. Didn’t think she had it in her.

Grinding my jaw, I debate what I should do. I told her in no uncertain terms that I wasn’t taking in another cat. This would make three when we’ve had years without a single one. But watching her stroke his fur and hunch over him, plus with the way I treated her not even an hour ago, I find myself giving in.

“He can stay. But seriously, this has to be the last one.”

Edith nods, but I don’t think she’s fully agreeing with me. It’s as if she knows I can’t tell her no any longer.

Unsure how to handle what happened today, I take the coward’s way out, standing up and backing away.

“Look, why don’t you just get him settled and take off for the day? I don’t need you.” I flinch just after she does, but I’m not sure how to take it back.

A look comes across her face, but I can’t decipher anything aside from humiliation. She backs away quickly from me, and just fucking leaves, disappearing into the barn. I stare after her, knowing I should make things right. I’ll figure it out, eventually.

I sigh, then groan at myself for being a complete dick. I stomp toward the horse barn, needing to go for a ride. Maybe the speed will help clear my head and I’ll figure out how to talk to her tomorrow.

Saddled and mounted on the back of Austin is only as far as I get before I’m staring at the field, unable to leave. Turning in my seat, I glance back to the door she’s hidden behind.

Clicking my tongue, I turn my horse around and shout. “Edith! Come out here a minute.”

When she slips out the door, she’s still obviously pissed and hurt by my words. I know I need to apologize, but it’s not something I’m familiar with doing. What I can do is give her something she enjoys and place myself in a more comfortable situation to say what I need to.

Holding out a hand, I wait for her to take it. She doesn’t. Edith just stands there and blinks at me as if she’s waiting for the punchline. Waving her toward me in a “come here” gesture, she hesitates, then moves closer.

“Come on, girl. We’re gonna go for a ride.”

She still hasn’t given me her hand when she asks, “What do you need help with?”

“Nothin’. We’re just goin’ for a ride. Now give me your hand so I can pull you up.”

I swear I can hear her jaw grinding, but because I am her boss, she doesn’t say no and, like the good girl she is, she reaches for me.

Once I get her in front of me, I immediately notice how rigid she’s holding herself. “You know you can relax. Can’t really get any closer than we already did.”

I am aware that it was probably the wrong thing to say the moment it comes out of my mouth, which is only proven when she attempts to scramble down before I even have the last word out.

Quickly, I wrap my arm around her and hold her against me, murmuring. “Sorry, that was supposed to be a joke, and it was poor timing. Will you please just relax and go for a ride with me?”

A grumble escapes from her and I fight a smile because I’m pretty sure she just insulted me. Aside from that, she does let her body ease somewhat against mine, which makes it easier to guide Austin out toward the field.

Keeping our pace somewhat easy to start, I give her time to get even more comfortable, and I’ll be honest, to give me time to enjoy her like this. I’m finding myself less and less pissed that she’s Clayborn’s daughter the longer she sticks around. She actually makes me doubt that his paternity is accurate. No way does this woman belong to him, and I’d certainly suggest she get a DNA test if it weren’t for the fact they look somewhat similar.

Checking behind me, I know we’re out of view from prying eyes, definitely far enough away that if voices were raised, no one would hear.

I halt Austin and, without saying a word, pick Edith up while turning her around to face me.

“What are you—Hey! I’m going to fall!” With my help, we move her legs over my thighs, and I hold on to them so she feels more stable.

“I wanna make sure you see my face when I say what I gotta say. No funny business, promise.”

She’s breathing hard, her chest rising rapidly with each sharp inhale. “I could have listened facing forward.”

“Nah, this works for me.” This time I do smile when her nostrils flare slightly in irritation. “Don’t be mad at me, girl. I’m tryin’ to apologize here.”

My shirt is fisted under her hands where she grabbed hold to prevent herself from falling, and they tighten when she bites out, “For what?”

“Certainly not for havin’ you facin’ me, if that’s what you’re asking.”

I’m still smiling, enjoying teasing her. It’s weirdly fun, and as much as I want to keep at her, I know I need to get serious.

With a softer voice, she seems as if she’s giving up. “We don’t have to do this. It’s not necessary.”

“Yes, we do. I owe you an apology for takin’ you the way I did on the road. I was angry, really angry, and you shouldn’t have suffered the brunt of it. I know I had your consent but usin’ you like that wasn’t the way my momma raised me. Can we move past it?”

I scan her face, an unreadable expression written there, and I swallow hard. I really fuckin’ hate apologizin’.

“So,” she says slowly, dragging the word out. “You’re apologizing for having sex with me?”

Reaching up, I scratch at the back of my head, unsure of her tone. “Yeah, ‘spose I am. Wasn’t real smart. I should also say sorry for bein’ such a dick since you started workin’ for me, too. I’ll be honest, I only let you come on to piss off your daddy, but you’re a decent worker. Got no regrets now.”

“Now.”

That’s all she says and I’m trying to figure out what that fucking tone means. She’s not angry. I just saw her angry earlier with the damn monster kitten, and this isn’t anything like that.

Before I can try again, she literally deflates before me. “Do I still have a job with you? If you didn’t really need me, I don’t want to be in your way. I’d just need some time to figure out what to do with the babies.” She looks away and frees one hand from my shirt to pet Austin as if she’s going to miss him as well.

“Christ, girl. That’s not what I’m gettin’ at. I just said I don’t have regrets. I’m just sayin’, well, tryin’ to say I’m sorry for bein’ a dick and fuckin’ you like that.”

With lips pressed together, she nods once and gives me a fake as fuck smile. “No worries. I won’t hold it against you.”

“Wait, I feel like—”

She cuts me off quickly. “Do you, umm, do you think we could go back? I’m actually anxious to make sure Billy is settling in. Is that okay? Since we weren’t coming out here to do any work.”

“Yeah, sure,” I murmur, helping her to turn around once more. I don’t feel good about this.

I swear I hear a sniffle as we head much faster back to the house. Trying to check on her without being obvious, I expected tears, but her eyes are dry. Unfortunately, there is a spark missing. Like I’ve disappointed her more deeply than I meant to.

She looks like she’s feelin’ terribly alone.