Page 38 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

I steal glances at Krystal, taking in the curve of her neck, the way her fingers tap nervously against her thigh. I want to reach out, pull her close, and forget about everything else. But I hold back.

The elevator dings, and we step out into the hallway. Our room is at the end, and my heart beats faster with each step.

I swipe the key card and push open the door, letting Krystal enter first. She walks in, her eyes widening as she takes in the luxurious suite.

"Shane, this is..." she trails off, turning to face me.

I close the door behind us, the soft click echoing in the sudden quiet. Krystal's standing, looking at me with a mix of desire and uncertainty that mirrors my own feelings.

The air between us is electric. I want to cross the room, to take her in my arms and show her how I feel. But I'm frozen, caught between desire and fear.

Krystal takes a step toward me, her eyes never leaving mine. "Shane," she says softly, and my name on her lips is almost my undoing.

I close the distance between us in two strides, my hands cupping her face as I bring my lips to hers.

How is it that I can't get enough of her kisses? What will I do when I have to leave her and them behind?

I shove those thoughts aside as her fingers play in my hair, and she presslf against me. I back her up against the wall, our bodies flush.

For a moment, everything else fades away. There's only this - Krystal's soft skin under my hands, her breath hot against my neck, the taste of her on my tongue.

But even as I lose myself in her, a part of me holds back. Because I know that this can't last. That once she knows the truth about me, about who I really am, this will all disappear.

I pull away, breathing hard. Krystal looks up at me, her lips swollen from our kiss, confusion in her eyes.

"I'm sorry," I say, stepping back. "I shouldn't have-"

"Shane," Krystal interrupts, reaching for me. "Don't apologize."

Her words hit me like a physical blow. Because I want her too, more than I've ever wanted anyone. But I can't have her, not like this. Not with lies between us.

I run a hand through my hair, trying to regain some control. "Krystal, there's something I need to tell you."

She stills, her expression guarded. "Okay," she says slowly.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what comes next. Because once I say this, there's no going back. Everything will change.

"I'm not who you think I am."

"Neither am I. But can we leave it all behind and enjoy this weekend."

"Okay, so," I say, stepping closer, "what do you want to do first?"

She turns to me, a mischievous glint in her eye. "How about we explore the city? I hear downtown Rapid City is pretty charming."

I nod, grinning. "Sounds perfect."

As we head out, I can't help but feel like this weekend is a turning point. For better or worse, things are going to change. I just hope I'm ready for whatever comes next.

Downtown Rapid City is alive with energy as we stroll hand in hand. The streets are lined with boutique shops and art galleries, their windows glowing invitingly in the evening light. Krystal's eyes light up as we pass a small bookstore.

"Can we go in?" she asks, already pulling me towards the door.

I laugh, letting her lead the way. "Of course."

Inside, the scent of old books and fresh coffee envelops us. Krystal immediately heads for the art section, her fingers trailing over the spines of colorful sketchbooks.

"Ashanti loves drawing," she says softly, picking up a spiral-bound mixed media sketchbook. "She's always had such a big imagination."

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