Fake It, Cowboy: Billionaires of Burch Ranch: Book 1 Page 6

  "Joanna," he said, grabbing her hand. "Promise me you'll think about it? Promise you'll give me a shot when you get back."

  She gave him a tense smile but couldn't bring herself to say anything. When she looked back, the hope in his eyes made her heart clench and she nodded. That seemed to satisfy him, and she opened the door firmly.

  The sight that met them caused Joanna to gasp in fright. Her cozy little apartment had been viciously vandalized. And there, as plain as day, was a white envelope lying on Joanna's bed.

  Chapter 10

  Tucker

  "We should go to the police," Tucker said for the third time in the span of ten minutes. He was pacing the length of Joanna's apartment while she sat on the bed with a dazed expression. It hurt him to see the new distance in her eyes and he wished he could erase the past half hour from her memory.

  "No, Tucker," Joanna said dully. "He's won. It's over. We need to do as he says."

  "Read the letter again, please," Tucker said, glaring at the wall across from him.

  "I know about your little deal with the Burch's," Joanna read after sighing heavily. "I've got proof - a recording of the two of you discussing the details. If you don't leave him on the night of the wedding, I'll send the recording to Darrell Burch. I'm sure he'll be happy to hear what's going on. I told you I'd get you back one way or another, Jo-Jo. Come back, or life will get very difficult for all of you. All my love, Eric."

  "How dare he?" Tucker seethed.

  He wasn't a violent man, but he suddenly felt the urge to hit something.

  "So, I think the best way forward is for me to stay here until the wedding. I'll arrive for the ceremony but once it's all over, I'll leave."

  "You can't give in to this maniac's demands," Tucker said incredulously. "He's threatening you! And there's no way I'm leaving you alone here."

  "It's not your decision," Joanna said getting to her feet.

  Tucker flinched as though she'd slapped him. He didn't know what to say, so he just stared at her in shock. How had things changed so quickly?

  "Don't you see?" Joanna asked, her tone softening slightly. "He's letting you get everything you want. You'll keep the ranch, and everything will be okay. Your family won't have to leave their home."

  "I won't get everything," Tucker said desperately. "I won't have you. And that's not a deal I'm willing to make. I want you, Joanna. I know we'll be happy together."

  "Are you willing to bet your whole ranch on the chance that things might work out between us?" Joanna asked angrily. "What about your family, Tucker? You know they'd never recover from something like that. Think of your mother. What would she do without the ranch? I don't even want to think about the emotional damage."

  "If we care for each other then we prove that the recording is worthless," Tucker reasoned. "He'd have nothing. We could keep the ranch, and we'd have a shot at having a real relationship."

  "No one would believe that the relationship is real, at least not in time to save the ranch," Joanna said with frustration.

  "I believe in us," Tucker said firmly.

  "Really? Because I don't," Joanna said, shaking her head. "We've known each other for a month, Tucker. Your feelings are overwhelming because we've spent so much time together and you see what could be. It isn't real, it's a dream. You're going to find a sweet woman and she'll be everything you need. I'm not that woman. Look at how much trouble I've caused."

  "This isn't your fault," Tucker said, walking over to her. His mind was racing. How could he prove how much she meant to him? He took her hands gently in his and was heartened when she didn't pull away immediately. "It's Eric's. I know you would never willingly hurt me or my family. I know you, Jo."

  "You really don't," Joanna said, pulling her hands away and taking a step backward. "This was a mistake, Tucker. I need you to leave."

  "You can't do this," Tucker said, his voice trembling slightly. "Please. At least come home with me. It's not safe here for you."

  "Eric won't hurt me," Joanna said with a bitter smile. "He knows he's already won. You need to go."

  "I can't let you do this," Tucker said. "It's my fault all this is happening. You're in danger."

  Joanna walked over to the door and opened it. She raised an eyebrow as she waited for him to walk out. He searched her expression for any sign that she was still willing to hear him out, but he found none. The sight hurt him more than he thought possible.

  "I'm sorry it had to end like this," Joanna said numbly.

  He made his way to the door and stopped in front of her, trying to think of something to say. Nothing came to mind, and as soon as he stepped out of the door, she closed it and locked it.

  Fine, he thought grimly. She didn't want him at the apartment, but there was no way he was going to leave her. Jackson would just have to be happy with waiting it out at the local bar with Tucker, or he'd have to find a different way home.

  Joanna

  After surveying the state her apartment was in, Joanna busied herself with cleaning everything up. She couldn't bear to think of the look of hurt on Tucker's face as he walked away. But she had to do it. She blinked back tears. He meant too much to her to drag him into her problems and besides, she has no business falling in love with him, that wasn't part of their deal. She sniffed, wiped her eyes, and continued to clear up. For what it was worth, Tucker Burch was the best man she'd ever known, and she knew she'd never have the same feelings for another man ever again. There was no way he was truly feeling the same about her, and that only added to the hurt. She was a business deal, nothing else, despite his protests.

  The work helped clear her end, and about two hours later, the apartment looked much better and she had the beginnings of a plan.

  She summoned all her courage and took her phone out of her handbag. It took another minute or two before she was ready, but eventually, she dialed his number.

  Eric picked up within a few seconds, and Joanna felt her skin crawl. How had she ever dated this man?

  "I assume you've found my letter," Eric said smugly.

  "How did you get a recording of me and Tucker?" Joanna asked, feeling sick to her stomach.

  "Well, I had to keep an eye on my woman," Eric said, still sounding like a cat that ate a canary. "I installed a quick virus on your phone the last time you sent me an email. I know everything, sweetheart."

  Joanna fought the urge to cry or throw up. She felt dirty and hated that he had used her so horrendously. Mostly, she hated herself. Eric had wormed his way into the Burch family's life through her. She had allowed a monster into their midst and he had the power to destroy everything they loved.

  "What's your plan, Eric?" Joanna asked tiredly.

  "It's simple," Eric said, the smile evident on his voice. "I'll let you marry the cowboy. After the deed is in his name and he's transferred the money to your account for your loans, you can get the marriage annulled."

  "Is that what it's all about?" Joanna asked in disgust. "Are you doing this to get your hands on the money? You can have all the money if you leave them alone. I swear."

  "That money is going to be an opportunity to start our new life together, Jo-Jo," Eric said sweetly. "Imagine what we could do with all that cash. We could leave this one-horse town for good and never look back. We'll buy our own home and start a family."

  Joanna had to force herself to keep quiet. This is why she'd fallen in love with Eric. He used such pretty words when he was trying to get something. This was an old promise, one that he had no intention of keeping. He knew how badly she wanted a family of her own. There was a time when these words would've made her swoon, but she knew better now.

  "It sounds wonderful, Eric," Joanna said, wiping the tears from her eyes.

  "There's just one more thing standing in the way," Eric said with a growl. "That cruise ship job of yours."

  "I quit," Joanna said, choking slightly. "Tucker didn't think it was a good idea."

  The lie tasted sour on her tongue, but she soothed h
erself with the knowledge that she was doing the right thing.

  "Don't you see, baby? He never had your interests at heart. He was trying to control you," Eric crooned. "I would never do that. We belong together, come back."

  "Yes," Joanna said, trying not to let him hear how her heart was breaking as she listened to him. "I'll come back to you, I promise. Lay low until the wedding is over. Give me two days, and I'll come to you right after the wedding. I promise."

  "You better," Eric said, his voice taking on a darker tone. "Or else."

  "I understand," Joanna said, her shoulder slumping.

  "Good. I'll call you in two days. See you soon."

  "See you soon," Joanna repeated quietly, sounding defeated.

  "Oh, and Jo-Jo?" Eric said.

  "Yes?"

  "I love you."

  "I love you, too."

  The words felt like ash in her mouth. When he ended the call, she threw herself onto her bed and sobbed. It felt like her whole world had been wrenched apart and she was floating in an ocean of debris. After a few minutes, she forced herself to sit up and make her final call.

  "Joanna?" Tucker's voice sounded so hopeful she almost started crying again.

  "I spoke to Eric," Joanna said, her voice hoarse.

  "What?" Tucker said, sounding alarmed. "Did he come to the apartment?"

  "No," Joanna said. "I called him."

  "Oh," Tucker said, sounding shocked.

  "He said that he would let me honor our deal, as long as I annul it as soon as the deeds are in your name."

  "The nerve of this guy," Tucker growled.

  "It's basically what we were going to do anyway," Joanna said tiredly. "Look, Tucker, we took our eyes off the goal. We're all going to end up with what we want here. I don't think it's a good idea for me to come back to the ranch with you. I'll come over for the wedding in two days. Don't come here before that."

  "Joanna," Tucker said, his voice hurt and bewildered.

  She had to power through before he could change her mind. He didn't know the power he had over her, and that was for the best. Tucker deserved better.

  "Keep your eyes on the prize, Tucker," Joanna said sternly. "Don't let emotions get the better of you now. Your family needs you right now."

  "My family wants me to be happy," Tucker said firmly. "They'll help us figure this out."

  "If you tell them what happened then they'll know that you bet their futures on some waitress. Not exactly someone in your social circle. Do you really think they'd want to keep me around after that?"

  "You're not…"

  "Keep your dignity, Tucker," Joanna said, talking over him. "Let me go. We're from different worlds. It was nice, Tucker, but this is for the best."

  She ended the call before he could say anything else. Her plan was almost complete. Now all she needed to do was book her plane ticket. She logged onto the travel website and book the ticket for half an hour after the wedding was supposed to take place.

  Surely no one would blame Tucker if he got left at the altar. They'd have to give him an extension on the deadline. It was the perfect plan. Unfortunately, the old adage sounded loud in her mind - the road to hell was paved with good intentions.

  Chapter 11

  Tucker

  On the morning of his wedding, Tucker woke up to someone pounding on his bedroom door.

  "What is it?" he groaned, getting up and throwing the covers to one side.

  "Open up!" Rose called angrily.

  Tucker clenched his eyes shut and sighed in annoyance. He couldn't stop his glance from straying to where Joanna was supposed to be. It was still strange sleeping in the bed without her. Like so many other things in his life, it felt empty without her. It was as if everywhere he went, he was reminded of what he lost. Somehow, it disturbed him more than when Sarah had left.

  "What do you want?" Tucker asked, throwing the door open.

  To his surprise, his mother was standing next to Rose with a worried expression. Rose was holding an envelope up and looked like she was about to fight him.

  "What's this?" Tucker asked as Rose shoved the letter to his chest.

  "Joanna dropped it off this morning," Rose snapped.

  He tore it open and read the lines for himself, hungry for some kind of contact with her. Every word was like a punch to the gut and he had to sit down after reading it.

  "She's not coming," he mumbled. "She's catching an early flight and leaving."

  "This is outrageous," Rose said in frustration.

  "It's not her fault," Tucker said sadly.

  "Oh," Rose scoffed. "I know. This is about you, dummy. What's wrong with you?"

  "Excuse me?" Tucker asked in shock.

  "You think we haven't noticed you moping around here the past few days? We knew something was up, we just expected you'd be a man and sort things out."

  "You don't understand," Tucker sputtered, "there's a lot more going on than you'd think."

  "Explain it to us," his mother said kindly, sitting down on the bed next to him. She put a hand on his shoulder, and he found himself wanting to hug her like he was a child again.

  Slowly, he told them the whole story. He started from the moment he saw Joanna at the grocery store to the moment he lost her in her vandalized apartment. The knowledge that she was gone, likely forever, made him want to get on Saffron and ride until he didn't feel anything anymore.

  When he was done, he hung his head and waited for his mother and sister to express how betrayed they were feeling. He felt ashamed of himself. And yet, if he could do it all again, he'd go through it again just to spend time with Joanna. He didn't regret the decision that had brought her into his life, even if it had ended badly. He was in love with her.

  "You're an idiot," Rose scoffed, rolling her eyes at him.

  "I did what I had to do to save the ranch," Tucker said, glaring at her.

  "Not that," Rose said angrily. "How could you let her go?"

  "What?" Tucker asked in confusion.

  "Rose," their mother said patiently. "Let me handle this. What she means is that we're surprised that you didn't fight for her. It's obvious that you love her and that she loves you."

  "Mom…" Tucker said hesitantly.

  "Do you care about this woman?" she asked sternly.

  "Yes…" Tucker said, still feeling bewildered.

  "Well, I didn't raise a quitter," she said resolutely. "Go, get her. If you don't try, then you're going to regret it for the rest of your life. Trust me, a woman like Joanna only comes around once every lifetime."

  "You can go meet her at the airport," Rose said with a happy gasp. "Wait! Let's get you into your tux first. She'll never be able to resist you then."

  "You're right," Tucker said, getting to his feet. "I'm not going to let her go."

  Joanna

  Where are you?

  Why aren't you texting me back?

  Don't play with me. We had a deal.

  Joanna sighed and put her phone in her pocket. Eric had been texting nonstop ever since that morning. She had no intention of calling him back. Not now, not ever. If she had to walk away from her heart, then she wasn't going to dignify a creep like Eric with a response.

  Even though her flight was only leaving in three hours, Joanna was sitting at the gate waiting to check-in. She'd been there ever since that morning after she dropped the letter off at Tucker's doorstep. As much as she knew she had to let him go and that her plan would benefit him, she couldn't bear the thought of leaving him without an explanation.

  The past two days had been unbearable. She missed him and the rest of the family more than she thought was possible. It was impossible to deny her feelings for Tucker anymore, and she knew she had to force herself on the plane before she chickened out and ran back to him.

  This is for the best, Joanna reminded herself, looking down at her hands.

  She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket again and she groaned in frustration. This was getting ridiculous. She took it out to
put it on silent when she noticed that the latest message wasn't from Eric. It was from one of her former coworkers.

  Joanna! Check this out!! It's crazy!!!

  There was a link to a news alert. Joanna read it in shock. Eric was being tracked by the police in connection with a burglary at his previous place of employment. Joanna covered her mouth with her hand. Her mind worked quickly, and before she knew what she was doing, she dialed his number.

  "Joanna!" he shouted. "Where are you?"

  "I need your help," she said quickly, looking around her.

  Half an hour later, Joanna was standing in a nearby park, her fingers tapping nervously against her arm. She couldn't believe what she was doing.

  "Joanna!" Eric called, hurrying over to her. He was wearing a dark hoodie and a baseball cap pulled low over his face. "Come on, let's go."

  He moved to grab her arm but she took a step back, looking at him in revulsion.

  "What have you done, Eric?" she asked.

  "What are you talking about?" he asked, looking around nervously. "Come on, that's enough. We need to go. I don't have much time to explain."

  "When I met you, I thought you were the sweetest boy in the world," she said, shaking her head at him. "I loved you once. You messed it all up."

  "No," he said with a frown. "We're going to start over. This is our fresh start. Do you have the money from Tucker? We can have everything we ever wanted."

  "No," Joanna said firmly, shaking her head. She lifted her hand and motioned for the man sitting on the bench to come over. "You're about to get what you deserve."

  Eric seemed to realize that something strange was going on. He looked around frantically to where a few plain clothes detectives were heading toward them.

  "How could you?" he growled, glaring at her.

  He didn't wait for a response before trying to bolt. Joanna sensed what was coming and stuck her foot out. He stumbled over her leg and hit the ground painfully. Before he could get up, the detectives were surrounding him.