Page 50 of Tattered and Torn

“I’m so sorry,” I mutter. I turn and head for the door, grabbing my hat on the way and shoving it hard onto my head. “I’m sorry, Gabrielle.” And then—like the coward I am—I’m out the door, practically slamming it shut behind me.

I fall against the wall as I try to catch my breath. Between kissing her and then bailing on her, I’m a wreck.

She kissed me.

She wanted to kiss me.

I feel like a freakin’ teenager with his first crush all over again.

Damn, I’m too old for this. Too old—and too damaged—to risk my heart over a pretty girl.

I make a beeline for the exit and stalk out into the cool night air. For a moment, I gaze out over the parking lot and the darkening skyline beyond. The sun is setting, casting long golden rays of light skimming over the tops of the trees.

She kissed me!

I never thought—hell, a guy like me has zero chance with a woman like Gabrielle.

I take a few steps toward the barn, then stop dead in my tracks. My body feels oddly alive. My nerves are buzzing.

She kissed me.

And like a damned fool, I walked away.

What the hell was I thinking?

And even more importantly, why aren’t I halfway to my cabin already?

I turn back to face the lodge. She’s in there, in her apartment. Probably pissed at me for walking out on her. Or maybe she’s nursing hurt feelings.

Damn it. I’d never want to do anything to hurt her.

I’m halfway to the front entrance before I realize what I’m doing. But still, I keep walking. Maybe she’ll accept my apology and give me another chance.

Maybe it’s not too late.

Chapter 16 – Gabrielle

I’m not sure what just happened, but I feel oddly bereft. It was just a kiss, and yet he ran out like the hounds of hell were after him. Maybe they were. John Burke doesn’t trust easily. I think he assumes the worst—that no one could want to be with him.

It’s too bad he can’t see himself the way I see him. He’s a man with integrity. He’s a quiet, confident man who takes his responsibilities seriously. He’s kind to others. He’s compassionate. And he’s a very handsome man. I’m sorry he can’t see that.

Sighing, I switch off the kitchen light. I think I’ll hit the hay early tonight and read in bed. As I’m about to turn off the living room light, I hear a firm knock on my door.

It could be Hannah, or someone from the front desk. I glance through the peephole and am shocked to see John standing there, looking like he’s about to face a firing squad.

My pulse speeds up as I wonder why he’s come back. I don’t want to get my hopes up that he’s had a change of heart. Instead, I paste a neutral smile on my face and open the door.

“What brings you back so soon?” I ask, aiming to sound nonchalant. I glance around the room. “Did you forget something?”

“No. I—can I come in?”

I step back. “Sure.” I watch as he closes the door behind him. I need to try to fix this. “John, I want to apologize for my actions earlier. I shouldn’t have kissed you. It was presumptuous of me, and, well, I’m sorry.”

To my surprise, he removes his hat and hangs it on the coat rack. Nervously, he runs the fingers of his right hand through his hair. “Don’t apologize, please.”

“Okay.” Now I’m confused. “Then why—”

“I shouldn’t have walked out on you.” He sucks in a deep breath before meeting my gaze head on. “I came back to ask—I was hoping you’d give me another chance.” He rubs his left thigh with his left hand. “The truth is, I am attracted to you.” He chuckles. “Wow, that’s an understatement. But I never dreamed—” He stops and looks away.

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