Page 35 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

I want to tell him everything—about Jordan's harassment, about the constant fear that grips me every time the phone rings. But the words stick in my throat.

If I let Shane in and reveal the truth about the mess I'm running from, I'll only be dragging him into it. And I've learned the hard way that relying on someone else only leads to disappointment and heartbreak.

Shane moves closer, his hand brushing against my arm. The simple touch sends a jolt of electricity through me, and I have to fight the urge to lean into him.

"You okay?" he asks, his voice low and rough.

I nod, forcing a smile. "Just peachy."

He doesn't look convinced, but he doesn't push. Instead, he cups my cheek, his calloused thumb tracing my jawline. The gesture is so tender and intimate that it takes my breath away.

For a moment, I let myself get lost in the warmth of his touch, the way his eyes seem to see straight through to my soul. Then I step back, breaking the spell.

"I think that'll do it," Shane says, wiping his hands on a rag. "Want to give it a test run?"

I nod, moving to the control panel. The mixer hums to life, parts moving smoothly. Relief washes over me—at least something's going right today.

"Nice work, KD," Shane says, a hint of pride in his voice.

I turn to find him watching me, a soft smile on his face. My heart flips in my chest, and I curse internally. This is exactly what I was afraid of.

"Thanks," I manage. "Couldn't have done it without you."

His smile widens, and for a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to trust my feelings again.

But I have Ashanti to think about. The need to find a new contract. And Jordan Hendricks.

I can't afford to get attached.

"I should call it a day," I say, taking a step away. "Ashanti will be wondering where I am."

Shane's smile fades, replaced by something I can't quite read.

"Right, of course." He hesitates, then adds, "Listen, about earlier?—"

"We got carried away. It won't happen again," I cut him off, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

He flinches like I've slapped him, and guilt twists in my gut. But I push it down, hardening my resolve.

This is for the best.

"If that's what you want," Shane says, his voice carefully neutral.

No, it's not what I want. What I want is to throw caution to the wind, to let myself fall into whatever this is between us. But wants and needs are two very different things.

"It is," I lie. "I'll see you tomorrow, Kennedy."

I turn and walk away, forcing myself not to look back.

The evening air is cool against my skin as I make my way to the cabin. My body aches from the day's work, but it's nothing compared to the hollow feeling in my chest.

I pause on the porch, taking a deep breath. I hear Ashanti moving inside, probably working on homework or drawing in her sketchbook. The normalcy of it all hits me hard.

I won't tell her about the move until I find a new job.

I open the door, pushing thoughts of Shane and what might have been to the back of my mind. Romance has no place in that equation. No matter how much I might wish it did.

The clock is ticking, and my past isn’t finished with me yet.

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