Free Dane's Restraint by J.J. Ranger Page A

think the world should revolve around you and your wants. What about me?”
    His words held no sting for her. His hold over her happiness—or lack thereof—was broken. “Go home, Ben.”
    He picked up a condom wrapper. “Are you willing to give up everything and everyone you love?”
    The beauty of it was, she wasn’t giving up anyone. Her parents and brother would always be in her life, and they knew she loved them. What was there to give up?
    “I brought your ring back.” Ben retrieved the solitaire from his pocket and slipped it on her finger.
    She gaped at him. The man just couldn’t accept no for an answer. She yanked off the ring and put it back in his hand. “I’m not yours anymore. You need to move on.”
    His handsome face contorted into an expression of disgust and disbelief. “Do you really think this guy,” his hand swept around the room indicating the toys, “can make you happy?”
    Ben stumbled as she pushed him out of the cabin and onto the small porch.
    “Yes, I do.” This admission brought her up short. She and Dane were compatible sexually, that was a given, but it was more than sex. He’d made her feel, really feel, for the first time. She was comfortable with him, could open up about anything and he didn’t judge.
    Sara wasn’t ready for marriage, but she couldn’t see her future without Dane in her life. God, she’d screwed up royally. She had to fix this and fast. But first, she needed to get rid of her asshole ex.
    ****
    Dane fought all morning to avoid Sara’s cabin. He didn’t want to run into her and suffer another ego bruising. And yet, he found himself walking down the gravel path toward her door. Last night, for the first time in a long time, his heart was light and he was in love. Not the I-only-want-sex love, but the I-can’t-stand-to-be-out-of-your-sight love.
    He wasn’t quite ready to pop the question but he wanted more. He was tired of bouncing from woman to woman, tired of one night stands. With Sara he saw a future—as girly as that may sound. He didn’t care. Not that he’d told her as much last night. All he could do then was tuck tail and run when she’d stuck to her guns. He’d thought for sure if he offered an opportunity to see each other again that she’s jump at it. Who was he fooling?
    As he rounded the corner of the building, he heard an unfamiliar male voice. His pace slowed to a crawl, and he peeked around the side. A man stood, holding Sara’s hand, but Dane couldn’t see the expression on her face.
    “Are you fucking kidding me?” he murmured to himself. “Who the hell is this joker?”
    “You don’t deserve me and you’re going to look back and regret walking away. No one wants a cold fish.”
    The anger in the other man’s voice stopped Dane in his tracks. Spots danced in front of his eyes. All he could think was he needed to step in and protect Sara. Forgetting the need to be quiet, he stomped across the porch and wrapped a protective arm around Sara’s waist.
    “Is there a problem here?”
    “Dane!”
    The softening in Sara’s beautiful expression made his heart lurch. How could he have walked out on her? He should have stayed and fought. Well, he’d fight now. No one talked to his woman like that.
    “Is this him?” Ben glared, his hands clenched into fists.
    Bring it on, bastard.
    Sara waved a hand between the two men. “Ben, this is Dane. Dane, Ben.”
    He assessed the man wearing dress pants and a pressed long-sleeved shirt. This Ben guy looked like a shifty-eyed weasel. What the hell had Sara seen in him? “I have to admit I didn’t expect to see your ex on my ranch.” His tone indicated he’d be more than happy to escort the asshole off the property.
    Sara relaxed against Dane’s side and hooked her thumb through one of his belt loops. “You’re no more surprised than me.” She turned on Ben. “Go home, Ben, and get over it.”
    Ben whistled through his teeth and faced Dane. “You should cut your losses and run.