CHAPTER 665

So Ainsley hadn’t lost her job? A weird, wonderful kind of hope began to overtake his feeling of defeat. If Ainsley was living in Sundance, he had a chance with her. Until he remembered why he didn’t have a chance with her.His mother clucked her tongue. “The poor girl sounded so lonely.”That tore at him. “How the hell can she be lonely?” Ben demanded. “When up until last week, she was with me most nights for the past four weeks?”“Why are you asking me? Maybe you should trot yourself to town and ask her. Because God knows, I would never hear the end of it if I poked my nose into your personal business.”Unreal.His mother threw a gaudy sequined scarf over her shoulder like a Hollywood diva. She placed her hands on Ben’s cheeks and stood on tiptoe to peck him on the mouth. “I love you. So here’s some advice, and please don’t take this the wrong way. You are a strong, independent man. A good man. A man who deserves happiness. But don’t be a stubborn man. It doesn’t make you weak to wa

CHAPTER 666

“Didn’t want what?”Didn’t want to fall for him.“Ainsley, do you love him?”Yes. “What if my feelings are from the sex that rocks my world? What if I’ve latched onto the convenience of being with Ben because he lives here? What if I’ve confused submission with love?”“What if it is love and you’re making all these lame excuses because you don’t believe you can fall in love in a month?” Layla countered.“That’s not it.”“Then are you worried Bennett will expect you to become a lifestyle sub like me if you’re outside the club?”She remembered exchanging harsh words about that very thing the last night they’d seen each other. “No. I know that’s not what he wants. But hearing that he’s leaving the club—”makes me hopeful that maybe we have a chance, “—makes me wonder if he feels pressured to do it.”“Bennett is a force all his own. He doesn’t do a damn thing he doesn’t want to. He is willingly walking away from the club because he wants you, A, for the long haul. He found something more m

CHAPTER 667

That’s when he’d grabbed her, pinned her, tied her up and f**ked her twice, reminding her that the month wasn’t up yet.It hit her then. Ben had been telling her before the loan fiasco, before her disastrous plan to force him into just accepting her friendship, before walking away from the club…that he’d wanted more with her.And she wanted more with him. She wanted it all.After all he’d shown her, after all he’d been to her, and now proving—in his typical Dom way—what he wanted to be to her, did she really think she could let him go?No.Hell no.She gathered her things and left the bank early.Ben’s truck wasn’t in his driveway.And where were his pesky dogs?Maybe his truck was in the shop and he’d let the dogs in his haven since it was so cold outside. She shivered as snowflakes whirled around her head and she sought shelter in his woodshop.Although he’d gotten pissy the one time she’d violated his woodworking sanctuary, she hoped he’d forgive her today.But what if her making t

CHAPTER 668

“But it was the best way for me to save face, keep out of bankruptcy and not be beholden to a McKay.”Her gaze snapped up. Had she said that to Ben? Impugned his family name? “You are talking about Ben’s brother Gavin, right?”“Yes. But he isn’t anything like the rest of them.”“Didn’t your decision cause problems between you and Ben?”She tossed her head. “Yes, Ben is pissy with me. Which is why I came over and checked on his place. It’s a neighborly thing. You wouldn’t understand.”Ainsley wasn’t about to back down. “I understand perfectly. You’re expecting the betrayal of your friendship with him will just go away if you show up with a pan of homemade muffins? Wrong.” She held her hand out. “Give me the damn key.”“But—”“Right now.” Surprisingly, Rielle slapped it in her hand. Then Ainsley got in her face. “Go home. Your relationship with Ben will never be the same.”“Because of you? Now that you’re in the picture you’re warning me off?”“I’m telling you that I know Ben on a level

CHAPTER 669

Ben tugged Ainsley upright and took her mouth in a savage kiss. He owned each breath, each exhalation, each tongue tangling thrust. And when he thought his head might explode, he broke his lips free from hers. “That little taste isn’t enough.”“Ben—”“God, woman, I’m dyin’ for you, but not until we talk this through. All of it.”“You and that blasted talking.” She nuzzled his cheek. “Okay. But let’s talk fast. Rielle told me what happened. You should know…I had words with her.”“What kind of words?”“Words that made it plain I wouldn’t stand for her hurting you.” Ainsley’s fingers were gently scraping against three days worth of beard growth on his face. “I know you, Ben. Her betrayal of your friendship hurt worse than Gavin buying the land.”This woman saw so much, she knew him so much better than he’d imagined.“Been a rough week for you. I cut you loose. You were let down by your brother and your friend.” She paused. “And you resigned from the Rawhide Club.”“News travels fast. Lay

CHAPTER 670

“Seems longer, doesn’t it?” “Mmm-hmm.” Ben peered into her eyes. “I’m here whenever you’re ready to take that next step. I’m a patient man.” “Except for when you’re not.” He smirked. “Well, there is that.”Ainsley pecked him on the lips. “I want to be with you too, Ben. And I know in my heart we will be together, sooner rather than later. But we have a few serious, major things to discuss before that day comes.” Ben didn’t like how she’d dropped her gaze. Instead of commanding her to look at him, he tipped her chin up and saw uneasiness swimming in her eyes. “Give me an example of a major thing.” “Like…you’re a dog person and I’m a cat person.” “Well, that is a deal breaker. Who ever heard of cats and dogs living together in harmony?” Ben chuckled and smooched her nose. “Try again.”“I don’t know anything about ranching.” “I don’t know anything about banking, so that one’s a wash too.” “I’m older than you.” “So?”“So?” she repeated. “I’m the older, clichéd divorced woman.” “I