Courted by the Cowboy (The Boones of Texas 3)

“Renata’s got big things planned for Labor Day this year. The parade, a craft market, some gunfight reenactments or something—the crowds love that. I’m helping out with some hayrides, too. Maybe Shawn could help with that?” he asked, his question drawing her attention back to him. His eyes flashed and the corner of his mouth quirked in a half smile.

Her lungs felt empty. “You c-can ask him.”

He nodded. “Just wanted to make sure it was okay with you first—this time.”

Meaning he didn’t want to upset her again. It meant a lot that he’d remembered. But Fisher would remember. Fisher would look for ways to include Shawn, too. Because that was who he was, thoughtful, caring, handsome...and off-limits. “I appreciate that, Doc.” Her voice wavered.

“It’s a good month away but you should plan on going.” His gaze got tangled up in hers just long enough to make her dazed and speechless.

“Maybe.” She glanced beyond him at Brook. “We’ll keep an eye out for you two.”

“Two?” he asked, a crease forming on his forehead.

She nodded. “Brook. She’s new in town. You two have a lot in common.”

He blinked, confusion lining his face. “Work?”

“She’s pretty, Doc,” Kylee encouraged. Was he denying what she’d seen on the dance floor? There was a spark there, a connection. “You should ask her out.”

He stared at Kylee then, completely frozen.

Why was he acting so...strange? Was he uncomfortable talking about his feelings? She could relate to that. She tried again, “I know you’re not a ladies’ man—”

“Whoa, whoa.” That snapped him out of it. “Why do you say that?”

“I’ve never seen you hit on anyone...or interested before.” Kylee couldn’t help laughing at the affront on his face.

“Before?” he asked, confusion lining his features.

“I saw you two out there.” She paused, that empty, hollow ache threatening to consume her. She hurried on, “You’re into the teasing and funny thing. It makes you safe.” He made her feel safe. Which was why, after everything she’d been through, Fisher was such a complete surprise. He was the best man she’d ever met.

He stared at her for a long time before asking, “Safe is bad?”

“No,” she assured him, holding up her hands. “All I meant was... I just thought...” If he didn’t get a move on, men like Toben would turn Brook’s head and he’d never stand a chance. Why women were drawn to that, the Tobens of this world, she’d never understand. She glanced at the redhead, then back at Fisher. “Maybe, I could help you?”

He arched a brow. “Help me?”

“Get the girl,” she murmured. This was for him. To see him laughing and dancing would make he

r happy. She wanted that for him.

The longer he sat there, his green eyes searching hers, the more uncomfortable she became. Had she offended him? She hadn’t meant to. Maybe her delivery needed work. Further proof that she had no business trying to have any sort of relationship—friendship or otherwise.

“You’re helping me because...?” he asked, eyes narrowed.

Her heart was in her throat. “You’ve been really good to Shawn and me, Doc. I appreciate it.”

“I’m glad. But you don’t need to pay me back, Kylee.”

His words cut through her. He’d saved Chance and taken an interest in Shawn. No matter how much he denied it, she knew he had something to do with Shawn’s scholarship to camp. He’d done all those things with no ulterior motive—and it humbled her. In her old world, actions or favors had costs. Jesse taught her that. This was a very different world, one she was becoming fond of, but old habits die hard.

Her experience with men was limited to Jesse. Jesse, who told her who to be nice to and taught her that if she smiled or talked to anyone else there would be painful consequences. Other than Shawn, she’d never thought of willingly being attached to a man. And feeling affection—feeling anything except fear—had never occurred to her. But nothing had prepared her for the way she felt around Fisher. He was the first man she’d liked having around, and she wanted to do something for him. Not as payback, but in appreciation. She just didn’t know how to say that to him.

Something on her face must have told him she was struggling because his hand slid across the bar, reaching for hers before she realized what he was doing. The spark between his hand and hers made her whole body tremble. Whatever hollowness she felt was replaced by an altogether different feeling. Heavy, warm, aching and oh, so good. She didn’t pull away, she couldn’t. Instead, she stared at their hands, at his sun-bronzed fingers twined with hers. His fingertips were rough, his nails short and clean, his strength wrapped securely around her. Her heart thundered like crazy, making her shirt tremble in time with each rapid beat.

Their gazes met, turning the spark into something bigger. Something she wasn’t ready to face.

She pulled her hand from his, the brush of skin on skin forcing a shiver down her spine. Whatever reaction she was having, he seemed immune. He sat there, stiffly, the muscle in his jaw locked. He seemed...angry?