Chapter 19 #2
“I don’t believe that.” Gage snarls. “How does someone go from single to engaged in a matter of a month?”
Good fucking question.
But also, mind your business.
“Sorry that you got the wrong information, but even if I wasn’t engaged, I wouldn’t be interested,” I explain, playing along with this stupid plan.
“Why not?” he asks, reaching out toward me. “Your dad thought we’d make a great couple.”
“Listen…Gage, is it?” Landen wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his chest. “Last year, I shot a man in the dick for tryin’ to hurt my best friend. Imagine what I’ll do to a man who harasses my fiancée.”
He did what? There’s no way…
My gaze snaps to Landen again and he looks more entertained than anything by Gage’s attempt to coerce me. But I’m not sure if he’s telling the truth or not. If my dad thought that, I’m going to have a few questions about his taste in men for me.
“That was you?” Gage asks.
Wait, it’s true?
Furrowing my brows, I whisper, “You actually did that?”
He leans above my ear. “Yep, but trust me, past Ellie wasn’t impressed.”
Considering the lack of context, I’m not sure if I should’ve been or not.
“Yep, and he lost both of his balls,” Landen replies to Gage. “Now he sits in prison with a permanent reminder.”
Gage finally smartens up and backs up. “Yeah…we’ll see what Mr. Donovan has to say about that.” He shoots him one final glare before walking out of the aisle.
As soon as he’s out of view, I release a deep breath. “Why did you say we were engaged?”
He tips his hat. “You’re welcome.”
“For what? Now my parents are gonna hear about it and have several questions.”
“For saving you from a psychopath who clearly wouldn’t take no for an answer unless you were claimed. Hell, even when I said you were, he wasn’t backin’ off.”
“Claimed? So now I’m a possession? First, I’m a dog, now I’m—”
Landen shoves me up against the cooler door, cups my face, and then crashes his mouth to mine. Without a second thought, I kiss him back.
Heat builds between my thighs as he holds me in place and slides his tongue between my lips. Letting him take over, I give in to the way my body reacts to him, and still, I’m desperate for more.
When he pulls away, my shoulders rise and fall with labored breaths.
Then he flattens his palm against the door, leaning close, and thumbs my chin. “There. Properly claimed.” And then he fucking winks.
“Like property,” I deadpan.
Shaking his head, he chuckles softly under his breath. “So goddamn feisty all the time. How is it we still bicker even after you lose your memory of me?”
“Guess you’re just that insufferable or some things never change.”
“Oh, trust me…plenty has changed. But I’ll take it as long as it means I get to shut you up with my tongue.”
My jaw drops and he smirks. “See? I know exactly what to say to rile you up so we can fight and make up all over again.”
“You know it’s only a matter of time before the entire town hears about our engagement. Then what?”
“Good, then all the other Justin Bieber lookalikes know to stay away from you.”
Rolling my eyes, I push against his chest so I can move around him, but he blocks me in.
“You’re being a little possessive, don’t ya think?”
He cocks a brow. “You’re the one who put the idea of marriage in my head, so you’re partially to blame.”
“How is it we haven’t even gone on a first date and now we’re talkin’ marriage?”
“Would you like to revisit the terms of our deal?”
I cross my arms, scowling. “Depends…what would the date entail?”
“Now if I told ya that, you wouldn’t be surprised.”
“I’m just makin’ sure your idea of a first date ain’t takin’ me to the jeweler to get my finger sized or to go get matchin’ tattoos or something.”
“Ooh, good third date idea. My fiancée needs a ring after all. Matching tats…maybe for our fourth.”
“That’s not funny, Landen!” I push his chest again. “My parents are gonna freak out if they hear about this.”
“Why? I think your parents love me.”
I scoff. “Actually, my dad told me to be careful with you.”
“Did he?”
“He thinks I’m gonna get my heart broken.”
He tips my chin and a tender smile spreads over his face. “I wouldn’t have waited four years to try to move on if I planned to break your heart. If anything, you’re going to break mine.”
People needing to grab food out of the freezer we’re blocking interrupt our conversation. But it’s for the best since this isn’t the place to continue this kind of discussion.
We finish getting everything on the list and load up Landen’s truck. As we listen to music and talk, I notice Landen glancing in the rearview mirror every thirty seconds. After a couple minutes, I look out my side mirror and notice an SUV driving close behind.
“They’ve been following since we left the store,” he explains when I ask about it. “And making every turn I do.”
“Maybe they’re going out this way, too.”
“I dunno…” He narrows his eyes as he looks again. “I’m kinda thinkin’ it’s that Gage kid.”
“Seriously?” Turning around, I look out the back window. Since there’s not a second row, I can see behind us pretty clearly. Except whoever’s driving is wearing a black hat and dark sunglasses.
“Why would he follow us?”
“Not sure, but I don’t like it.” Landen swerves over to the side so he can pass, but instead, the person slows down, too. “This fuckin’ asshole.”
Landen slams his foot down on the gas until we’re speeding down the road. I watch the car get farther away in the side mirror and breathe out a sigh of relief when they don’t catch up.
“That was so weird,” I say, finally relaxing against the seat.
“Do you think he’s tellin’ the truth? Did you meet him at one of your rodeos?”
I shrug because I have no idea. “I’m gonna have to ask my dad to know for sure. It’s possible, but there’s no way I would’ve been interested in him. I was probably only nice because he’s one of my dad’s employees.”
“I don’t like the idea of him thinkin’ he had a chance with you.”
“Well, now no one will since I’m engaged and all…”
He grabs my hand, interlocks our fingers, and then brings it to his mouth for a tender kiss. “Good. I’d hate to have to threaten another man’s balls. Or worse, shoot ’em.”
We finally arrive at the ranch. I’ve never been inside the main house, but the outside is gorgeous with a white wraparound porch that has a couple swings and wooden chairs.
“I bet this was a great place to grow up,” I say once we walk inside with the groceries. There’s a rustic feel to it with lots of cozy vibes and family photos on the wall.
“It was hectic, that’s for sure. But yeah, it was fun.”
“Ellie, darlin’!” Mrs. Hollis grabs the bags out of my arms, sets them on the counter, and then engulfs me in a hug. “It’s so good to see you. How’re you doing?”
“I’m good. Considering, I mean.” I smile and then get a hug from Gramma Grace. I’ve only met her a few times, but this family is full of huggers, so I accept my fate.
“I’m glad to hear it. I reached out to your parents when I heard and they were so worried, but it comes with the territory of your kids ridin’ horses professionally. When Noah got hurt, I banned her from ever trick ridin’ again.”
Landen snorts. “Yeah, that didn’t last long.”
“Wait, I remember that. She fractured her ankle and broke some ribs, right?”
“Oh…that you remember.” Landen groans, putting away the groceries while Gramma Grace adds ingredients to the mixer. They’ve already started baking and cooking, and it smells delicious whatever it is.
Mrs. Hollis chuckles. “My kids have been givin’ me heart attacks since the day they were born, so I knew the fear your parents must’ve been feelin’.”
“Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to convince me to slow down,” I admit, leaning against the island counter.
“And would you?” she asks.
I think about the past few years and how much I’ve enjoyed traveling, racing, and pushing myself to do better at each event. The feelings I get while riding are irreplaceable.
“No, I don’t think so. I love it too much.”