She was looking at him. “Thank you,” she said, walking the short distance that separated them. She stared up at him, so beautiful and tempting he didn’t know which was better—looking at her or kissing her. With Shawn in the barn, he decided to keep his hands to himself. But it wasn’t easy.
He swallowed against the lump in his throat. “For what?” His voice was gruff.
“For caring about Shawn,” she murmured, placing a hand on his chest. “For showing him he’s worthy of your time.”
His hand covered hers. “He is.” He paused. “And so are you, Kylee.” His fingers threaded through hers, pressing her palm over his heart. “I want to spend more time with you.”
She drew in a deep, unsteady breath. “I’m here.”
Fisher lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “I’m glad. Having you here feels right. I hope it becomes a regular occurrence.” Maybe he shouldn’t be so forthright with her. But when they were alone together he opened his mouth and all his thoughts and emotions tumbled out, unfiltered and raw.
“Fisher...” She broke off, her eyes searching his. “I... I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything.” He held her hand and set off toward the barn. “Shawn’s probably waiting on us. He and Trigger are off to a real solid start. Shawn’s a natural cowboy.” He glanced at her. “Not the big-belt-buckle type.”
Chapter Ten
Kylee was amazed. Shawn looked like he’d grown up in the saddle. Every day he got better. His lean frame swayed in time with the horse’s rolling gait. She didn’t know how she felt about the pace they were going, but Shawn seemed nothing but happy.
Happy.
She’d never expected that to be a regular part of her life. But in the week since Fisher had sent her those flowers it had been there, waiting for her. Happiness. It was Fisher, she knew that.
She’d never had a man want to know her the way he did. It wasn’t about sex, though she could tell he was interested. It was more than that. It was the way he offered an encouraging word when she was working at the vet hospital. The warm, yet always respectful way he treated her in public. Like she was his equal, not his inferior. And the way he worked to make her laugh.
She’d only just realized it, but something about her laugh made him stand up straight with pride. She didn’t want to admit she was in love with him—that was beyond her reach. Whatever this bone deep ache and sweetness was, she knew she didn’t want it to end.
Shawn waved at her as he and Trigger galloped by. Fisher was on Waylon, at Shawn’s side to spot her brother.
There were times she still couldn’t believe they were here, safe and...happy. If Miss Millie hadn’t loaded them onto that bus, where would they be? Jesse had told her she was going to work for Mr. Fox doing things she didn’t want to think about and Shawn was staying with Jesse. She’d told him no and ended up in the emergency room.
Mr. Fox wasn’t a street criminal like Jesse, he was bigger—scarier. Mr. Fox had a legendary temper, treating his employees like property. Her life with Jesse wouldn’t seem so bad in comparison to working for Fox.
She crossed her arms over her chest, a chill racking her body and covering her arms with goose bumps. That was over. She was lucky. They were lucky. She was here...with Shawn.
“What do you think?” Shawn asked, slowing Trigger in front of her.
“I think you look good,” she said, shading her eyes against the fading sun. “I’m impressed.”
“I know, isn’t it cool?”
She nodded.
“Fisher’s been great,” Shawn said. “He’s real patient. He doesn’t yell or anything.”
She glanced at Fisher and saw the quick frown on his face. He recovered, a smile in place when Shawn turned to look at him.
“Doc Fisher is great,” she agreed, meaning it.
Fisher tipped his hat to her then, the gesture so old-fashioned and charming she couldn’t stop herself from smiling.
“Can I walk him around the arena a few times?” Shawn asked Fisher. “I’ll go slow.”
“Sure,” Fisher said.
Shawn moved away, letting Trigger amble along the fence line.
“You were right,” she said.