Page 29 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

"Lead the way," I say.

Krystal takes my hand, sending a jolt of electricity up my arm. She pulls me onto the dance floor and then turns to face me. I place my hands on her waist, keeping a respectable distance between us.

We start to move awkwardly at first. I can't remember the last time I danced like this. Probably some charity gala back in New York, going through the motions with whatever socialite my father had paired me with.

But this... this is different.

Krystal moves closer, her body fitting against mine like she belongs here. I can smell her perfume, something floral and fresh. My heart rate picks up, and I silently curse my body's betrayal.

"Relax, Kennedy," Krystal murmurs. "It's just a dance."

I force myself to loosen up, letting the music guide our movements. As we sway together, I find myself studying her face. The curve of her cheek, the fullness of her lips. The way her eyes seem to hold secrets I'm desperate to uncover.

"What are you thinking?" she asks, her voice low.

I consider lying or deflecting. But something about the moment makes me want to be honest.

"That you're beautiful," I say simply.

Krystal's eyes widen slightly, surprise flashing across her face. Then her expression softens, and she leans in closer.

"You're not so bad yourself," she whispers.

And then she kisses me.

Her lips are soft, tentative at first. Then the kiss deepens, and I'm lost. I pull her closer, one hand gripping her neck. She makes a small sound in the back of her throat, and it takes every ounce of self-control I have not to push her up against the nearest wall.

We break apart, both breathing heavily. Krystal's eyes are dark, filled with a hunger that matches my own. We just stareat each other for a moment, the rest of the bar fading into background noise.

Then reality comes crashing back in. I step away, my hands falling to my sides. Krystal blinks as if coming out of a trance.

"I should go," she says, her voice husky.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. She turns and walks away, disappearing into the crowd. I stand there, my heart pounding, feeling like I've just made the biggest mistake of my life.

Or maybe the best decision I've ever made.

I make my way back to the table, ignoring the knowing looks from Tom and the others. I down the rest of my beer in one long swallow, then stand up.

"I'm calling it a night," I announce. "See you guys tomorrow."

I start walking toward the door, my eyes finding Krystal's across the room. I hold her gaze, a silent invitation hanging between us.

Her eyes sparkle with a mix of challenge and desire, and I know she sees the same in mine. She leans over to say something to her friend, and they share a laugh.

My heart pounds in my chest as I watch her walk towards me.

I'm thinking about the promise we made to each other. That night of passion was supposed to be a one-time thing. A mistake we'd leave behind in the heat of the moment.

But if I'm honest with myself, I wanted more, even before that kiss. And now...

We reach her truck, the night enveloping us like a dark, intimate blanket. Without a word, I pull her against me, my lips crushing down on hers.

The kiss is fierce and hungry, fueled by three weeks of pent-up desire. Her legs wrap around my waist as I press her against the truck, the metal cool against her back. My cock slides between her folds.

The only thing between us is denim and cotton.

Yeah, our walls are still there, a fortress of self-protection. But our desire burns through them, scorching hot and relentless.

---