Some Cowboys Heal Broken Hearts (Keagans of Copper Creek Book 5) by Natalie Dean

Author:Natalie Dean [Dean, Natalie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-05-31T18:30:00+00:00

16

Athena

Athena watched Henry as he dismounted and came to her side. Her focus remained glued to him, but it almost felt like she had left her body and was watching from a distance. He held out a hand to her and her eyes dipped to it briefly. She could take it. Athena could accept his offering right here, right now.

She could shut her eyes, take the leap, and allow herself to find some meager amount of happiness.

For the first time in her life, Athena could see a happy ending. Henry was the first person she’d put her faith in since before she could remember. She hadn’t even given that part of her heart to her ex.

Time slowed, sluggish and had the taste of expectation. It was the feeling she got when she stood in the back alley of a bakery, knowing there would soon be stale bread to snack on. Only this time, her stomach wasn’t growling with anticipation.

It was her heart.

And her heart was beating faster, warmer, almost out of control.

“Athena,” Henry whispered. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

She stiffened. “I know that.”

He moved his hand closer. “Will you come down?”

Heat exploded in her chest, spreading out to her hands and face.

Jump, her heart seemed to say. Take the leap. You have nothing to lose.

Athena pulled her leg around so she no longer straddled the saddle. Her hands were placed on his shoulders at the same time he grasped her waist. His touch was warmer than she’d expected, considering the heat that hadn’t escaped her body.

Henry lifted her effortlessly from the saddle and placed her on her feet.

She stared at him anxiously—though this time, it didn’t wear on her. The anxiety she felt wasn’t exactly bad. Was this the eager anticipation most women experienced when they were falling in love?

Love.

The word was so completely foreign to her—like another language she couldn’t comprehend. Love was something only in fairy tales and movies. Love was for people who deserved the affection of others.

Henry deserved affection; there wasn’t a question about that. He deserved to find someone just as good and genuine as he was. He deserved more than what she could offer. And yet, she knew she couldn’t stop her heart from reacting to him even if she wanted to.

He’d made her fall in love with him. With all his sweet words, his support, the way he smiled. She was a goner, and she knew it.

Her hands were still on his shoulders. Her arms had grown weak and she didn’t know if she could move them. Maybe they’d drained of blood altogether. Or maybe because she simply wanted to be near him, her brain had turned off the neurons needed to work them.

Either way, she was content to let him speak first.

When Henry remained silent, she nearly lost her nerve. Staring into the eyes of someone like Henry was more than draining. Her body was a conduit, moving energy in and out at inhuman speeds. While she itched to run, she forced herself to keep her feet planted.

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