My Billionaire Cowboy

“I am rich. I made a lot of money doing my consulting, and still do. But my parents already were rich. The ranch made them a lot of money over the years. Selling land, cattle, goods.”

“But you said that you helped your parents with the ranch because it was in trouble.”

“It was in trouble, but as their accountant, I helped them to get their numbers in order and that was no longer an issue. They came back stronger than ever and things were fine. Better than ever. So I continue to oversee the books and of course, I also see to their health as they age.”

Kate sat up completely in bed, trying to process everything. “I mean, it’s not like I thought you lived this meager existence or anything, but millionaire. I don’t know how that got completely past me.”

“It’s not like I’m walking around here flashing my wealth. I live nicely. Comfortable. But by no means am I out there spending uncontrollably on cars, women, and clothes. Like I told you. I’m a simple man.”

“I get that. I really do.” She was still quiet while she tried to take it all in.

Bruce took her hand. “How would something like this change anything between us? I’m still the same man.”

She massaged her temples, closed her eyes and tried to figure out what else to say. “Of course you are. But it does make things a bit different.”

“How? You weren’t interested in me because of my money. You didn’t even know I had the amount that I have. How does it change things?”

“I mean, we’re definitely not on the same playing field.”

Bruce ran his fingertips along her chin. “We never really were. And I don’t mean that in a bad way.”

“Trust me, I understand what you mean and I don’t take it negatively. It’s just that millionaire status is a lot to live up to.”

“Why would you have to live up to anything other than what you are already doing in your life?”

“Well, here I am. I’m just starting out in life. Just trying to get my career in line and you have already been where I would like to be. It makes it a bit intimidating. And I’m not sure why.”

He held her hand tightly. “Please know that my money had nothing to do with anything when we met, when we agreed to start dating, and it should not have anything to do with us now. I know where you are in your life. I know where you want to go. That kind of drive and ambition is sexy. I identify with it. I know it well. But I’m at a point in my life where I would like to find the calm, the peace in being with a person that loves me for me.

“If I wanted to, I could find any type of arm candy, parade her around, and come home to absolutely nothing. I could do that if that fit me. But I’m not about that lifestyle. I have always wanted substance. Wanted stability, and wanted a woman that is grounded. That is you. Whether you know it or not. That is you. You are the woman that can look me in the eye and tell me that my cowboy hat is completely out of place and that I need to change my jeans because the restaurant where we are going to eat won’t accept casual dress. You are the woman that will encourage me to do more consulting because I see your drive and it ignites my own.”

He held her gaze intently.

“How is it that we feel so much for each other so quickly? I don’t understand. It’s dizzying actually to know that we clicked so fast and that we are all in so soon.”

“Kate, what I’ve found out about life is that you are given what you need and what you want sometimes before you ask for it. You may not always be ready for it when it comes, but when it does, you can’t let it slip away. I’m not willing to let you slip away.”

He kissed her hand gently. Then the kisses trailed from her palm, to her arm, to her shoulder, to the nape of her neck.

They both smiled.

“I could get used to this,” Bruce admitted.

“I bet you could,” she teased.

“I want to get used to this,” Bruce replied.

“Me too,” Kate replied as she burrowed into the sheets closer to Bruce.

He laid back so she could rest her head on his chest. “Are you saying that you are okay with dating a man that has a gazillion dollars?”

“Maybe not a gazillion, but I would be okay if he had a couple million in the bank.”

Bruce kissed her forehead. “Kate, I promise you this will not be an obstacle for us.”

“I know it won’t.”