Page 13 of The Cowboy’s Secret Lover

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

Lifting his hand, he rocked it from side to side. “So-so. Sore as hell but better than I should for being thrown.”

Faith moved further into the room. One wall was filled with pictures in frames. Like she was in a museum, she walked by each photograph and studied it. There were pictures of Kurt and Erin throughout the years. More than that, there were pictures of Kurt with celebrities, professional athletes, and two Presidents of the United States.

Yet, in the middle of everything was a snapshot she knew well. It had been taken more than twenty years ago, yet she remembered it like it was yesterday.

Without thought, Faith traced her finger over the frame.

Kurt’s breath was hot on her back and she knew that he’d risen from the chair and now stood close.

“I’m surprised you kept that old picture of us. And look at me—with a permanent wave. Good Lord.”

“You looked good,” he said. His words washed over her skin, leaving Faith’s flesh tingling. “You still look good.”

She turned. He was right there. If she lifted a finger, she would touch him. His hard chest was well-defined beneath the shirt. The muscles in his biceps were unmistakable. He was just as handsome as he had been all those years ago. Just like when she was a teenager, Faith’s pulse raced because he was near.

“You look good, too,” she said, stepping away. “In fact, I don’t think you need a babysitter, much less a nurse to look after you. I’ve probably done my job, right? My coming out here was all a ruse so that Erin would go to work.”

“Actually,” said Kurt. “I need you for more.”

“For what?”

“Faith, you have to let me ride in the rodeo tomorrow.”

With a shake of her head, she said, “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“You know why,” she said. “I’ve explained it to you already.”

“And I’ve explained to you why I have to ride.”

Milly’s words came to Faith. …Honey, I’ve known you your whole life. You’ve always been a good follower of the rules. But you can’t keep a man from doing everything in his power to save his child’s life.

“I understand why you want to get back to the rodeo, truly I do…”

“Do you?” he asked, interrupting. “Do you have kids of your own?”

Instinctively, her jaw tightened. “I don’t.”

“Then you really don’t understand. My daughter is my life. My health, my safety—neither of them means anything to me when compared to saving Erin.”

Like a tiny fissure had snaked through a concrete wall, Faith felt her resolve start to crumble. “Even if I let you ride tomorrow and the next day, you are hardly a shoo-in to win the rodeo and go to nationals. And winning?” She shrugged.

Kurt stepped toward her, closing the distance that separated them. He slipped his fingertips into the front pockets of his jeans. “If I can place in this rodeo—which I will—then, I get a berth into championship in Las Vegas. Once I’m there, I’ll win. There’s no other option, not for me—or for Erin.”

She shook her head, Yet, he spoke before she could say anything.

“Please,” he said again. His voice was a whisper that pierced Faith’s soul. “More than understanding my risks, I accept them all. I hate to beg, but I’ll do just that if it means I can help my daughter. Please, tell me that you’ll let me ride tomorrow.”

Medically speaking, there was only one answer for Faith to give. Yet, she couldn’t find the words. Not exactly believing what she was saying even as she spoke, Faith said, “Fine, Kurt. I’ll give you the medical release. Tomorrow, you can ride.”

* * *

As if Kurthad literally been carrying the world on his shoulders and suddenly dropped the huge weight, he felt lighter and exhausted. He placed a hand on the wall to hold himself upright.

“Happy now?” Faith asked, her eyes narrowed.