Page 28 of Some Cowboys Fight for Love

Aria gifted him with a disbelieving look. “We’ve eaten dinner together every night. Why wouldn’t I show?”

Daniel rubbed at a spot on his chest—another scar that seemed to burn with the memories of his past life.

Her eyes followed the movement and her whole body went still before she lifted them to his face again. A whole conversation seemed to pass between them, unspoken. Then she resumed her task of placing slices of pepperoni pizza on two separate plates.

Aria held one out to him, expectant.

Daniel wasn’t sure he could move his feet even if he wanted to. Right now, it felt safer to block the door so she wouldn’t escape. But the second that thought passed through his mind, guilt followed. She’d been manipulated and abused. How could he live with himself if he became a controlling force in her life?

Slowly, he pushed against the door and accepted her offering.

Aria took her plate in her hand, grabbed the shopping bag with the other and headed for the couch. “I hope you know where the disinfectant is here. I’m going to do a more thoroughcleaning of your wound before I go. And if it still looks as bad as it did out on the trail, I’m going to make you come with me to urgent care.”

“I’m not going,” he ground out. “I’ve had worse.”

“Yeah, I noticed.”

He flinched, and she grimaced.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to?—”

“It’s fine.” Daniel moved to sit beside her, keeping more space between them than he wanted. He gestured to the pizza. “I didn’t know you knew about fast food.”

Aria’s look of confusion indicated clearly that his attempt at a joke failed miserably.

Daniel cleared his throat, trying again. “Because you’ve only ever brought me home-cooked meals.”

She didn’t even crack a smile. All she did was stare at him. That unnerving gaze was impossible to hide from. He couldn’t even force himself to focus on his food when she looked at him like that. Aria tilted her head. “I wanted to apologize?—”

“You don’t have to?—”

“Yes, I do. I did something stupid and you…” Finally, she looked away, color washing over her face. “You saved me,” she whispered. With a jerk of her hand, she held out the bag.

It was a nondescript shopping bag one might get from any of the boutique stores in town. He didn’t want a gift or an apology. Had she gone against his explicit request and dismounted her horse? Yes. But what he’d done to help her… anyone would have done the same.

Daniel stared at the bag, not moving. “No, thanks.”

She shook it slightly, her cheeks reddening further. “Just take it. I had to guess on the size, but the receipt is still in the bag, so you can take it back if you want.”

Curiosity got the better of him and he took the bag while she continued to ramble.

“I did my best to get the right color, but it’s not exactly in season. Browns and reds are more prevalent…” Her voice died off when she noticed he’d pulled the fabric from the bag.

It was a pale blue, long-sleeved t-shirt. It was on the thinner side—breathable and something that would be ideal for the current season. It had a collar with three buttons, but they were currently fastened.

Daniel traced a hand over the shirt with reverence. It was soft and void of any stains or small tears. He didn’t know exactly why, but his chest felt like it was expanding beyond what was healthy. He glanced up at Aria and murmured, “You got me a shirt.”

“It was the least I could do,” Aria whispered. “I know you liked that one.”

His brows creased as he shifted his attention to the garment. “How?”

She snorted. “You wear it like every other day.”

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, and he returned his focus to her again. There weren’t words for what this meant to him. His blue shirt had been one of the first articles of clothing his brother had gotten him. He’d never been able to get rid of it even though he could purchase a replacement.

But this shirt? The one in his hands? It would be something he treasured for a whole different reason.

Aria had picked it out for him. She’d actually seen him—noticed him.

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