"Forgit how you'd rather saddle like a man than a lady." She was a mirror to what he used to be. The lifestyle he'd lived with her had been an abusive one. "I ain't drunk, so you can ride one." He was a little stung that she would even pick up on his jealously and sling it in his face like mud. "Why do I think that? Because darlin' you like playing games to make yer way." He wasn't a stepping stone. He didn't want to carry her as weight anymore, but he could admit he was concerned for her even if she'd rather shoot off his balls first.