Page 49 of SEAL of Valor

I stare at them, trying to decide what lines I’m crossing by accepting these. There have to be rules of engagement with an ex, right? And I can’t imagine they include a green light on wearing their clothes. Especially when my heart doesn’t seem to remember that we went up in flames.

“You’re more than welcome to just put your dirty clothes back on if you want.” He starts to pull the offer back, but I shake my head.

“No, thanks. Sorry, I think I’m still half asleep.” And still so stupid-crazy about you.

He nods. “I’ll wash and dry your clothes so you have something to wear tomorrow.”

“Okay. Yeah. Thanks.” As he turns away to start the shower, I keep my gaze trained anywhere but on him. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to keep it from finding him every few seconds.

Which makes it even more awkward when he comes out of the bathroom and catches me staring. Heat floods my face, and I clear my throat. “Looks different in here.”

“I made some changes. There’s a clean towel hanging up next to the shower, and I set the clothes on the bathroom counter. I’ll shut the door but hang out here just in case you need me.”

“I really am okay, Weston.”

“If you fall, I want to make sure I’m close.” He moves in and wraps an arm around my waist.

I want you close, too. Because I think I’m still falling even after all this time.

It doesn’t matter that nearly every interaction we’ve had since I got back has been hostile or that there have been lifetimes between us; being this close to him is blurring every line I put in place.

“Okay. Thanks.”

“Yeah.” He guides me into the bathroom, where steam from the hot shower has already started curling in the air. I place one hand on the wall and avoid putting weight on my injured leg.

He releases me. “Call out if you need me.”

“Will do, thanks.”

Weston offers a curt nod, then closes the door behind him, leaving me standing in his bathroom, the scent of his soap still clinging to the air around me. It’s so ridiculous, but just standing here in his space is overwhelming.

How many nights have I dreamt of this? Of returning to that brief time when I was his wife? Those mere hours where we delighted in our future, before the entire world came crashing down around us?

Closing my eyes, I fight off the onslaught of emotion I’m sure is just a result of my exhaustion.

It has to be.

Because I cannot risk letting myself fall back in love with this cowboy.

Not now.

Not ever.

Even if I’m pretty sure I never really stopped.

Chapter 14

Weston

“You and Reese are both okay?” Vivian asks me for the third time over the phone.

“We’re fine. She’s getting cleaned up now.” I peer out of the bedroom window into the stormy darkness. “The horses will be safe and secure tonight; we can only hope this storm blows over sooner rather than later so we can get them back to the main barn.”

“Radar says the worst of it will pass in a couple hours.”

“Good.”

Vivian is quiet for a moment. “You okay, kid?”