Enemies to Lovers: Volume Two (Enemies to Lovers Collection Book 2)

by Lila Kane

  When Mr. Morgan walked in front of the band with a microphone and called for attention, the room quieted down. He kept his place by the doors, ready to go at any time. He just didn’t feel like celebrating tonight.

  “I just wanted to thank everyone for coming tonight. Most of you thought this party was for Willow, to say goodbye, but it was actually for us.” He wrapped his arm around Mrs. Morgan and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “We’re retiring. And leaving the ranch to Willow.”

  Everyone turned to Willow, clapping and smiling at her. She met his eyes from across the room, but he had no idea how to feel. Happy that she was staying or upset because he’d worked so hard to help the Morgan’s get this place back on track and they hadn’t acknowledged it.

  “And,” Mr. Morgan continued, “Cole Park.”

  Shock had him frozen in place. While everyone clapped and congratulated the Morgan’s, his eyes locked on Willow’s. She held his gaze while she walked across the dance floor and directly up to him. She nodded her head to the door. “Would you like to talk outside?”

  He didn’t say anything, just followed her through the doors. Lanterns lit the area outside the barn, but it was still dim. He could barely make out the expression on Willow’s face.

  “You seem confused,” she said.

  “Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “A little.”

  She stepped up to him, close enough for him to pull her into his arms. But he kept his hands to himself this time. “Dad told me two weeks ago that they were planning on moving away. I wasn’t sure what to think. With them gone, I didn’t really have a reason to stay. Unless…”

  “What?”

  She shrugged, cheeks flushing. “Unless I had more of a reason. When you told me you loved me, it all came together. I knew I wanted to stay, but I knew I wanted to be with you, too. Dad said he still wanted you in charge of the ranch, and if I didn’t want to stay, he wanted you to be in charge. Completely.”

  He shook his head, still confused. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying this place is yours as much as it is mine. It belongs to you, too. So…if you’re up to it, I thought we could run it together. We’ve been doing pretty well so far.”

  “We have,” he admitted. But there was more to it than that. He wanted to know how she really felt for him. Where she saw this going—or if she saw it going anywhere.

  “Oh, one more thing,” she said.

  “What?”

  She rose on her toes and kissed him. “I love you.”

  He snatched her around her waist, holding her tight against him. “Damn it, Willow. That took you long enough to say.”

  She laughed, and the sound soothed him. “I felt it, trust me. I was nervous and I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay, so I couldn’t say that to you and just turn and walk away. But I want to be here, with you.”

  “So what you’re saying is I can move into the main house with you and stay in your room every night?”

  “If you don’t, I might have to fire you.”

  He grinned. “I thought we were equals. You can’t fire me. I’m half your boss, too.”

  “Am I allowed to sleep with the boss?”

  “It’s a requirement for the job.”

  She licked his bottom lip, shimmying her body against his. “Please say the job starts right now.”

  “Always so horny for me. I like it.”

  “Good. Then we’d better make another quick appearance to thank my parents, and after that…”

  “What?”

  “I want you naked.”

  “I want you in every different way I can.”

  She exhaled and brushed her hand on his cock through his pants. “Sounds like we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Me, too.”

  “I love you, Cole.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Epilogue

  Six Months Later

  ________________

  Cole

  It had to be perfect. Just like one of the parties the Morgan’s always used to throw in the barn. But this time, it would just be him and Willow.

  Alone.

  He made sure the table was set correctly, the candles were lit, and there were drinks for both of them. He’d wine and dine her in the barn, and then get to the most important part.

  When Willow stepped inside the barn, her eyes went wide. “What’s this?”

  He took her hand and kissed it. “Dinner. Morgan style.”

  “Morgan style includes fried chicken.”

  He guided her to the table and pointed to the tray in the middle. “Fried chicken.”

  She laughed. “You really are a Morgan.”

  “I was hoping.”

  She froze before sitting down. “What do you mean?”

  He urged her into a seat and gave her a kiss before he knelt next to her. He watched as her eyes went even wider and she pressed a hand to her stomach.

  “Oh, God. Cole…”

  He pulled the velvet box out of his pocket and opened it. “Or, if you want to go traditional, you could just take my name instead. Be a Park.”

  Her mouth dropped opened, her eyes locked on the sparkling diamond. “Cole…it’s beautiful.”

  “It’s for you. Will you marry me, Willow?”

  Her hands shook when she reached for him, but she nodded immediately. “Yes. I’ll absolutely marry you.”

  He slid the ring onto her finger. “I love you, Mrs. Park.”

  “That sounds so good. I think I’m going to like being a Park.”

  “I think I’m going to like it too.”

  He jerked her into his arms and kissed her, forgetting dinner for the moment. Willow seemed to forget about dinner, too, because she slid her hands up to his chest and said, “I want to make love to you. Not wearing anything but this.” She smiled down at the diamond.

  “I’m happy to oblige,” he said.

  She grinned and grabbed the plate of chicken. “Let’s take this with us, just in case.”

  He laughed. “Good idea.”

  Bonus Epilogue

  Five Years Later

  ________________

  Willow

  She’d finally mastered her mom’s fried chicken recipe. After all, as a mom herself now, she had to know how to make fried chicken to carry on the tradition.

  When she heard voices coming in the back door, she hollered, “Take off your shoes.”

  Cole’s chuckle rang out, followed by four-year-old laughter. Their son, Conner.

  “Dinner’s almost ready,” she called out.

  They both walked into the kitchen and Cole scooped Conner up to help him wash his hands at the sink. He stopped on the way to give her a hard kiss.

  “How as work?” she asked.

  “Great!” Conner said with his cute little lisp. “Dad showed me how to drive the tractor.”

  “You didn’t,” Willow said to Cole. “The tractor?”

  Cole grinned. “Yep. Just sat back and let him do all the work. He’s a natural.”

  “Cole.”

  He rubbed her back. “Just joking.”

  They kept up the joking throughout dinner, their laughter filling the house. By the time they’d finished and given Conner a bath, Willow was tired. The days felt like they were getting longer and longer. She had to talk to Cole.

  After she took a bath, she joined him in bed with a sigh.

  “Tired?” he asked.

  She pillowed her head against his chest. “And horny.”

  “Is that so? Last time you were tired and horny all the time, you were pregnant with Conner.”

  Willow tipped her chin to look at his face. Then she smiled. “Exactly.”

  He straightened, and then caught her shoulders, making her sit up. “Wait. Are you saying…?”

  “I’m pregnant.”

  Cole caught her close, happiness in his voice when he murmured in her ear. “Willow, I love you so much. You’re really pregn
ant?”

  She nodded. “Nine months and we’ll have another one.”

  He kissed her once, twice, and then pulled her on top of him. “This is good news. No great.”

  “You’re going to help me out with the horny part, right?”

  “I’m your man.”

  She straddled him with a grin. “My cowboy.”

  If you’re looking for another short, scorching read by Lila Kane, try her

  New standalone release INSIDE OUT.

  Get your copy HERE or turn the page for a sneak peek.

  INSIDE OUT

  Summary

  Brett knows me better than anyone else. After all, he’s practically family. He’s been friends with my older brothers since high school. But we’re not kids anymore and Brett doesn’t look at me like he used to. In fact, Brett hardly looks at me at all. I was beginning to think he hated me. Until we get snowed in at my family’s cabin. Until we get a fire going and it’s just the two of us.

  Alone.

  Brett used to know me as a friend, but he’s about to get to know me intimately…inside and out.

  *INSIDE OUT is a sweet and steamy standalone short story. If you’re looking for a sexy read with an HEA and good feels, make this your next read.

  <<<>>>

  CHAPTER ONE

  I barely made it.

  By the time I reached the cabin, the world was lost in a sea of white. I knew we were expecting a storm this weekend, but it wasn’t supposed to be a blizzard. And it wasn’t supposed to get bad until the middle of the night, not by dinner.

  I hauled my bag inside and dumped it on the floor in the foyer, and then breathed in deep. There were worse places to spend a week in a blizzard. The only thing I worried about was if the rest of the family would make it.

  Both my brothers were supposed to come, and they were planning on bringing along Brett. My breath shuddered out. Brett. Family friend and long-time crush.

  Who was I kidding? He wasn’t a simple crush. I’d known Brett since we were kids. He used to pull my hair and tease me. Then in high school he acted like an older brother and screened all the guys I dated. And now?

  Now he just avoided me.

  I peered out the window with a frown. Maybe he wouldn’t be able to make it. As much as I wanted Brett here, part of me never wanted to see him again. Every time I tried to tell him how I felt, he had something to do. Somewhere to be. Someone else to talk to.

  I don’t know what I’d done to offend him, but it had to have been something.

  When my phone rang and I saw my brother’s number, I answered right away. “Hey, Jeff.”

  “Where are you?”

  “At the cabin.”

  “Damn. You bring provisions?” he asked.

  I walked to the kitchen. “The fridge was stocked a few days ago, but I still brought some snacks. Why? I thought you were bringing stuff.”

  “Yeah, I was. But not anymore. Didn’t you hear? They closed the highway.”

  Outside the window, the snow was so thick I couldn’t even see the road. “Wait—you’re not coming?”

  “Can’t.”

  “But…what about Drew? He and Brett were supposed to come, too.”

  “Drew had to run into work. He was supposed to come with me.”

  My stomach clenched. “And Brett?”

  “He left an hour ago—should be there soon.”

  Fuck. Maybe the road was closed before he got past. Not that I wanted to be stuck at the cabin all alone for a few days—or until the blizzard passed—but it’d be way less awkward. I could read a book. Drink some wine. Pine over Brett…

  “This sucks,” I said, opening the refrigerator. Might as well check out the rations.

  Jeff laughed. “Hopefully it’s only until tomorrow night. The snow’s supposed to slow down and we’ll head up then.”

  A day alone with Brett was bound to feel like a month, but again…wine. Reading. I could even pop in a movie and lose myself in that. Brett could fend for himself.

  “Let me know when you’re on your way,” I said.

  Jeff promised to call me tomorrow, and hung up. At least the fridge was stocked. I grinned at the wine rack. That was stocked, too, which meant Brett wouldn’t bother me in the slightest.

  I pulled down a bottle and opened it before grabbing my phone and attaching it to the wireless speaker on the counter. Music would pass the time. Later I’d start a fire and decide what to do next.

  By the time I’d had almost an entire glass, I’d almost forgotten I was up here alone. I dawned my slippers and spun in the kitchen, dancing to 90s hip hop with my glass in hand. When the chorus started, I sang at the top of my lungs, pulling off some pretty stellar dance moves.

  I downed the rest of my wine, spun in the other direction, and froze.

  I choked on the lyrics of the song when I saw Brett standing at the edge of the kitchen.

  To my dismay, he started clapping.

  “Oh, God…I didn’t know you were here.”

  He pulled off his cap, ruffling his hair, and dusted the floor with snow. My throat dried. Damn, he looked good. He always looked good. I squeezed my thighs together at the ache that bloomed. “I’m here.”

  I swallowed and set my glass aside, suddenly nervous. “I’m the only one here.”

  “Jeff called. I’m sure they’ll make it up tomorrow.” His gaze dropped to my slippers, and I swear the corner of his mouth quirked. Then he turned abruptly. “I have more stuff in the car.”

  Before I could say anything, he vanished.

  Damn it. What was his problem?

  I walked to the window and watched him making his way to his car. I could barely see him by the time he reached it. Shit. It was only getting worse. Which meant I should probably get the box I brought as well—just in case I needed M&M’s in the middle of the night.

  Tugging on my cap, jacket, and boots, I huffed out my irritation. Brett was just going to have to deal with me because it wasn’t like I was going anywhere. I yanked open the front door and trudged down the steps as he was coming up.

  “Wait—Evie.” He held a box in his arms but turned back. “Where are you going?”

  “I have stuff.”

  I didn’t stop, just hiked through a couple of feet of snow to reach my car. There was so much snow on it, the trunk wouldn’t open. Then I realized I hadn’t brought my gloves.

  “Shit.”

  I watched Brett vanish inside the house, then reappear. Instead of going for his truck, he headed in my direction.

  Ignoring him, I swiped at the snow, trying to knock as much off as I could to open the trunk.

  “You’re not wearing gloves,” he said.

  “Thanks for pointing that out.”

  I hated the snark in my voice, but I was tired of his attitude. There was a time I would have died and gone to heaven knowing I would have been alone with him for a whole day. And night. Maybe longer. But now…

  Brett jerked the trunk open and I reached for the box at the same time he did.

  “I’ve got it,” I said.

  “Get inside. You’re not wearing gloves.”

  My mouth dropped open. “You’re not my boss. I—”

  He tugged the box, and I tugged back. His eyes met mine in challenge. But when I tugged again and a whole pile of snow slid from the side of the trunk onto my arms, I gasp and released the box, falling on my ass in a snowbank.

  Brett spun around, abandoning the box. “Evie.”

  “Why did you do that?” I pulled my hands from the snow. They already ached from the cold.

  “I didn’t mean to.”

  And maybe it was because I was a little tipsy. Or a little frustrated. Or just because I wanted to see him in the snow, too. But when he reached down for me, I jerked his hand and made him stumble into the snow as well.

  “Ha!” I rose onto my knees with a triumphant laugh. “Now you know how it feels. You—”

  The snowball got me right in the face. I gasped and then reache
d for him, knocking him back into the snow. But this time he took me with him. I landed on top of him.

  My breath rushed out and my hands pressed against his chest. My lips were inches from his, and our eyes locked. His fingers found my waist, squeezing through my jacket.

  “Brett,” I murmured.

  All my anger was lost in that moment. For once, he wasn’t turning away, wasn’t glaring at me. He was looking straight into my eyes with something like surprise.

  I opened my mouth to say something else, but he sat up abruptly, nearly knocking me back in the snow. He hauled me to my feet without warning and then grabbed the box from my trunk.

  Before I could say anything, he strode through the snow and to the stairs, looking like it took no effort at all. Stung by his actions, I slammed the trunk shut and hurried after him.

  My hands ached from the cold, but not as bad as my heart.

  <<<>>>

  CHAPTER TWO

  I stomped inside, dropping snow all over the foyer. I dumped my jacket on the floor and yanked off my cap. I had enough sense to straighten my hair before I walked into the kitchen, but right now I almost didn’t care what I looked like.

  “Thanks for getting the box,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

  He’d removed his jacket as well and taken off his hat. I could see the outline of his muscles through his Henley, and it stalled my momentum some. He’d set the box on the counter, but he wouldn’t look at me.

  “Sure.”

  My mouth was full of words, but what was I supposed to say? Just come out with it and ask him why the hell he acted like this around me?

  Liquid courage. That’s what I needed. I snatched my wine glass off the counter and went for the wine bottle, which Brett stood directly in front of.

  When he turned around, eyes avoiding mine again, I swallowed hard and said, “Why?”

  “Why what?”

  “Why do you hate me so much?”

  Brett’s head jerked up. “What?”

  I gritted my teeth to keep my chin from wobbling. “You avoid me all the time, won’t meet my eyes. We used to be friends. And now…Why do you hate me so much?”

  “I don’t…” He cleared his throat, averted his eyes, and then jerked them back to mine. “Evie.”