You Once Series Book 2: You Once Called Me Enemy

SCOTT

I arrived at the ranch filled with optimism. Zane had painted a picture of growth and progress that I was eager to be a part of. My first day, however, was a whirlwind of surprises and a fair share of animosity.

I first laid eyes on Annabeth and thought I was looking at an angel. But when she spoke, I realized she was more of a spitfire, a devil in disguise. Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but she wasn’t exactly thrilled to meet me.

I had barely said a word to her, just a bit of harmless flirting, but she reacted as if I’d insulted her favorite outfit. Once she stormed out, Zane burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny? I didn’t do anything, and she’s ripping me a new one!” I protested.

I wasn’t accustomed to women reacting to me like that. I know it sounds arrogant, but I’m a good-looking guy. I like to think I’m a decent person who treats women well.

I was only trying to lighten the mood with a little teasing.

“You just made the worst possible impression on Annabeth!” Zane managed to say between fits of laughter.

“What do you mean? I was just trying to make her feel comfortable. Most women get all nervous around me. You know what I mean, right?”

His laughter only intensified at my comment. I couldn’t understand what was so hilarious, and his laughter only fueled my frustration.

Eventually, he managed to compose himself. “Annabeth isn’t like those other girls who swoon over you.”

I tried to catch up with her, calling her name several times, but she kept walking toward two people I assumed were Mark and Kayla. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I knew it was Zane.

“Annabeth has no experience with guys. She’s been teased her whole life about living and working on the ranch. She’s just starting to accept herself. You made the mistake of treating her like some naive princess who would fall for your charm,” he said, watching her walk away.

“She didn’t even give me a chance. Is she always like this?” I asked, exasperated.

“No, not always. You must have really caught her eye.”

I watched Annabeth every day after that. When she wasn’t ignoring me, she was flipping me off or shooting me icy glares. Any attempt to talk to her was met with evasion.

The more she resisted, the more determined I became. If Annabeth wanted to play the aloof game, I was ready to play along.

I started doing things just to rile her up. I’d move her tools around, wasting her time as she searched for them. I’d take her favorite horse out for a ride instead of my usual one.

They were small things, but enough to drive her mad.

One day, I did something that really got under her skin. I saw her later in the morning, gathering her things to start her day. I snuck up behind her and couldn’t help but admire how good she looked in her jeans.

Damn! Why did she have to be so uptight? I could think of a million ways I’d like to explore that tight little body of hers.

“Running a bit late today, cowgirl?” I couldn’t help the smirk that spread across my face.

The truth was, even though she drove me crazy, I lived to annoy her. It was the highlight of my day knowing I could get under her skin and there was nothing she could do about it.

It gave me a thrill I’d never experienced before. I even found myself thinking about her at night, plotting ways to disrupt her day.

“I had a long night helping out a friend. Not that it’s any of your business,” she retorted, leaving the door wide open for me.

“Sure you did. I bet you found some poor guy who felt sorry for you and took you to bed,” I chuckled, thinking this was a good way to get back at her.

She was being curt with me, and I hadn’t even done anything to her yet.

Before I knew it, she was shoving her gear into my chest. I stumbled back in surprise. There was a fire in her eyes that was actually kind of intimidating.

Annabeth was petite compared to me, but the strength she just displayed took me aback.

“Since you seem to know everything, why don’t you go check on the cows that need to be tested for pregnancy? I’m sure you can figure out which ones, since you’re such an expert on running a ranch,” she spat, marching up to me until she was almost nose-to-nose.

“And while you’re at it, get a fucking clue. Stay away from me if you know what’s good for you.”

As she stormed off, I was left wondering what I’d done. I knew I might have crossed a line with my comment, but her reaction seemed disproportionate.

Had I unknowingly hit a nerve?

Knowing she was upset, I decided to do as she asked. I didn’t want to provoke her any further. She was still my boss, and while I enjoyed getting a rise out of her, I didn’t want to completely ruin our relationship.

“You just had to open your big mouth today, didn’t you?” Zane yelled from the doorway.

I turned to see him looking angrier than I’d ever seen him. Zane was usually calm and collected, so seeing him like this was unsettling.

I dropped what I was doing and walked over to him.

“Man, I don’t know what’s going on, but I was just messing with her. I didn’t mean to upset her that much,” I said.

“Her best friend, the woman I’ve loved my whole life, just had her world turned upside down. Annabeth was with her all night. Since you didn’t know, I’ll let it slide this time, but you better apologize to her.

“Annabeth is a kind person, and I won’t let you change that. I get that you like messing with her because you’ve got a crush, but…”

I cut him off right there.

“I never said I had a crush on her! I just want to get back at her for the way she treats me,” I retorted.

“Scott, I’m fond of you, buddy, but you’re acting like that kid on the playground who teases the girl he’s got a crush on. Don’t make her life more difficult than it already is.”

He paused, his gaze hardening. “And if you ever, intentionally or not, say anything negative about McKenzie, I’ll gut you like a fish.”

He spun on his heel and exited the room.

Who would have guessed that a guy like Zane would threaten me over a woman? And not just any woman, but a woman who wasn’t even his.

I’ll say I’m sorry, but that doesn’t mean I’m falling for her. She’s just entertaining to tease. Right? I’m not attracted to her in that way, am I?