Page 41 of Broken Boundaries

An overwhelming sense of guilt washes over me. I should not be looking at her like that. She’s practically the same age as my son and completely off limits.

“Right. That makes sense,” she says, turning to smile at me. “Do you think you’ll ever have any more kids?”

“Wow, you’re asking the tough questions tonight.” I’m not even sure how the conversation turned to me so quickly. I guess we’re done discussing Zach.

“Sorry if that’s too personal. You don’t have to answer. I’m just being nosey.”

“It’s alright. Harper’s the only one who grills me like this, so I guess I wasn’t expecting it, is all. But yeah, I’d love to have another kid. Maybe two. But only if I find the right person. I’m not making the same mistake again.”

We ride a little more until we come to an overlook where we can see the sun on the horizon. I come up here a lot when I want to think or be alone. It’s so peaceful. Sunrise and sunset are my favorite times of the day. Watching those happen really grounds me and helps me to remember what’s important.

Aspen climbs off Sparkles and ties the reins to a nearby tree. I do the same and join her in front of the horses. She sits on the ground and stares out at the mountains in the distance. I plop down next to her, leaving a little bit of space between us. The last thing I want to do is make her uncomfortable.

We sit there in silence, watching the sun slowly go down behind the mountains. I can tell she’s enjoying this place just as much as I do.

“Thank you for bringing me out here, Brooks.”

“Anytime, darlin’.”

She drops her head on my shoulder, and for a moment, I’m not sure what to do. But then I realize she probably just needs someone to comfort her and I just happen to be here. She’s gone through a lot over the last few months and has had no one. She must feel so alone. So in an effort to show her that she is welcome here, I slide my arm around her waist. She scoots closer and settles into me even more. I try my absolute best to not read too much into this.

This is just me comforting a friend. That’s all.

If someone were to walk up on us right now, this would not look good. But I know it doesn’t mean anything for Aspen. It doesn’t mean anything to me either. Although I can’t help but realize how much I enjoy her company. Whenever we’ve spent any time together, it’s always easy between us.

But that’s not what this is.

No. It can’t be. Even if it does feel nice to have her this close to me. Even if I wish I could hold her and tell her everything is going to be ok.

Eventually, she straightens, and I reluctantly let my hand drop.

“We should probably head back,” I tell her.

She nods. “Yeah.”

But neither one of us moves. We sit there looking at each other as if we’re in some sort of bubble. My eyes fall to her lips just as she parts them. Do I want to kiss her? My son’s ex-girlfriend?

Dammit, I think I do. What is wrong with me?

I blink and pull myself out of the trance her lips put me under. I quickly stand and extend a hand to help her up. She takes it and stands up, not taking her eyes off me the entire time. It’s unnerving, and I wonder if she feels what I was feeling, but I’m not brave enough to ask.

I untie my horse while Aspen does the same, and we get started back on the trail.

Her voice breaks the silence. “Hey, can I ask you something?”

Oh no. I brace myself for whatever she’s about to say. “Sure.”

“Does riding horses ever get easier on your butt?”

A laugh explodes out of me.

“Don’t laugh! My butt has been so sore after every ride.”

“Sorry, you’re right. I shouldn’t laugh. Yeah, it gets easier. It helps if you take a warm bath or give it a little massage. You’ll get used to it once you start doin’ it more.”

“Ok, good to know.”

We make it back to the stables. Since Beck is gone for the day, Aspen helps me get the horses back in their stalls, and then I drive us back to our cabins.