16. Ace
ACE
My father comes out to the barn and starts yelling. “What is this I hear about you dating the Grant girl? Have you lost your fucking mind?”
I drop what I’m doing and turn to face him. “That’s none of your business. Your war with her father has nothing to do with us.”
“It has everything to do with you. She got into your head and it worked. Now, she has the ranch and you have nothing.”
I take a deep breath, reminding myself that he’s my father, before I let my anger completely take over. “First of all, I have what I need, no thanks to you. I’m done. You treat me like a second rate employee, instead of your son. Go find someone else to work for you.”
He raises his voice. “Don’t you dare leave. You’re a Montgomery. This is your land.”
“Not anymore. If I have to be a jackass to everyone to gain your respect, then I don’t want it.”
I go straight to my house on the property, pack my bags, and leave before he can approach me again. Once off the property, I pull over and call Gavin to see if I can stay at his place until I can get an apartment.
“Of course. I have two spare bedrooms, but I’m going to need details when you get here.”
I roll my eyes. “I’ll be there in ten.”
Things have been different since Olivia won the auction. She has opened my eyes to what my life can be, and I’m done letting my father call the shots. Montgomery name or not, he can find someone else to work the ranch.
I pull up to Gavin’s, grab my suitcase, and walk inside. “Hey, sorry for the late notice.”
“I’m over here trying to wrap my head around it. What are you going to do now? I know your dad is a dick, but he’s still your father.”
“He doesn’t respect me in any capacity. Until he does, I’m not giving him time in my life.”
It seems harsh, but maybe it will help him realize how he treats me. It’s toxic.
“I still can’t believe you told him about Olivia. He hates the Grant’s.” He stands in the kitchen, stirring something on the stove. “I would have loved to be a fly on the wall during that conversation.”
He points up the stairs and I go and put down my suitcase, but my phone buzzes.
Liv: What are you doing right now? I need your expertise. You worked construction for a while right?
Me: Yes, what do you need?
Liv: I’m trying to figure out what repairs are needed for the barn. Honestly, to me, it’s everything.
Me: On my way.
I rush downstairs and find him finally eating whatever concoction he made. “I gotta go help Liv. Not sure when I’ll be back.”
“You are a grown man. There’s no curfew at this house. Just respect my rules. And don’t wake the baby up or else my wife will kill you.”
I laugh and head out the door toward the Grant ranch.
About twenty minutes later, I pull down the dirt driveway to find Olivia standing on the porch, drinking a glass of lemonade.
Oh my. She is wearing a sundress and cowboy boots, and my heart drops.
It’s very rare that she isn’t in jeans, but I’m not complaining.
Something about a simple sundress is a turn-on for me.
“Hey, handsome. You didn’t have to rush over here.” She throws her arms around my neck and plants a kiss on my lips. “Not that I’m complaining. Sorry it’s been a little hectic since the auction. The investor wants a write-up of everything by next week, and I feel like I’m running out of time.”
I brush a strand of hair out of her face and my thumb grazes her cheekbone. “You never have to apologize for needing me. Remember that.” I twirl her around. “Did you put this on for me? I like it, but I think it’ll look so much better on the floor.”
She smacks my chest. “And I’d look better up against the wall, but I have work to do. So don’t tease me, yet.”
Something about her playful tone is making me hard. “So, later then?”
She smiles. “Let’s go check out the barn, and then afterward we’ll see.”