Page 20 of The Cowboy’s Secret Lover

She opened one of the folders and scanned the first page. “This is a lot to go through,” she said.

“We’ve seen a lot of doctors.”

Aside from the desk, chair, and filing cabinet, there was also an old sofa pushed against the far wall. Kurt sat and waited quietly while Faith scanned all the documents. It took close to half of an hour. With a sigh, she closed the final folder and moved to sit next to him on the sofa. “I’m sorry,” she said. “You’re right. It looks as if the only treatment for Erin is surgery. There’s more that bothers me than the arrhythmia. One of her valves has been damaged and is weak. It could very well need replaced at some point.”

“When will that happen?”

Faith reached for his hand. “Years,” she said. “Not a decade. I wish had better news to share. I’m sorry.”

Kurt laced his fingers through hers. “I had hoped so, too. But, it’s not your fault.”

God, she was beautiful. Smart. Kind. Despite all his aches and pains, Kurt stirred with desire.

What did Kurt want from Faith? Was it a warm body in his bed—a place to lose himself for a little while? Or was he trying to turn back the clock and redo his life?

Tugging on her hand, he pulled her closer.

She allowed herself to be led and scooted forward. Moving his hand from hers, he placed it on her cheek. Their gazes met and Kurt leaned in closer still. His mouth lingered next to hers, but not yet touching. “I’ve missed you, Faith. Do you ever think about me, or wonder what might’ve been?”

She looked down but didn’t move away. “I cried myself to sleep for months because of you. Do I miss you? Ever think about you? Sure. You were my first love and my first lover. That makes you pretty hard to forget.”

It wasn’t the answer he was looking for, but she hadn’t gotten up or tried to leave. He took that as a good sign. “What would you do if I kissed you,” he asked. His breath mingled with hers.

She looked up. “Honestly, I don’t know.”

“Do you want me to stop?”

“No.”

“Can I kiss you, then?”

“Yes.”

He placed his mouth on hers. She opened her lips and he slipped his tongue inside. As Kurt explored and claimed and conquered, he had but one thought. Kissing Faith was exactly like coming home.