Page 29 of A Cowboy's Halloween

“Have you…”

“Have I found anyone?” The guy shook his head. “If I had, would I be eating here alone?”

“Ah…”

The guy laughed. “Don’t worry about it, bud. If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

Jack nodded. “I know that,” he said quietly. “I just want…”

The guy wagged a finger at him. “It’s not just about what you want. It’s about what you want and what she wants and the two of you together. Two become one once you’re married, but for now, you’re two separate people. You have your issues, your past, your problems, and so does she. Maybe you can learn hers and she learn yours, and you can help each other. Maybe not. Maybe you’re better off as friends. Maybe you’ll only become friends because of work.”

“Work?” Jack repeated.

“A promotion has you moving, or the same for her. Different life trajectory.”

Jack could feel himself grow pale. He hadn’t thought about that, but eventually, Heather’s wrist would be healed enough that she could return to working on a new movie. After all, she was getting closer every day.

It might be that after Halloween, she would be moving out of the canyon.

Jack didn’t like that idea at all, but he also wanted whatever was best for her.

No matter what, he wouldn’t hold her back. He cared for her too much to ever do that.

CHAPTER14

Inside the bathroom, Heather was gripped by a sense of unease that was growing stronger by the minute. The act of going on a date had unexpectedly triggered memories of her past with David, memories she had hoped to leave behind.

She stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, her hands trembling as she tried to steady herself. The room seemed to close in on her, and the memories of past dates with David, marked by his controlling and manipulative behavior, flooded her thoughts.

“You’re stronger now,” she whispered to herself. “You can’t let those memories control you.”

She took a few deep breaths, willing herself to push through the anxiety. The scars from her past were still tender, and the idea of a romantic relationship stirred up old wounds, but Heather was determined not to let those memories define her or sabotage her chance at happiness.

Summoning her courage, she splashed some water on her face and took another deep breath, reminding herself that this date was different, that Jack was different. She had made progress in healing from her past, and she couldn’t let it hold her back any longer.

With newfound resolve, Heather exited the bathroom, determined to face her fears and the awkwardness of the date head-on, ready to give herself the chance to move forward and rewrite her narrative.

But her determination wavered, and a wave of fear washed over her the moment she laid eyes on Jack. Despite her efforts to overcome her past and the anxiety that had gripped her moments ago, the sight of him triggered an unexpected and paralyzing fear.

She stood frozen in place, her heart pounding in her chest, unable to take another step toward him. The memories of her past experiences with David and the trauma they had left behind flooded back, and for a moment, it felt as though she was reliving those moments all over again.

Jack must have noticed her hesitation or maybe he sensed that something was wrong. Visibly concerned, he got up from their table and approached her with a gentle and understanding expression. “Heather, are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Heather struggled to find her voice, her fear making it difficult to articulate her feelings. She desperately wanted to explain the overwhelming rush of emotions that had taken hold of her, but the words remained trapped. Besides, as much as she wasn’t certain what she wanted from Jack and their friendship or potential relationship, she wasn’t ready to tell him about her past. Not yet at least.

She tried to hide the fact that her hands were trembling. “I... I don’t know, Jack. I... I need a moment.”

Jack nodded, his concern deepening, and he gently led Heather to a nearby empty table, allowing her the space she needed to collect herself. It had to be obvious that something had triggered her, and she did appreciate that he seemed determined to be there for her, whatever it might be.

Sitting at the empty table, Heather tried to mentally work through the overwhelming emotions that had suddenly consumed her. The memories of her past relationship with David had been unexpectedly triggered by the date with Jack, and she felt a flood of anxiety and fear that she hadn’t anticipated.

As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, Jack approached the counter to settle the bill.

“I’ll go ahead and pay for the meal,” he told the server.

The server nodded, processing the payment as Jack left some extra for the tip. Heather watched as turned his attention back to her.

“Heather, take all the time you need. I’ll be right here when you’re ready.”

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