Page 73 of Broken Boundaries

I know that Brooks and Harper are close, and I know he’s told me that they’re only friends and nothing more, but the thought of them together is always at the back of my mind. She knows him better than anyone, and deep down, I think I’m jealous because I want to be that person. I want to be the one to convince Brooks to go out. I want to know what Brooks likes at each restaurant in town. I want to know all of his embarrassing stories. I want to know everything about him.

That jealousy bubbles up inside me until I find myself asking, “Would you have come tonight if I had asked you?”

Brooks turns his head to meet my eyes. “I think we’ve established that I can’t say no to you.”

“You’ve said no about one thing,” I remind him. Us. Taking this further. Being together. The biggest thing of all that he’s said no to.

“Yeah, and it’s killing me every single day.”

His admission sends a chill down my spine, which doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Are you cold? Here. Take my jacket.” Brooks slides out of his jacket and hands it to me.

I’m not cold, but I’m also not going to turn down a chance to be wrapped in his warmth. Even if it’s just a piece of clothing.

“Thanks.” I wrap the jacket around me. “So you don’t like riding the rides?”

“No. It’s not for me. If I’m riding anything, it’s gonna be a horse.”

I laugh. “Well, you are good at that.”

“So are you. We haven’t been out in awhile.”

“I didn’t think you wanted to be alone with me,” I admit sheepishly.

“All I want is to be alone with you, darlin’, but what I want isn’t what’s best for either of us. At least if we’re out on the trail, I know I won’t try anything.”

I smirk. “Never had outdoor sex, Brooks? You’re missing out.”

He chokes out a laugh, and I swear a slight blush appears on his cheeks. “I try to be a gentleman. That typically doesn’t include sleeping with women on riding trails.”

“Hm. That’s a shame.”

“Aspen…” he warns.

I shrug. “What? I’m just saying you might need to live a little.”

“I live plenty, thank you very much.”

That sentence shuts me right up. I haven’t seen Brooks with any other women since I’ve worked on the ranch, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been with any. The thought of him with someone else makes me want to throw up. I wonder if this is how he feels every time he sees me with Dawson. If it is, it makes my heart hurt for him.

“I’m sure you do,” I say quietly before I return my focus to our little group making their way through the line. Dawson spots me and gives a little wave. I smile and wave back, but really, I’m contemplating whether I should get up and run. Get out of this town as fast as I can. It feels like everywhere I turn, my heart is breaking or I’m making the wrong decision.

“You ok?” Brooks asks, noticing the change in my demeanor.

“Yep. All good.”

I don’t think he believes me, but he doesn’t press me.

After our friends all ride the coaster, we meet them at the exit.

“How was it?” I ask Dawson.

“Just as good as last year,” he says with a laugh. He notices my jacket. “Did you get cold? I’m sorry, I should’ve left you my jacket.”

“Brooks is always there to save the day,” Jazz says. I immediately glare at her and feel Brooks’s eyes on me. Shit. I shouldn’t have told her everything that happened, but I had to talk to someone.

“So, where to next?” I ask, trying to move past this awkward moment.