At the look in his eyes, she had the awful feeling that that's exactly what he'd thought. Counting to ten in her head, and then to twenty-five, Brielle took a few more calming breaths. Maybe all cowboys were just that clueless. How would she know?
///
Maybe she too was an utter and absolute fool. Because as she stood there toe to toe with him, more of her anger began dissipating. And in its place was a deep longing in the pit of her stomach. A longing that she had no business feeling. A longing to feel more of what she'd felt while in his arms. How dare he make her want him when he was so crude, so rude?
This man was trouble with a capital T, and she'd do best to remember that. "We're going to forget all about what happened two weeks ago," she began, and she glared when she saw the protest forming on his lips. She waited and hoped the next words from his mouth weren't as idiotic as what he'd been spouting so far.
"I can't forget what happened. I haven't for the last two weeks."
"Nope. Not going to even talk about it, Colt. If you don't release me in the next three seconds, I will be pressing assault charges against you, though."
He looked into her eyes, most likely trying to assess whether she was serious or not. When he did let her go, she felt better. At least he wasn't all-the-way foolish.
"So, Colt, where have you been?"
"I don't see how that's any of your concern."
"Then get out of my barn." She was dead serious. He was a slacker and she had no room for him at her ranch. She turned to leave.
"Wait!"
She paused in her step, but didn't turn around. She also didn't speak. She was waiting for his next words.
"I had family business," he finally told her.
"Are you going to tell me about it?"
"I can't." The way he said it almost constituted regret. That she could accept.
"Well, then, I guess I'll give you a break this time, and this time only, but only if you teach me what I need to do in order not to look like a birdbrain when my father gets here in two weeks."
She turned back to him, and they stood in a face-off for several tense moments. When a smile finally appeared on his lips and he lifted a hand to tip his hat, she knew that she'd just had her first small victory where Colt was concerned.
"Yes, ma'am," he said in a tone that had her narrowing her eyes.
Had it been a victory? Was he mocking her even now?
"You'll teach me?" She wanted clarification.
"I'll teach you anything you want to be taught. But you have to go along without question."
The look in his eyes told her he had a few lesson plans on the agenda that she might not be able to afford.
"Let's just keep this about business, Colt. And nothing more," she said, hoping her voice came out as strong and assured as she wanted it to.
"Brielle, nothing between us is just about business." He stepped forward so they were again too close for her comfort. When his breath rushed over her lips, a shudder ripped through her, but she managed to resist him. She hadn't the least idea how she was doing it, though.
"I will never just follow along like some lackey, Colt. You should learn that right now. But," she said, "if you keep to your word and help me, I will be willing to learn anything you can teach."
They eyed each other for a little while, neither willing to back down. Neither willing to give even a single inch. This was a battle for power, and Brielle honestly didn't know which of them had more of it right then. She'd be better off without him, but then she might never be able to make this place a success.
"I'll teach you," he practically purred. "Give me time to come up with a plan." Then he edged another inch closer.
She was done with this game. She'd gotten what she wanted, and now it was time to leave. "Colt, get out of my way." Her voice was stiff. She was too afraid that if he pushed the issue, if he leaned in again and took her lips now, she would be all too willing to surrender to him.
He looked down at her as if contemplating his next move. Finally, he took a few steps back. Brielle didn't know whether she was relieved or disappointed. But as she got her legs to move and was able to walk away with minimal shaking, she decided it was relief.
Until she got into her house, that is, and flopped right down on the nearest couch. This night would most likely prove to be her loneliest one yet. Because now she knew that Colt was back. And now she knew that the feelings he'd inspired in her two weeks before weren't just a fluke.
She had no idea whether she wanted to dig herself out of the mess he brought to her life …
Chapter Sixteen
You sure you're up for this?"
"I said I wanted to learn, dammit!" She was so tired of being looked at that way. Enough was enough.