Page 185 of Ride the Sky

“What’s wrong with me?” I whisper to no one.

A large hand clamps down on my shoulder, and a voice lowers to whisper in my ear. “Sounds like you need a cowboy.”

Relief melts through me.

I smell him—evergreen and ice. Feel him—muscled and hot. Everything inside me is fireworks, combustion.

I spin around. Wyatt stands there, tall and tan in his fawn-colored Stetson. He grins. “Losin’ your nerve, Trouble?”

At the sound of his deep, rugged voice, calm settles over me.

Here. He’s here.

Then I hit him in the arm. “You asshole.”

He chuckles. “What kind of thanks is that for comin’ to your rescue?”

“Thought you couldn’t watch?” I demand, glaring up at him.

He grips my chin, those bright-blue eyes searing my face. “Stop this bullshit and shut up.” His lips twitch. “I know you. You needed me.”

I did. I needed him, and he came. That’s a man. That’s a cowboy.

Tears fill my eyes. “Wy…”

His big hand sweeps into my hair, grips the back of my neck. “What’s wrong? I’ve never seen you pace before a ride.”

Guard dropped, I say, “I’m scared.”

“You’re never scared.”

“I am.” I stare up at Wyatt’s handsome face, and my heart slams into my ribs. “What if I can’t do this?”

“You can.”

I close my eyes at the firm certainty in his voice. Open them. “What if I get hurt?”

For a brief second, pain and panic flash across his face, but he steadies his breath and says, “If you get hurt, I get you better.” He steps into me, catching me in his arms. “If you fall, I catch you. If you win, I fucking cheer. If you fight me, I fight you back.” His silver-blue eyes never let me out of his intense gaze. “That’s how it works with us.”

“Us?” Regret twists my insides. All the ugly, mean things I said to him, how can he forgive me? “There’s still an us?”

He nods, his throat working.

I shake my head, a tear slipping down my cheek. “I don’t take a second of you for granted. I’m so sorry, Wyatt. I’m sorry I was scared. I’m sorry I fought. I’m sorry I lied.” I shudder out the words.

“Don’t be sorry. Listen to me. I gotta tell you somethin’ before you go into that ring.” Stern and serious, eyes glassy, he clears his throat. “Fallon, I—”

“No,” I cut in sharply and his eyes widen. “I go first.” I lean into him, press up on my boots. No more missing my chance. I open that place inside myself, open my heart. Slide my palm over his scruffy cheek, and his entire body hitches. “I love you. I fucking love you, Wyatt Montgomery.”

I loved him when I was young. When I thought I didn’t deserve him. Loved him even when I hated him. Because it was easier to hold my heart close than let it belong to someone else.

He exhales a long breath then yanks me into him and crushes his mouth on mine.

His kiss is intoxicating, and I yield to him. Arching my body to his and winding my arms around his waist. His lips ravage mine, a fiery heat licking between us. And then we’re pulling back, gasping for air.

We stand there, trembling together.

“I know,” he rasps, touching his forehead to mine. I dig my nails into his shoulders, not wanting to let him go. “I found your letter.”

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