Similarity

×KENZIE×

I was moody as hell.

Axel and I weren't on the best of terms for the past week due to Wyatt's meddling ways.

Axel wanted to join me as my date to the charity event but Wyatt made sure to forbid it.

Now, thanks to Wyatt, I was bored and my feet hurt from the heels on my feet.

At least I had a glass of booze in my hand.

"Smile. At least pretend to be happy that you're here." Wyatt hissed in my ear.

I grimaced, "Is that better?"

He rolled his eyes, "Kenzie, come on. Look around you," he waved his arm about, "You're here with all of these rich jet setters. And for once, we all have the same goal, to make the world a better place."

"I know, but we both know that I am not needed here. You could have brought anyone along with you, there is no need for you to have your assistant here."

"You're right, you're not here because I need you here. You are because I want you here."

I was speechless at his sudden and blunt honesty.

I looked away, feeling shy again. Wyatt seemed to have a way of making me feel shy.

"Hey, don't do that," he lifted my chin to make me look at him, "Kenzie, there is no reason to hide yourself. I know that you don't believe me, but you are hands down the most beautiful woman here."

I held his gaze for a few moments before taking a step away to put some distance between us, "You're a crappy liar," I smiled, "But thank you."

Wyatt glanced around the room which was filled with businessmen and fancy-dressed women, "Come on."

"What?"

Wyatt grinned and pulled me along with him.

It was a stark contrast seeing him playful and carefree for a change.

I followed him out into the yard, laughing as I almost fell over my feet and champagne spilled over the glass in my hand.

He stopped when we were at the end of the yard with the huge home lit up behind us.

In front of us, there was nothing but trees.

"What has gotten into you?"

He chuckled as he turned to me, "You aren't the only one who gets bored with these things. But normally, I don't have anyone to sneak off with."

"You get bored of these things?" I couldn't believe it, "But you have always been so good at it."

He shrugged, "I had no other choice, Kenz. I was born into this life, so I tolerate it and make damn sure I'm good at what I do. It doesn't mean that I enjoy being around these jackasses. I talk about work every day of my life, the last thing I want is to be surrounded by the same on my weekends."

"I guess that makes sense."

"How is your friend? Paul?"

I frowned, "He's fine. Why are you asking me about Paul?"

"He's joining me for poker night."

"He is? But he's an alcoholic."

Wyatt nodded, "I know. I'm hosting it, there will be no alcoholic drinks there. You could join us?"

I was becoming more confused by the minute, "Why would I join you for poker night? I don't know anything about poker."

He shrugged a shoulder, "I can teach you. Or you can watch how it's played. I don't know," he made a face and waved his hand, "I'm grasping here, obviously. Feel free to step in at any time."

"Thank you for the offer, but I'll-"

"Selma will be there with Caleb."

I sighed, "How about I think about it?"

"Good enough for me." He stripped off his jacket and placed it on the ground, "Your seat."

I sat down and crossed my legs, taking another sip of my drink, "So, maybe tonight isn't turning out to be half bad."

"But is it better than running around a ranch? I hear those country experiences are something else." He shot me a smirk and I could hear the humor in his voice.

"Well, I'm still planning on finding out for myself. As soon as you stop being an ass, that is."

He raised a brow, "Did you just call me an ass?"

"I did."

"I'm almost certain that is not the way to talk to your boss." He sat down next to me.

"I'm not on working hours right now, am I? So as far as I'm concerned, right now you aren't my boss. And you were being an ass. You stopped me from going away with my-"

His lips connected with mine and I was taken aback. My breath caught in my chest as I kissed him back.

It was only a moment before I pulled away from him, "Wyatt."

"You were talking and I couldn't think of another way to make you shut up."

I turned away from him, "Well, next time try using your words instead, okay? In case you've forgotten, I'm dating Axel."

Wyatt scoffed, "Axel. The cowboy who parades as something he's not. Trust me, if it's a loyalty you're looking for, you aren't getting it from him."

"Why must you do this? You're like two different people. The one moment you're all kind and caring, then the moment I mention Axel you turn into this." I motioned at him with my hand.

He sighed, "Look, I'm sorry. I just have this need where I want to look out for you and protect you from everything."

"Why? Wyatt, when I was with Caleb, I got it. We all thought I was going to be your daughter-in-law, so that was normal. But I'm not your problem anymore. And I don't need protection."

"You were never a problem, Kenzie. That isn't... Why is it so hard for you to understand that I care about you?"

I got to my feet, "I'm going home."

"Why? You're going to run every time we get to this conversation?"

I refused to look at him, "There is no conversation to have, Wyatt. Please stop trying to bring up the memory of that night. It was a mistake and we both know that." I walked away, leaving him standing alone in the dark.