He sighs and pushes himself out of the chair, walking over to stand beside me. The sun dances off his bronze skin, and his dark hair flutters in the wind. I’m suddenly aware of how close we are. His chest is just inches from my cheek, and I’m overcome by a powerful urge to lean forward and rest my head against his chest.
It’s not something I would normally consider, but the truth is, something about Colby Burke makes me feel safe. And that’s not an emotion I’m used to.
He’s still staring at me, and I know he’s waiting for me to say something, anything. But my tongue is glued to the roof of my mouth, and I can’t seem to form a single word.
“Well,” he says after a moment. “I’m sorry, River. If he hurt you, I’m sorry. But as long as you’re here, I give you my word that he won’t have the opportunity to do it again.”
And just like that, the spell snaps like a cheap elastic band. I don’t need his sympathy or his apologies. The last thing I need is anyone feeling sorry for me. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and I don’t need some hotshot cowboy playing the hero.
“I can take care of myself, Burke. Always have. Always will.”
“Never said you couldn’t.”
“It’s implied.”
“Is it? Or are you just putting words in my mouth?”
“Maybe a little of both. The point is, I’m not here to be saved. I’m here to heal. Got it?” I scramble to my feet, eager to end this conversation before it goes any further. He’s seen enough of my pain and shame, and I’m done giving him a front-row seat to the dumpster fire that is my life.
I try to brush past him, intent on walking it off, but Colby grabs me by the arm and spins me back around, catching me by surprise. Call it trauma or instinct, but I can’t control the reaction that takes over my body.
I rear back and throw my fist, but before it can connect with his face, Colby blocks the punch and wraps his arms around me.
“Easy, there, cowgirl. You don’t want to do this.”
“The hell I don’t!”
I struggle against him, kicking and wriggling, trying to free myself. But Colby’s bigger, and he’s stronger, and his arms are like steel bands around my waist.
“Stop fighting me. Come on, now. Calm down.”
“Calm down? Are you serious right now?”
“Very serious. I don’t know what you’re upset about, but we can talk about it. You can’t go around punching people every time they get too close, River.”
“Why not? Seems like a pretty solid strategy, as far as I’m concerned.”
“Yeah? You think so, huh?”
“Absolutely. I’m a fan.”
“Well, lucky for me, I’m pretty damn tough. But not everyone is. If you’d landed that punch, you would’ve knocked me clean out.”
“Then you shouldn’t have grabbed me. That’s on you, cowboy.”
Something seems to click in his brain, and he yanks his hands away, holding them up as if surrendering. “Ah, hell, River. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I didn’t think.”
I don’t say a word, just step away from him and wrap my arms around my middle.
“River, I—”
“Don’t. Just don’t. Okay? Don’t say another word.”
He reaches out to touch me, and I jerk away, stumbling backward and falling onto my ass. Colby rushes forward and reaches for me, and God help me, I let him. He pulls me to my feet and holds me steady while the world rights itself.
“Easy. Easy, now. You’re okay.”
“Yeah. Sure. I’m okay.”
