Cowboy’s Healing Heart

6. Secrets and Walls

SIX

SECRETS AND WALLS

SHANE

"Mr. Shane!"

I turn to see Ashanti jogging towards me, her backpack bouncing against her back. She's grinning, her braids swinging with each step.

"Hey, kid," I say, setting down my hammer. "What brings you out here?"

She skids to a stop, kicking up a small cloud of dust. "Mom said I could come say bye before my sleepover. What are you doing?"

I gesture to the fence. "Just some repairs. Nothing exciting."

Ashanti peers at my work, her eyes narrowing critically. "Looks good to me. But maybe you should add another support there." She points to a spot I'd been considering earlier.

I raise an eyebrow. "You know about fence building?"

She shrugs. "I've watched Mom fix stuff. She says it's always better to over-engineer than under-engineer."

I can't help but chuckle. "Your mom's a smart woman."

Ashanti beams at that, and then her face grows serious. "Can I ask you something, Mr. Shane?"

I nod, curious about her sudden change in demeanor.

"How do you know when to ask for help?"

The question catches me off guard. I study her face, seeing a mix of determination and uncertainty there. It's a look I recognize all too well.

"That's a tough one," I say slowly. "I guess... when the problem feels bigger than you can handle on your own."

Ashanti nods, considering this. "But what if you think you should be able to handle it?"

I lean against the fence post, thinking about my own stubbornness and my refusal to let anyone in. "Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit you need help."

She looks up at me, her eyes searching my face. "Is that what you did? When you came here?"

Her perceptiveness startles me. I open my mouth to deflect, but something in her expression stops me. She's not asking out of idle curiosity. She needs an answer.

"Yeah," I say finally. "I guess it is."

Ashanti nods, seeming satisfied. "I think I need to talk to my teacher about Devon," she says. "The bully," she adds, seeing my confusion.

"Ah," I say, remembering our previous conversation. "Good call. Sometimes these things need an adult's help to sort out."

She grins. "You're an adult, and you helped."

I laugh, surprised by the warmth that spreads through my chest at her words. "I suppose I did. But that got both of us in trouble."

Ashanti's smile fades a bit. "Mom was pretty mad about that."

"Yeah, she was," I say, wincing at the memory of Krystal's anger. "I should've asked her first."

"It's okay," Ashanti says quickly. "I would have said I learned it from a video if I knew she would blame you."

I blink, surprised by her loyalty. "That's... thanks, kid. But it's better to put everything on the table and let the results take care of themselves."

"I like that," she smiles.

"Me too. So what's this I hear about a camping trip?"

"Hailey's parents are taking us camping for the three-day weekend. What about you?"

"I'm going to add an extra beam, as a genius suggested, and sit like a lump on a log."

Ashanti laughs. "Just promise you won't spend the whole weekend with the tractors instead of people."

"Oh brother, you're starting to sound like your mother."

She laughs again, and I laugh with her. "You always say she's a smart woman, so I'm in good company."

"Yes, sweetheart, you are.

She beams at me, then glances at her watch. "I gotta go. They're picking me up soon."

"Have fun at your sleepover," I say.

Ashanti starts to leave, then turns back. "Mr. Shane? Thanks for listening. And for the advice."

"You're welcome."

Then she surprises me when her arms wrap around my waist. She leans in, and I give her a tight squeeze.

"Watch out for snakes and bears."

"Yes, sir. Bye!"

As I watch her run back towards the cabins, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, seeing Noah's name on the screen.

"Hey, little brother," I answer, my voice automatically shifting to a more guarded tone.

"Shane, thank God," Noah says, sounding stressed. "I need your help with this Innoventis contract. The DoD is pushing for some changes, and I'm not sure how to handle it."

I pinch the bridge of my nose, feeling the weight of my old life pressing down on me. "What's the issue?"

As Noah explains the situation, I find myself slipping back into CEO mode. The technical details and the strategic considerations all come flooding back.

"Okay," I say when he's finished. "Here's what you need to do..."

I lay out a plan, my mind working through the problem with practiced ease. It's like riding a bike – you never really forget.

"Thanks, Shane," Noah says when I'm done. "I don't know what we'd do without you."

The gratitude in his voice makes me uncomfortable. "You'd figure it out," I say gruffly. "You're more than capable, Noah."

There's a pause on the other end of the line. "When are you coming back?" he asks quietly.

I close my eyes, feeling the tension creep back into my shoulders. "I don't know," I say honestly. "I'm still figuring things out here."

Noah sighs. "I get it. Just... don't stay away too long, okay? We miss you. Dad's been..."

"I know," I cut him off, not wanting to hear about our father's latest manipulations. "I'll call you soon."

I end the call, staring at the phone in my hand. Two worlds colliding. The life I left behind and the one I'm trying to build here.

"Kennedy!"

I look up to see Tom approaching, a grin on his weathered face.

"A bunch of us are heading into town for beers," he says. "You in?"

I hesitate, glancing back at my phone. Then I shove it in my pocket. "Yeah," I say. "I could use a drink."

The bar is crowded when we arrive, filled with the usual Friday night crowd. Country music plays from the jukebox, barely audible over the hum of conversation. The air is thick with the smell of beer and fried food.

I follow Tom to a table where a few other ranch hands are already seated. They nod in greeting, and I return the gesture, still not entirely comfortable with their easy camaraderie.

"What can I get you, boys?" a voice asks, and I look up to see a pretty brunette standing by our table. Her name tag reads 'Lisa'.

The others rattle off their orders, and Lisa turns to me with a smile. "And for you, handsome?"

I ignore the flirtatious tone in her voice. "Just a beer, thanks."

As Lisa walks away, I catch Tom watching me with a knowing look.

"What?" I ask.

He shakes his head, chuckling. "Nothing, man. Just wondering when you're gonna loosen up a bit."

I shrug, uncomfortable with the scrutiny. "I'm here, aren't I?"

Tom raises his hands in surrender. "Fair enough."

The conversation flows around me, talk of ranch business mixed with good-natured ribbing. I contribute when necessary, but mostly, I observe, nursing my beer.

Lisa returns periodically, always with a smile and a flirty comment. I respond politely but distantly, my mind elsewhere.

My cabin with Krystal.

Limbs tangled. Muffled moans. And a promise to never do it again.

It's not until I hear a familiar laugh that I really tune back into my surroundings. I turn, scanning the crowd, and there she is.

Krystal.

She's standing at the bar, talking animatedly with another woman I don't recognize. Her curly hair is down for once, falling in waves around her face. She's wearing a simple dress and boots, but somehow, she outshines everyone in the room.

As if sensing my gaze, Krystal turns, her eyes meeting mine across the crowded bar. For a moment, everything else fades away. Then she gives me a small nod and turns back to her friend.

I drain the rest of my beer, suddenly restless. "I'm gonna get another," I mutter to no one in particular, standing up.

I make my way to the bar, telling myself I'm not seeking her out. But as I wait for the bartender's attention, I find myself drifting closer to where Krystal stands.

"Fancy seeing you here, Kennedy," she says, not looking at me.

"I could say the same," I reply, keeping my voice neutral. "Didn't take you for the bar type."

She turns to face me with one eyebrow raised. "There's a lot you don't know about me."

The challenge in her voice stirs something in me. "It's not like I haven't tried."

We stand there, the tension between us palpable. I should walk away. Order my beer and go back to the table. But I can't seem to make myself move.

"Dance with me," Krystal says suddenly.

I blink, caught off guard. "What?"

She nods towards the small dance floor, where a few couples are swaying to a slow country song.

"Dance with me," she repeats. "Unless you're scared."

It's a dare, plain and simple. And despite every instinct telling me to back away, I nod.

"Lead the way," I say.

Krystal takes my hand, sending a jolt of electricity up my arm. She pulls me onto the dance floor and then turns to face me. I place my hands on her waist, keeping a respectable distance between us.

We start to move awkwardly at first. I can't remember the last time I danced like this. Probably some charity gala back in New York, going through the motions with whatever socialite my father had paired me with.

But this... this is different.

Krystal moves closer, her body fitting against mine like she belongs here. I can smell her perfume, something floral and fresh. My heart rate picks up, and I silently curse my body's betrayal.

"Relax, Kennedy," Krystal murmurs. "It's just a dance."

I force myself to loosen up, letting the music guide our movements. As we sway together, I find myself studying her face. The curve of her cheek, the fullness of her lips. The way her eyes seem to hold secrets I'm desperate to uncover.

"What are you thinking?" she asks, her voice low.

I consider lying or deflecting. But something about the moment makes me want to be honest.

"That you're beautiful," I say simply.

Krystal's eyes widen slightly, surprise flashing across her face. Then her expression softens, and she leans in closer.

"You're not so bad yourself," she whispers.

And then she kisses me.

Her lips are soft, tentative at first. Then the kiss deepens, and I'm lost. I pull her closer, one hand gripping her neck. She makes a small sound in the back of her throat, and it takes every ounce of self-control I have not to push her up against the nearest wall.

We break apart, both breathing heavily. Krystal's eyes are dark, filled with a hunger that matches my own. We just stare at each other for a moment, the rest of the bar fading into background noise.

Then reality comes crashing back in. I step away, my hands falling to my sides. Krystal blinks as if coming out of a trance.

"I should go," she says, her voice husky.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. She turns and walks away, disappearing into the crowd. I stand there, my heart pounding, feeling like I've just made the biggest mistake of my life.

Or maybe the best decision I've ever made.

I make my way back to the table, ignoring the knowing looks from Tom and the others. I down the rest of my beer in one long swallow, then stand up.

"I'm calling it a night," I announce. "See you guys tomorrow."

I start walking toward the door, my eyes finding Krystal's across the room. I hold her gaze, a silent invitation hanging between us.

Her eyes sparkle with a mix of challenge and desire, and I know she sees the same in mine. She leans over to say something to her friend, and they share a laugh.

My heart pounds in my chest as I watch her walk towards me.

I'm thinking about the promise we made to each other. That night of passion was supposed to be a one-time thing. A mistake we'd leave behind in the heat of the moment.

But if I'm honest with myself, I wanted more, even before that kiss. And now...

We reach her truck, the night enveloping us like a dark, intimate blanket. Without a word, I pull her against me, my lips crushing down on hers.

The kiss is fierce and hungry, fueled by three weeks of pent-up desire. Her legs wrap around my waist as I press her against the truck, the metal cool against her back. My cock slides between her folds.

The only thing between us is denim and cotton.

Yeah, our walls are still there, a fortress of self-protection. But our desire burns through them, scorching hot and relentless.

This kiss is a battle of tongues and teeth, a desperate tangle of want and need. I taste the sweetness of her mouth, the hint of beer she drank earlier, and the unique flavor that's purely her.

My hands roam over her body, mapping every curve and contour. Her fingers twist in my hair, tugging gently, urging me closer.

The kiss deepens, a fiery dance of tongues and moans. I feel her body arch against mine, her hips pressing into me, her soft breasts crushed against my chest.

"Fuck," I breathe against her lips, needing more.

She pulls back slightly, her eyes dark with desire. "Damn, Kennedy. You sure know how to kiss a girl."

I smirk, my hands sliding down to grip her ass, lifting her off the ground. "Glad to know my skills haven't faded."

She laughs, the sound warm and inviting. "You have many skills, Shane. But your lips... they're my favorite."

I claim her mouth again, devouring her words with my kiss.

Her taste, her scent, her soft moans—they're driving me wild.

I want to devour her, to feel her skin against mine, to hear her cry out my name in pleasure.

I slide my hands under her dress, my fingers splaying across the smooth skin of her back. She arches into my touch, a soft purr escaping her throat. "Shane..."

I want to make her lose control. I want to hear her shout my name as she comes apart in my arms. The thought sends a bolt of desire straight to my dick, hardening me even further against her.

"I want you," she whispers, her lips brushing against my ear.

The words are like a spark to dry tinder, igniting a blaze of need. My control snaps, and I carry her towards the truck's second cab.

The door swings open, and I settle her onto the seat, following her inside. The cabin is dark and intimate, the perfect setting for what's to come.

Our kissing resumes as her hands fumble with my belt, her fingers skilled and eager. I groan, my body thrumming with anticipation.

"Fuck, Krystal," I mutter, my hands sliding between her thighs, feeling the slick moisture that's waiting for me. "You have no idea what you do to me."

She smiles, a sultry, knowing look in her eyes. "I think I do."

Her fingers find the button of my jeans, popping it open with a deft motion. I hiss in a breath, my body thrumming with need.

"Eager, aren't we?"

She trails kisses along my jaw, her fingers working to lower my zipper. "You have no idea."

The kiss deepens, our tongues dueling as our passion builds. Her hands slide into my open fly, wrapping around my hardness. I groan, my head falling back as her fingers stroke and tease.

"Shit," I breathe, my hips bucking involuntarily. "You're gonna kill me, woman."

She chuckles, the sound sending vibrations through me. "That's the idea, Kennedy."

I tug her dress over her head, revealing the lacy black bra beneath. My mouth waters at the sight, and I lean down to capture one taut nipple through the fabric, teasing it with the tip of my tongue. At the same time, I rip her panties with one tug.

"Shane," she gasps, her head falling back. "Don't stop."

"Not a chance," I murmur, my mouth trailing down to nip at her neck, her shoulders, her collarbone. Her skin tastes of salt and spice, and I want to brand her as mine.

My hands roam over her body, mapping every curve, learning her secrets.

Her fingers tighten on me, her touch firm and sure.

"Now…Shane," she whispers.

My control snaps at her words, the raw hunger in her voice undoing me. I tear open a condom packet with shaking hands and sheath myself. Then, with one swift motion, I lift her hips and sink into her, filling her completely.

She gasps, her nails digging into my shoulders. "Oh God, Shane."

I freeze, giving her a moment to adjust to my size.

"You good?" I grit out, my body coiled tight, every muscle straining for release.

"Fuck, yes. Move," she demands, her eyes flashing with lust. "Now, Shane. I need you to move."

I don't need to be told twice.

With a slow roll of my hips, I begin to thrust, my body moving in a rhythm that aims to touch every inch of her sweet pussy. She meets me thrust for thrust, her hips rising to greet each of my drives. Her hands dig into my back, her nails scraping down, sending shivers of pleasure through me.

Our mouths find each other, our tongues tangling, desperate, needy.

Her body tightens around me, her breath coming in short gasps as she climbs closer to the edge.

I thrust harder, faster, my own climax building like a freight train barreling down the tracks.

" Shane… ," she pants, her fingers tightening in my hair.

"Fast or slow…," I growl, my hips snapping as I drive into her.

"Everything, Shane… I want it all."

"It's yours."

"Shane!" Her body shudders, a cry tearing from her throat as her release washes over her.

The truck rocks under the force and her cries fill the cabin.

Fueling my drive to strip her bare of all doubts and all objections. There's no fucking way we're not doing this again.

I'd rather die.

Her walls clench around me, her pleasure triggering my own. I thrust a few more times, my body pulsing as I spill myself into the condom, my breath harsh in my ears.

For a moment, we're both boneless, sated and spent. I rest my forehead against hers, our breath mingling as we catch our bearings.

"I can't believe we just did that," she whispers, her voice thick with satisfaction.

I know I should pull out, get rid of the condom, and straighten my clothes. But I don't want to move, not yet. I want to savor this connection, this intimacy, just a little longer.

"You okay?" I murmur, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

She smiles, her hand reaching up to trace the contours of my face. "I'm more than okay, Shane. Thanks to you."

I lean down to capture her lips in a soft, sweet kiss. "Anytime, beautiful. Anytime."