Billionaire and the Cowgirl
By: Ella Goode“How does that burn more than whiskey?” I close my eyes for a second.
“It’s a different kind of burn,” Cane says, snagging the bottle off the flight attendant’s tray and topping my glass off again for me. I pick it up and down that one too. I need it to calm my nerves. “You don’t like flying?”
“I’ve never flown before.”
“Right.” He hands the bottle back to the flight attendant, who hasn’t taken her eyes off him since we boarded. I swear she has little hearts dancing over her head as she continues to stare at Cane.
“He’s in love with me. It’s not happening. Might as well move on,” I blurt out. Wow, that champagne has gone straight to my head or something.
Cane bursts into laughter. I glare at him. “It’s true.” He smirks. “I’m all hers. Always will be.” I can’t help but feel a little flutter in my chest at his words. The pretty flight attendant purses her lips but nods before leaving us alone.
“Where are Birdie and Calder?”
“Ended up taking an earlier flight.”
“What?”
“Yeah, Birdie needed to handle some things, and Calder wanted to have a night with her in the city without having to work.
“So it’s only you and me on this flight?”
“Sterling is coming with his fiancée, Maria. Don’t worry, though. We can still join the mile high club if you want. There’s a bedroom in the back.” He points his thumb over his shoulder. I roll my eyes. “You do know you’re going to have to marry me now. Your first flight is a private one, which means you’ll be ruined for all other flights. You’ll never be able to fly commercial now.”
“Whatever. I haven't heard from you in like four days,” I mutter.
“Thought you wanted me to leave you alone.” He reminds me of what I said to him the last time we talked.
I turn my head to look out the window. When I said those words, they sounded right. If I could get some space from Cane then maybe I could start to let go. It was bullshit. I’ve had space from him for all these years, and that hasn’t worked yet. The past few weeks have been the most we’ve talked in a long time. Sure, I see him around, but my heart has never moved on.
“I thought time heals all things.”
“No amount of time would change what I feel for you, Astor.” I turn my head back toward him.
“I got a nurse to watch over my father while I’m gone. She’s a retired veteran. I’m kinda hoping she might be able to get through to him. But I doubt it.”
“She has outstanding credentials.”
“Cane.” I roll my eyes.
“What? You think I’m not going to check into someone coming and going from your home?” He gives me a look like I’m the crazy one here.
“Did I actually find her on my own? Or did you have a hand in it?” I’d put some feelers out trying to find someone. Before I knew it, she all but dropped into my lap.
“Don’t fire her. She’s good.”
“I’m not. I actually really like her.” He reaches over, brushing a piece of my hair out of my face and behind my ear. I lean into his touch. It feels so natural to do it.
“There is nothing wrong with people helping out. That’s what friends are for. I want to make this better. We can’t keep going on like this. Where is it getting any of us? All it’s doing is making us all fucking miserable.”
I know he’s right, but my own bullshit gets in my way. “I want to get him walking. I’ll agree to anything for that to happen.”
“Anything?” He smirks, his brows lifting. I know he’s only teasing, but my body starts to warm thinking about all the things Cane would do to me if given the chance.
“I think you’re a lot of talk, Cane. I know you’re handsome, but I’m wondering if you really have any experience.” The thought of him having been with someone isn’t a pleasant one. “You Justice men tend to run from the opposite sex.”
“Only one way to find out.” His eyes drop to my mouth. I pretend it’s the champagne that has me leaning toward him. My eyes fall closed when Cane’s mouth brushes against mine.
