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As Cole snaps the first aid kit shut, snaps me out of my daze, his deep voice rumbles. “How long have you had the attacks?”

“Since I left Vegas,” I admit.

“Why?”

He meets my eyes, and for one brief second, it feels like I’m not alone in the world. Like I could have help. A friend. Someone to trust.

Then, just as quickly, I remind myself it’s not his business. Who am I to drag this man into my mess? My heart and I have done it alone all these years. We can do it again.

“It’s a long story.”

His eyes narrow at my quick dodge of the question. I pat my long blond hair, the wild strands whipped by the wind.

“You don’t trust easy, do you?”

“No. I don’t.” I think it’s the first time I’ve been honest with him.

Cole stares at me, emotionless. Until his fingers reach up to drift through my hair, tucking a lock behind my ear. Unlocked jaw, concerned deep blue eyes, he almost looks…soft. His thumb falls to my cheekbone, ghosting across my skin.

My heart stutters, shocked at his tender touch.

There’s a strange intensity in his gaze as he stares up at me. “You feel okay now, darlin’?”

Darlin’.

Joy spreads in my chest.

His tone isn’t condescending. It’s…caring.

Oh god.

I feel okay with Cole. Something tells me I could always feel more than okay with this man.

“I do. Thank you.”

He gives a soft smile, one that reaches and crinkles his eyes, and that deeper sneak peek behind the hard shell of Cole Weston has me melting.

I shift and redirect my gaze to the distillery. Wipe my sweaty palms on my thighs. “I should get back to work.”

“Jill’s got it.” Cole shoves up to standing. Long, thick fingers rake over his stubbled jaw. “Come on. I’ll show you the ranch.”

I bounce up beside him. “Really?”

An almost-smile tugs at his lips. “Yeah. It’s about time you saw it.”

15 Cole

As we walk from the distillery to the ranch, Delilah’s proximity tugs on all my senses.

She’s small and delicate beside me, and her honey scent floats between us. Her tan, toned legs lure my gaze. That halo of blond hair, her creamy skin, sparkly kohl-lined eyes and lids… She’s breathtaking. And as uneasy as she makes me, as much as I want to push her away, it’s undeniable after today. I can’t.

I’m doing the one thing I promised myself I wouldn’t do.

Get close to Delilah Grant.

She’s not my responsibility. But she broke that bottle of whiskey and started shaking like crazy. I yelled at her, worried she had hurt herself, and she ran. It was instinct to go after her. To care.

I’m not that fucking heartless.