Page 35 of Broken Boundaries

“I feel old some days. But no, you’re right. I absolutely do want that. Harper has been getting on me about it for years. I do want to share my life with someone. Just need to find the right person. I don’t want it to feel forced.”

“Well, what about Harper?” I ask, my curiosity getting the better of me.

“Nah. Harper is like a sister to me. We could never…”

I shrug. “Y’all just seem close.”

“We are close. She’s my best friend. But as much as I love her, I can’t see us ever being anything besides that. She doesn’t want that either.”

“That’s cool. I was just being nosey.”

“What about you? Are you swearing off men now? I wouldn’t blame you.”

I laugh. “I haven’t sworn off anything. I honestly haven’t thought about dating since everything happened, but I always imagined I’d end up married with a few kids one day.”

“You should. Whoever you end up with will be one lucky man.”

I feel a blush creep up my neck. “That’s a sweet thing for you to say.”

“It’s true. I want to make sure that what Zach did doesn’t hurt your confidence. His actions were all on him and had nothing to do with you. You’re beautiful, smart, and fun to be around. He messed up, and I think he knows that.”

Before I can stop myself, I ask, “You… you think I’m beautiful?” It’s the only thing my brain latched on to.

Brooks chuckles. “Yeah. You’re beautiful, darlin’. Anyone with eyes can see that.”

Darlin’.

I swallow down the gasp that threatens to escape. My body feels like it’s on fire, and I cannot figure out why I feel this way. I mean, I just got out of a long-term relationship. I’m not looking for anything. But maybe my confidence is a little shaken right now. It’s nice to hear that an attractive man thinks I’m beautiful. “Thanks, Brooks.”

He nods and quickly changes the subject. “So, Harper said you did another riding lesson with Beck.”

I focus back on my food and try to get myself to calm down. There is absolutely no way this man wants me as anything besides his neighbor and assistant. I need to make sure I’m not reading too much into his words. They can give me a little confidence boost, but I can’t let myself have any delusions that anything would happen with Brooks.

“Yeah, I did. It felt a lot better this time.”

“Good. You think you’re ready for some trail rides? I could take you out. Show you around some of the easier ones.”

“Yeah, that sounds great.” Although I’m not sure it’s a good idea for me to be alone with Brooks on a trail when my head’s having all these crazy thoughts. I blame Jazz for all of this.

“Good. I’ll figure out a good time and let you know.”

We finish eating, and I make sure to tell him over and over again how good it all was.

“Easily one of the best things I’ve put in my mouth in the last year,” I blurt after he’s taken my plate to wash it.

He pauses and looks at me with a smirk before I realize what I said and how dirty it may have sounded.

“Oh my god, I mean—not like that. That’s embarrassing. I think the cheap wine I had this afternoon is going to my head. That stuff is strong.” I’m rambling, but at least Brooks seems amused by me instead of completely freaked out.

“I see you’re still wearing my shirt,” he says as he rinses off another dish.

I shrink into myself a little bit, embarrassment heating my cheeks. “Oh. Yeah. Sorry. It’s just really comfortable. I’ll wash it and give it back to you in my next laundry load.”

“It’s alright. You can keep it.”

“No, really. It’s fine. It’s losing its appeal anyway.”

“How’s that?” he asks, sounding a little confused.