"Observant about horses and cattle. Not so much about people."
"I don't believe that. You saw I was in trouble tonight before I even finished my sentence. That takes observation."
"That takes giving a shit."
"Same thing, in your case." She hops down from the counter, and my flannel shifts, revealing more of that smooth shoulder. "I should probably try to sleep. Big day tomorrow."
"What's tomorrow?"
"I have to figure out how to get my car from that party. And probably tell Colt what happened before someone else does. And maybe hide in my apartment for the rest of my life."
"You don't have to do any of that tomorrow. Take a day. Rest. Figure things out when your head's clearer."
"I can't just hide here forever."
Why not? I want to ask. Stay. Live here. Let me take care of you. Let me show you that not all men are like Jason. Let me worship every curve of your body the way you deserve.
"You can stay as long as you need," I say instead. "I mean it. No rush."
"Thank you." She moves toward the hallway, then pauses. "Boone?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad it was you. Tonight. I'm glad I called you and not someone else. I'm glad you're the person I trust when everything goes to shit."
"Me too."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Nicole."
She disappears down the hallway. Her door closes softly. I stand in the kitchen for a long time, staring at the space where she was, trying to process everything we just talked about.
She wants to leave. Wants to chase dreams. Wants more than this small town can offer. And I'm rooted here. Promised Frank I'd never leave. Committed to this ranch and this life in a way that can't be undone.
We want different things. Different futures. Different lives.
But God help me, I want her anyway. Want her with an intensity that scares me. Want her so badly I ache with it. I finish my water and rinse the glass, moving through familiar motions to ground myself. The cottage is quiet. Dark. Safe.
Nicole's in my guest room, wearing my clothes, sleeping under my roof.
It's not enough. Will never be enough.
But it's all I get, so I'll take it.
I head back to my room and climb into bed, knowing sleep won't come easy. My mind's too full. My body's too wound up. My heart's too tangled in feelings I shouldn't have for a woman who dreams of leaving everything I love behind.
But I close my eyes anyway. Force myself to breathe deeply. Try to find peace in the knowledge that she's safe, she's here, and for tonight at least, that's enough.
Across the hall, I hear her moving around. Sheets rustling. The bed creaking slightly as she settles in.
I imagine her in that oversized flannel, blonde hair messy on the pillow, those curves hidden under layers of fabric I want to peel away slowly.
My cock hardens again, insistent and demanding. I ignore it. I've gotten good at that over the years. Good at denying myself what I want because what I want is off-limits.
Eventually, the sounds from her room stop. She's asleep, or close to it.
I stare at the ceiling and try to do the same, knowing tomorrow will bring new complications, new challenges, new reasons why wanting Nicole Waters is the worst idea I've ever had.
