Chapter Three
Three
The sign in the window said Closed, but she was still in there. Ryan had seen her sporty little car parked in the usual spot.
Morgan’s behavior this morning had plagued him the entire day. He’d been riding the fence lines and trying to focus on what his ranch foreman had been saying, but all Ryan could think about was how the Morgan from this morning was quite different from the Morgan he’d always known.
Sex wouldn’t have made her so agitated and leery.
The last time he’d seen her, they’d agreed they wouldn’t mention having sex ever again, but did that mean they were never speaking at all?
He’d almost rather go back to their verbal sparring matches than to have silence.
He wasn’t a chatty guy unless he was arguing with Morgan.
He realized now that every single time they’d quarreled, she’d been damn sexy.
Who knew anger could be so arousing? Maybe the line between irritation and passion was narrower than he’d ever thought.
Ryan never backed down from a challenge and he demanded honesty from those around him. He’d learned early on in life that people treated you the way you allowed them to.
He wouldn’t let Morgan hide whatever it was that bothered her. If she just didn’t want to talk, fine, but he had a sinking feeling there was something else going on.
Had he done something? He thought they’d both had a pleasurable night and were in agreement when they parted ways, but now...
Their one-night stand came on the coattails of years of frustrations and arguments. He had no clue what the next steps should be, but he needed to figure that out in the next few seconds.
Ryan spotted Morgan through the double glass doors and tapped his knuckles on the frame.
When she spun around and caught his gaze, she simply stared for a moment.
Time seemed to stop and he wondered if she was going to ignore him or let him in.
He waited maybe only a few seconds, but it seemed much longer as those striking blue eyes stared back.
Damn. He could get lost in those baby blues, but he’d vowed long ago to never lose himself in a woman again.
After being jilted and finding time to heal properly, he knew this version was stronger than ever before. No matter the relationship, whether friendship or intimacy, he demanded honesty and he had to remain in control. That was the only way he could keep his heart guarded.
Sure, Ryan could have texted Morgan, but he wanted her to look him in the eye because she’d refused earlier. He wanted to read her body language and if he had done something, then he would apologize in person to show respect.
And, fine. He wanted to see her. So what? Maybe he needed to see if they would revert back to arguing or if something else had sparked between them.
Morgan was a striking, intriguing woman he couldn’t get out of his damn mind. For the past month he’d replayed that night over and over.
Vic and Jayden had put that stupid thought in his head about Morgan being attracted to him at the Masquerade Ball.
Maybe she had been, but if she still was, she was clearly confused and reacting completely out of character.
He had to see for himself now that no alcohol was involved and time had lapsed.
Finally, Morgan made her way toward him and flicked the lock. She eased the door open as she narrowed her eyes. Ah, yes. There she was. That spitfire he found way too damn appealing.
“We’re closed.”
“Clearly. We need to talk.”
Her eyes widened a fraction. Was that fear? Hesitation?
Something was definitely up with her and he wasn’t leaving until he figured out what happened to make such a bold, strong woman react so out of character.
“I was just getting ready to leave.”
Again, she wouldn’t meet his gaze up close. Ryan certainly didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, but he did want to know if he’d offended her or hurt her in some way. Morgan never backed down from anything, especially an opportunity to tell him exactly what was on her mind.
Ryan slid his finger beneath her chin and tipped her head up so she had nowhere else to look. Her sharp intake of breath didn’t stem from fear...no, that was desire looking back at him.
There was his answer. He didn’t know why that revelation made him so happy.
“Are you letting me in or are we going to talk like this for the town to see?” he asked.
Her eyes darted over his shoulder, then back to him. She took a step back and eased the door wider, gesturing him inside.
Ryan glanced around at the stylish decor that combined modern metals with rustic Southern charm. There seemed to be so much inventory, yet everything had a neat, orderly vibe.
He turned to face her as she locked the door once again.
“I’ve never actually been in here,” he admitted. “You’ve got an impressive place. No wonder it’s so successful.”
Morgan remained by the door and nodded. “Thank you. I never really wanted to be part of the ranch and this was always a dream of mine, much to my family’s dismay.”
“They have to be proud of your accomplishments.”
“I suppose they are now that they see this isn’t a hobby and I work as hard as they do. I just prefer people and fashion to cattle and spurs.”
Ryan waited for her to move or speak or anything to break this tension that seemed to surround them.
Being alone with her, having her so close physically but so far mentally, confused him.
She was the sexiest woman he’d ever seen and there was no way to deny the pull that still tugged at him.
Even after an entire month with no contact, he was just as mesmerized and turned on as ever.
“Do you want to tell me what has you so spooked?” he finally asked, breaking the ice.
“Spooked?”
Ryan shrugged and hooked his thumbs through his belt loops as he widened his stance. He figured he wasn’t going anywhere for a while. They would either argue or tear each other’s clothes off...he just had to wait and see which one.
“Something about me or what happened between us has you afraid,” he clarified. “Did I do something or offend you in any way? Other than our usual bickering, that is.”
“Offend me? No, of course not. You might annoy the hell out of me, but you’d never purposely hurt me.”
Relief hit him and he realized he’d been holding his breath. He never wanted to hurt or disrespect any woman...despite what he’d been through in his past.
Morgan demanded respect and that was what she deserved.
“I know we said that night shouldn’t have happened,” he started. “But it did and ignoring it seems to be making things more awkward. I can’t even get you to bicker with me anymore. I miss winning every argument.”
Morgan didn’t even crack a smile at his lame joke.
Instead, she chewed on her bottom lip as her eyes darted down to her boots.
He couldn’t help but notice that instant difference between them.
His well-worn boots likely had dirt on the bottoms from the ranch and were definitely not a fashion statement.
Her boots looked like she’d just taken them off the display and paired them with her knee-length dress.
Everything about her screamed polish and poise. She lived her life making beautiful things happen while he...well, he kept the ranch running with worn jeans that were twenty years old. He really didn’t care about buying new things when the old worked perfectly fine.
“We can’t go back and erase what happened.” She shifted her attention from the floor to him as she took a step forward. “We just drank too much alcohol.”
“I knew exactly what I was doing.”
He never let his mind get that clouded from anything. He’d gotten through some of the most difficult times in his life by remaining in control. He wouldn’t have such a successful ranch if he let his emotions get the best of him.
“Having a few drinks isn’t what made me sleep with you,” he added. “I wanted you. Plain and simple.”
Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped to a perfect O. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from those lips, painted a pale pink today. He also liked when they were red and he’d kissed the hell out of them. Maybe smearing her lipstick should become a new hobby in lieu of fighting with her.
Just the thought of all the things they’d done had him wondering why they’d agreed it shouldn’t happen again? The way she looked at him, the way she’d responded to his touch...
“I’m pregnant.”
Ryan jerked at the bomb she’d set off right between them. He must have misunderstood or something, but there was no way...
One look at her face and he knew this was no joke. He was going to be a father.
Okay, so she hadn’t meant to blurt that news out there like that, but she hated secrets and she couldn’t keep the baby from him any longer.
Now that her sister knew, Morgan only felt it right to tell Ryan.
She had planned on calling him and setting up some time to meet tomorrow, but when he’d tapped on her door moments ago, she knew the time had come.
And he’d only stopped by to clear the air. He probably regretted that now.
“Pregnant?” he asked.
Morgan nodded. “I only found out this morning, so I’m still in shock myself.”
“But we were careful.”
“I thought we were, too. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t know how or when.
I guess there’s no perfect time or place to change someone’s life, but you need to know that I don’t expect you to provide for me or the baby.
Of course that’s your right, but I am successful with a family that will support me and—”
“We’ll get married.”
Morgan froze and stared at Ryan as he removed his black Stetson and raked his hand through his hair. He tapped the brim of the hat against his thigh as he held her gaze, clearly waiting for her reply.
“I’m sorry,” she snorted. “Was that a proposal?”
“It was a statement.”
Anger bubbled within her, and Morgan crossed her arms over her chest and attempted to remain calm.