Chapter 4 #2
The Cartwrights' wooden table was custom-made and large enough for all the adults. The kids have another table since it's a holiday and all eight siblings are home.
More nostalgia hits me. The fireplace crackles with cherry wood. Excited voices fill the space. Delicious smells of bacon, eggs, pancakes, French toast, waffles, and other breakfast items make my stomach rumble. The same faces, plus Georgia and Phoebe, beam around the table.
I grab an empty chair next to Willow. "Morning. Did you sleep well?"
Her head swivels toward me. She pins me with a gaze like broken glass, and slides her chair back with a chilling calm. She rises, picks up her juice, and walks around the table, selecting a seat as far away from me as possible.
"Still holding a grudge?" Jagger asks loudly, giving her a look of disapproval.
The room falls silent, and all eyes turn to Willow.
She glares at her brother.
"Leave it," I warn him.
But Jagger won't let it be. He points out, "Your riders get into bar fights. It's not a big deal. No charges. No long-term consequences. No one got hurt. You can't hold it against Wyatt forever."
Red rage fills her cheeks. She bursts out, "For your information, it is a big deal. So stay out of my business, Jagger."
"It's against the Cartwright code to not forgive and forget. So tell me how long you're going to stay mad so we can discuss the important issue at hand," he demands.
"Jagger, stop," I order.
Willow's eyes turn to slits. "What issue would that be?"
Jagger's cocky grin teases the corners of his mouth. His tone is just as arrogant. "Signing Wyatt and figuring out what sponsors to go after."
Her jaw drops, anger ready to explode from her.
Tension burns through the air, crackling harsher than the fire.
My mouth turns dry while my dick betrays me.
Willow's defiance always affected me, and time hasn't eliminated my reaction to it.
A flashback erupts where she's jabbing me in the chest, I push her against the stall door, and we fuck in the barn, only to finish a few moments before almost getting caught by Jacob.
Mason cuts in, "I heard Tough Rider is looking for someone for their new bull ropes."
I snap out of my trip down memory lane, and open my mouth to object, but Paisley interjects.
"Roughneck Armorworks needs one too. Their new vest came in, and it's supposed to give the rider 65 percent more protection without inhibiting movement.
" She turns next to me and beams. "I'm on the marketing team that just signed them on as a new client.
So I could help Willow get a meeting before anyone else does. "
"I'm not signing Wyatt as a client," Willow insists with finality.
Another round of sharp tension fills the room.
Ruby clears her throat. "Can I ask why?"
Willow takes a few deep breaths, then turns toward her mother, explaining, "He destroyed The Buck and Bruise."
"So did your other clients. Wyatt didn't do it on his own," Jagger adds.
My chest tightens. I shake my head at him in disapproval.
Willow exclaims, "Which is another reason not to sign him. He can't get along with my riders. I don't do drama, and I won't start now."
"I'm sure they already got over it and made friends during their time in the slammer. You kissed and made up, right, Wyatt?" Jagger taunts.
Willow's rage grows. "Even you aren't stupid enough to believe what you're saying. So stay out of my business."
"Wyatt's family. You have to sign him," Jagger insists sternly.
"No, she doesn't. Let it go," I warn again.
Willow anchors her gaze on me, but I'm not sure how to take it.
Jacob's raw-edged tone sears through the silence. "It's Willow's business, and therefore her decision."
She shoots him a grateful expression. "Thank you."
"However, don't be so quick to make a decision you might regret," he warns.
Her jaw twitches. "I won't regret not signing him."
"Are you sure? I understand you have some things to work out, but if last night hadn't happened, would you have signed him if you knew he was available?" Jacob questions.
More heavy stillness looms around the table with everyone's attention on Willow.
More guilt eats at me. "I've made dumb mistakes. Willow shouldn't have to pay for them. Can we drop this topic and eat before the food gets cold and breakfast is ruined?"
As if I'm a magnet, everyone's focus now turns on me. I force myself not to shift in my seat, keeping my attention on Jacob.
He studies me, and the uncomfortableness fills me like a balloon until I think I might pop. My only relief comes when he finally nods, answering, "We can. But you two should have a serious conversation before either of you writes the other off."
I will never write your daughter off.
Even if she wants to watch me burn in Hell.
A lump lodges itself in my throat, but I manage to get out, "Yes, sir. I understand. Sebastian, can you pass the waffles? I'm starving."
He picks up the platter and hands it to me. I don't know what to make of the expression that goes with it.
The rest of breakfast is normal for everyone but Willow and me. I sneak peeks at her when I can. A few times, I catch her looking at me. But it never makes me feel any better.
Willow would be great as my agent. She could turn my current situation around.
She's done it for several riders. Yet there isn't a bone in my body that wants to sign with her.
And the longer I sit at the table, far away from her, and watch her continue to be uncomfortable in my presence, the clearer it becomes.
Getting into a business relationship together is the worst decision we could make.
There's only one thing to focus on, and it doesn't involve contracts and deals.
The only thing that matters is finding a way for Willow to stop hating me and getting her back in my life, my arms, and my bed.
But the biggest problem still remains.
How do I convince Willow to forget about our past?