Page 70 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

"Take it, babe." I pick up the card and slide it into her back pocket. "Enjoy the city. Get Rocky some gloves to carry in her backpack for her first day of school."

Krystal nods, but I see the disappointment in her eyes. Before I can say anything else, my phone buzzes. It's my father, reminding me of this morning's meeting.

"I've got to go," I say, downing the last of my coffee. "I'll try to be home for dinner."

I kiss Krystal goodbye, my lips lingering on hers. As I pull away, I see the uncertainty in her eyes. But I don't have time to address it now.

"Love you," I call over my shoulder as I head for the door.

"Love you too," she replies, her voice soft.

The drive to Innoventis is a blur of traffic and looming skyscrapers. My thoughts are consumed by the elements of the contract I need the legal team to review and the disclaimers the engineers need to confirm.

By the time I step into the sleek, modern lobby, I've fully slipped into CEO mode. My stride is purposeful, my expression neutral as I nod to employees who scramble to get out of my way.

In the boardroom, my father's already holding court, surrounded by executives hanging on his every word. He looks up as I enter, a hint of approval in his eyes.

"Ah, Shane. I'm glad you could finally join us. We were just reviewing the compliance and regulatory requirements."

I take my seat at the table. "Before we continue, I'd like to address the cybersecurity compliance protocols for the drone integration." I swing my gaze from the engineering director to the accounting director. "Have we received clearance from the DCAA on our proposed accounting standards for the classified aspects of the program?"

My question draws approving nods from around the table. It's clear they didn't expect me to be so up to speed after my time away. I feel a familiar sense of confidence settling over me as I delve into the intricacies of the contract, determined to prove that I haven't lost my edge.

I'm immersed in a world of profit margins and market shares for the next several hours. It's familiar territory, one I navigate with ease.

But as the day wears on, I can't shake the feeling that something's off. I'm counting down the time and wondering if Krystal and Ashanti are enjoying themselves.

The Shane who thrived in this world feels like a distant memory. The man I am now—the one who found peace on a ranch in South Dakota—doesn't quite fit.

It's late afternoon when I finally escape the endless meetings. I loosen my tie as I head for the elevator, already dreading the traffic that awaits me.

"Shane!"

I turn to see Courtney striding towards me, looking every inch the polished executive in her tailored suit. My stomach tightens at the sight of her.

"Courtney," I nod, keeping my voice neutral. "What can I do for you?"

She smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "I was hoping we could get drinks. Catch up on old times."

I shake my head, already backing away. "No, thank you. I've got plans with Krystal and Ashanti."

Courtney's smile falters for a moment before she recovers. "Of course. Another time, perhaps."

I give her a noncommittal nod, my heart racing. I can't wait to get out of here. As the elevator doors close, I steal one last glance at Courtney. Her lips press into a firm line, eyes hard but steady, and the intensity of her gaze makes the hairs on the back of my neck rise.

Her eyes, usually cold and calculating, now burned with a fire I'd never seen before. The doors close, separating us, but I can still feel her gaze boring into me.

The traffic is as bad as I feared, and by the time I make it back to the estate, the sun has long since set. The house is quiet as I let myself in, most of the lights already off.

I find Krystal in the main suite, curled up in an armchair with a book, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm halo around her. As I step inside, a wave of relief washes over me, and my entire body relaxes at the sight of her.

Her presence instantly calms the storm that's taken up residence in my body since I agreed to return.

She looks up as I enter, and the world outside fades away for a brief moment. But as her gaze meets mine, I catch the shift in her expression. It's unreadable, a veil of emotions that leaves me wondering what she's been thinking while I was away.

My heart sinks as I realize our once vibrant and effortless connection is now weighed down by thick tension.

I step further into the room, the door closing behind me. I want to reach out, to bridge the distance that seems to havegrown between us. I take a breath, steeling myself to face whatever lies beneath her calm exterior, wanting to uncover the truth of how she really feels.

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