Page 35 of The Cowboy’s Secret Lover

“Thank you,” said Faith. “I’m happy to have helped Doctor Adams.”

“Brilliant and humble. He says that it was you who really led the surgery. I don’t have much time to speak, but I want you back, my dear. My practice needs you. Say that you’ll come to San Diego and work with me.”

She looked over her shoulder at Kurt. Their gazes held. “I need to think about your offer.”

Dr. Ortega said, “Let me know in the morning. I’d like you to start at the beginning of next week.”

“Sure thing,” said Faith. “And thanks.”

After hanging up, she dropped the phone back into her pocket. Her eyes had never left Kurt’s. “What did you want to say?” Faith asked.

How could Kurt tell Faith that he loved her now? What if his affection kept her from her dream job? Or worse yet, what if he wasn’t enough to convince Faith to stay in Bear Creek? Besides, she’d made Kurt promise to keep their tryst a secret—especially since it was only going to be a temporary romance.

Would she really change her mind about a commitment in a day?

He knew the answers to all the questions without ever asking.

“I guess I just wanted to tell you that I’m proud of you, too,” he said.

Folding her arms across her chest, she asked, “Oh really?”

“Sure. You were an impressive girl and you’ve become a remarkable woman. I was wrong to be so critical of you after the rodeo yesterday.”

She dropped her gaze. “That’s nice of you to say. You’ll want to see your daughter, so I should go. I’m glad we reconnected, Kurt.”

Then Faith walked away.

Long ago, Kurt had gotten used to being alone. In fact, he told himself that he really didn’t need anyone. Yet, as Faith left him standing in the middle of the room, he was crushed by the weight of loneliness.

Faith walked down the hallway.Her footfalls echoed in the empty corridor, dogging her steps with a single fact. She’d been sure that Kurt was about to admit that he loved her—and what’s more, she loved him, too.

He said nothing.

Her face burned, but with what? Humiliation? Anger? Resentment?

In fact, she hadn’t accepted the job in San Diego on the spot because of Kurt.

Had she really been so foolish?

With a shake of her head, she took the phone from her pocket. She pulled up the number for Dr. Ortega. All she had to do was make the call. If she accepted the job now, Faith could be gone by the end of the week.

As she stared at the number, she had to wonder if leaving Bear Creek now wouldn’t be for the best.

* * *

How hadKurt let Faith leave without telling her that he loved her?

Sure, he didn’t want to interfere with her aspirations. But that wasn’t why he’d kept silent. He was terrified, that no matter how much he loved Faith, she didn’t love him in return.

Was he going to let fear keep him from what he wanted?

Didn’t he step out into the arena every night, despite being afraid?

Was he really going to let it paralyze him now?

Shoving his hat to the back of his head, Kurt strode from the lounge. Glancing up and down the corridor, he looked for Faith. She was gone. It was late and there was only one place for her to go—or so he hoped.

Despite his bum knee, he jogged down the corridor. The hallway led to the front entrance and from there, he went outside. Rain fell, the wind blowing the drops sideways. The parking lot was almost empty. His truck still sat near the doors.