Page 56 of Broken Boundaries

What have I done?

I drop my hands and take a step back.

She looks at me, her brows furrowed in confusion when she realizes I’m not taking this further.

Her hands release my shirt and drop to her sides.

“Brooks?” Her voice is barely above a whisper.

“I-I can’t. I’m sorry.”

I turn away quickly before I change my mind. I don’t look back. I can’t. I know if I see her again, I won’t be able to walk away. And that’s exactly what I need to do right now.

CHAPTER 21

Aspen

Nothing.

Not a single word or explanation.

In fact, Brooks Calloway is acting like he didn’t completely take my breath away with that kiss last night.

I had planned to talk to him this morning when I dropped his coffee off, but he wasn’t there. When he finally showed up in his worn-in jeans and dirt-covered cowboy boots, he smiled at me, tipped his hat, said good morning, and walked straight to his office. I started to follow him back, but I saw Harper following him, so I stayed put. The last thing I want is for people to find out I crossed a line with my boss.

By the time lunch rolls around, there’s still nothing from Brooks. No text, no email, no note. It’s almost as if I dreamed that kiss, but I know I didn’t. I’d never be able to dream something that good.

Jazz comes stomping up toward the desk with an eyebrow raised. “Ma’am. I did not receive a post-date text from you. I’m very upset about this.”

Shoot. I did forget to text her because I was so consumed with Brooks and that kiss. “I’m so sorry. The night just got away from me.”

Her scowl turns to a smile really fast. “That good, huh? I knew he’d be good in bed!”

My eyes widen. “What, no. We didn’t sleep together. We had dinner and ice cream, and he was a perfect gentleman.”

“Well, that’s disappointing,” she says. “Did he at least kiss you at the end of the night?”

He did kiss me, actually. It wasn’t anything like the kiss I had with Brooks. It was a quick peck on the lips before I got into my car. I feel terrible because I was so preoccupied with thinking about Brooks that I don’t think I gave Dawson a fair chance.

“He did.”

“And?”

“It was nice,” I say noncommittally.

“Aw, damn. I had high hopes for him, but nice? Nah, that’s not gonna work.”

I laugh. “No. Nice is good. We had a great time, and he’s already texted me today to say he’d like to see me again.”

“Ok, well, that’s something, I guess. Are you going to see him again?”

I’ve been thinking about this question all day. I was hoping to ask Brooks what that kiss meant, but if he’s avoiding me, I can’t do that. I refuse to be seen as a mistake, and that’s how Brooks is making me feel right now.

“Yeah, I think so,” I admit, even though it feels wrong. Deep down, I know I’m hoping it will make Brooks jealous.

“Why don’t you seem excited?” she asks, and I instantly feel bad that I’m not. Dawson is such a nice guy. He’s sweet, funny, and we had a good time together. He should be perfect for me. But all I can think about is Brooks.

“What? I am excited. Works just been stressful today. Got a lot going on.”