Page 38 of Live, Ranch, Love

Is that why Wyatt looked disappointed?

But then he smiled?

I’m not sure if I’m ready for—

“Aurora? Did you hear me?” Wyatt steps forwards, brows drawn in with concern. His eyes keep flicking between mine, but I’m struggling to move.

I haven’t frozen like this since I caught Jake.

“Yeah, I…” I’m clutching the paint roller so tight, my knuckles hurt. There’s so many thoughts swirling through my head right now all I can do is try to concentrate on keeping my breathing steady, despite the fact that my heart is rattling against my chest again.

Wyatt quickly drops his paint roller back in the tray and returns to prise mine from my hands, his leather and pinewood scent diffusing through the smell of paint. He unfurls each of my fingers from the roller gently, keeping hold of my hand as he lowers it to the ground and stands back up. The heat of his skin against mine draws my attention to where we’re touching.

Where his thumb is gently stroking over my knuckles.

Back and forth. Constantly.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” His voice is like distant thunder, a deep rumble that reminds you that you’re safe and warm inside. I really appreciate the way he’s not just asked if I’m okay, giving me an easy way out by just saying yeah, I’m fine.

I take in a shallow breath. “I’m suddenly really scared.”

Wyatt’s fingers pulse against my hand.

Searching charcoal eyes behold me. So still and focused. Opposite to how my mind feels right now.

“That’s understandable,” he admits, lips twitching into a brief smile. I think he’s going to leave it there when silence drags between us—I know he’s not usually into discussing his emotions and all that unlike me—but he squeezes my hand again. “What’s scaring you in particular?”

I almost miss the way he glances at my lip when I bite down on it. “If this all works, then I might stay here. It’s a big change, and I don’t… I’m not sure if I can do it. I’ve never run a retreat before. A trial run is a lot easier than a full blown business. What if it’s all too much?”

Wyatt steals another inch of space between us. I can feel the warmth radiating off his body now and I have to stretch my neck up to keep my eyes locked with his, completely encapsulated by them.

When we’ve been this close before, I’ve felt daunted, nervous, exhilarated. But today, I feel safe.

No anxiety, just security.

Like Wyatt is this shield blocking out the rest of the world. Slotting himself between me and the enormous mountain peak that is my current dream, so that its looming shadow doesn’t seem as frightening.

“If it’s all too much, then you’ll find a way to get through it. Just like you have before,” Wyatt insists, grabbing my other hand in the process, bones tingling in response. “You’re smart, Aurora, and probably the most passionate, determined woman I’ve ever met. You’re the kind of person who takes adversity by the reins and rides it. If anyone can succeed in this, it’s you.”

Every word embraces my heart, calming it. I want to lose myself in the swirling night skies of his eyes, in the smoky timbre of his voice.

“Besides,” Wyatt shrugs, letting his smile fully play out, coaxing mine from its hiding place too, “you’re not alone. You’ve got me to help you out when things get difficult. We’re in this together, right? Business partners?”

And with that I’m reminded that I can’t get lost in him like part of me wants to. He’s right—he’s here to support me, yes, but as friends. Business partners. Which is how it needs to stay if I want things to run smoothly. It’s going to be a lot harder to run away again if things get messy, because I’ll have a retreat that needs me.

And a home I’m not sure I want to leave just yet.

Plus, I need to be able to support myself. I need to pull myself out of any spiral I’ve gone into, just like I used to be able to do when I evidently believed in myself more. Even if Wyatt’s words and soothing touch have made me feel safe, if I get too used to that, what happens if he leaves? I can’t always expect him to be my shoulder.

Pressing my lips together, I give him a nod and loosen my hands from his. “Thanks, Wyatt, really. I know I’m just being silly. I just get in my head sometimes.”

“Right.” His hands stay in front of him for a beat before he runs them through his hair robotically and clears his throat. Wyatt picks the paint rollers back up and hands me mine. “Anyway, I’m scared too.”

My face scrunches. “You are?”

“Oh yeah.” A playful smirk flashes as he spins to dip his roller in the tray beside him. “The idea of having to see you every day with no end in sight is just terrifying.”

“Such a dick,” I say under my breath.

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