She frowns slightly, a crease forming between her brows. “You did? How come you never said anything?”
I shrug, glancing at the lake, the sunlight sparkling across the water. “Everyone assumed I hadn’t changed, and I never bothered correcting them. I’m not proud of who I used to be, but I don’t regret it—not when it led me to this moment with you.”
Birdie tilts her head. “What do you mean?”
“We agreed to pretend to date as a ruse so I could teach you, and the only reason you asked me forlessonswas because of my experience,” I remind her as I trace circles across her thigh with my thumb. “Without it, I doubt you would’ve suggested the arrangement in the first place.”
“That’s true,” she admits, tension visibly easing from her shoulders. “But I said yes because I trusted you and knew you were the only one who would understand without judging me.”
I give her thigh a light squeeze. “Never. You’re always safe with me.”
Birdie leans in, resting her hand on my cheek. I melt into her touch, letting the warmth settle through me. She meets my gaze,and it’s as if time itself has stopped, leaving only the two of us suspended in the moment.
“Walker, what are we doing?” she whispers, her eyes searching mine, a thousand questions lingering there.
“We’re enjoying a date at the lake,” I murmur, leaning into her hand.
Birdie subtly shakes her head. “No, I mean, what’s happening with us? This was supposed to be a no-strings arrangement, but it feels like it’s become more than that.” She looks down at the blanket, drawing in a slow breath before continuing. “I miss you when we’re not together, and my heart skips a beat whenever you walk into a room. Sometimes I think you might feel it too, but other times, I wonder if it’s all in my head and this is still just an arrangement to you like it was always meant to be.” Her voice trembles, unguarded emotion spilling out.
I blink at her in disbelief, trying to process the reality that she just confessed her feelings for me. It’s not something I thought would ever happen in this lifetime, and as much as I wish I could lay my heart bare, I know it’s better to take things slow and avoid scaring her off. She’s still sorting out what’s real versus pretend, and I don’t want to push too hard and risk the fragile trust we’ve built.
That trust will be tested soon enough when the truth about what I’ve done for her family comes out. I’m not naive enough to think it’ll stay a secret forever, and there’s a chance she’ll be upset that I kept it from her—but we’ll cross that bridge when it comes.
For now, I’m going to treasure her admission and make the most of our time alone, leaving no doubt in her mind about how much she means to me.
I capture her lips in a soft kiss. “You’re not imagining a thing, Birdie, baby. This is as real as it gets.”
Save A Horse, Ride The Cowboy
Imelt into the kiss, lost in a blissful haze until Walker’s words finally register.
“Wait—youdofeel the same way?” I ask.
He nods, grinning. “I do, sweetheart. Nothing about this relationship has been fake for me.”
“So then, what do we do now?” I say, matching his grin.
Walker peppers kisses along the corner of my mouth. “Whatever you want, Birdie. I want a future with you—not just for today or tomorrow but forever if you’ll have me. I’ll wait as long as it takes for you to decide whether you want that too, because you’re worth it.”
My heart practically leaps from my chest at his declaration, realizing the man I’ve been falling for yearns for me as much asI do him, which makes falling for him all the more effortless. There has never been any pressure or expectations—only the need to make me feel cherished and protected.
My hands curl into his shirt as I gaze up at him. “I want that too.”
He exhales, his shoulders relaxing. “You have no idea how happy that makes me. I was ready to pull out all the stops to convince you.”
I raise a brow, intrigued. “Oh, really? And how exactly would you have done that?”
A smirk crosses his lips as he trails a finger along my jaw. “I think it’s best I show you… if you’re up for it, that is.”
My pulse spikes at his tantalizing offer. The future may still be uncertain, but knowing it will include Walker is enough.
For now, the tension hums between us like a live wire, sparking with every glance, every touch, and I long to surrender to the wanton desire burning through me.
“I do love a man who takes initiative,” I retort, playfully nipping at his finger.
“If that’s true, strip for me,” he says, his voice coming out husky. “So I can make sure you understand just how much I want you.”
My breath shudders as I glance around the lake. I know we’re the only ones here, but his request still sends a flutter of nerves through me. Even so, I refuse to let them get the better of me. Walker would never put me in a position where I wasn’t safe, and I want nothing more than to prove how much I trust him.
