Read Online New Beginnings by Cheryl Douglas - Free Book Online Page B

by the pool. Just shout if you need me.”
    Eric watched Trey walk out the door before directing his anger at her. He threw his hands up in the air. “How do you expect me to rest knowing you’re here with that… that snake?”
    She took a deep breath, trying to diffuse the situation. She knew Eric was furious with her. They’d spent the better part of last night arguing about her decision. He finally relented when she told him he either trusted her enough to make her own decisions or she wouldn’t be able to move forward with their wedding plans. “You know why I have to do this, Eric.”
    “No, I don’t!” he shouted. “You’ve given everything to that goddamn charity. Now you’re sacrificing yourself, too? When is it ever going to be enough?”
    They’d had this argument countless times over the past two years. He didn’t understand her commitment to the foundation. He resented the fact that it took away from her time with him. In fact, he’d suggested on more than one occasion that she should find a successor so they would be free to travel once he retired. She’d told him in no uncertain terms that would never happen. Their failure to reach a compromise was yet another reason she had been reluctant to set a wedding date.
    Unfortunately, as of late, the cons were outweighing the pros in their relationship and that scared her. Maybe this time away from him was exactly what she needed to gain some much needed perspective about their relationship. Of course, her attraction to her ex wouldn’t help her to see things more clearly. If anything, it confused her even more.
    “I want you to leave, Eric. Go home. I’ll call you tonight.”
    “So that’s it, then? You want me to just leave you here with him?”
    She folded her arms across her chest. “Don’t you trust me?”
    “I trust you. It’s him I don’t trust.”
    “Be that as it may, I’m the one calling the shots. Trey needs me more than I need him. If I feel uncomfortable with the situation, I walk.”
    He took a step toward her, taking her hands in his. “Don’t let him tear us apart, sugar.”
    She touched his weathered cheek, smiling up at him. “I won’t. Don’t worry, Eric. Go back to Oklahoma. Keep the good citizens safe from those ruthless criminals.” She tried to lighten the mood and ease his fears. She understood why he was afraid of losing her. She was afraid too.
    “Promise you’ll come home to me?”
    She forced a smile. “Of course, I’ll be home before you know it.”
     
    ***
     
    Trey waited in a lounge chair by the pool, trying to relax every tense muscle in his body. Sitting here, doing nothing, went against every instinct he had to protect Sierra. He saw the other man possessed a hair-trigger temper and suppressed rage lurked beneath the surface of his cool veneer.
    If he ever struck out at Sierra, Trey would have to kill him. Judge or not, no one would ever hurt Sierra as long as there was breath in his body.
    He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard her heels clicking on the pavement. He closed his eyes, feigning a sense of calm he didn’t feel. It was too soon for her to know the depth of his feelings for her. She wanted them to maintain a professional relationship. If he pushed for more, he would risk pushing her away. She had to come to him on her own, in her own time.
    “Did you get things settled?” he asked when he heard her claim the chair beside him.
    She sighed. “I don’t know. He’s gone, if that’s what you mean.”
    Trey opened one eye and glanced at her. She was resting her head on the pillow and her eyes were closed. His gaze travelled the length of her body. She wore high-heeled boots, skinny jeans, a tight black tank top, and cropped leather jacket. Her long, blond hair fanned out around her face. Lord have mercy.
    “What are you lookin’ at, cowboy?”
    He laughed. “I didn’t promise I wouldn’t look. I’m not a saint.”
    She opened her eyes, letting her gaze travel his body.