Innocence Lost (Lone Mountain Ranch Book 1)

Chapter 23

While walking over to her car, Kylie inhaled a familiar musky smell swirled together with dirt, hay, and horses. She knew the unmistakable scent was Jax before she could see him. She turned the corner and saw his devilish eyes staring back at her from under the brim of his black cowboy hat. He tilted his hat to her and gave her his famous sly grin.

"Howdy, Kylie. I'm glad I caught you before you left," Jax said. "I'm sorry for the way I reacted this afternoon. You are right. It wasn't fair of me to blame you for everything."

Jax continued to stare at Kylie. Kylie stood there hoping he was going to say something more while she thought back to the dream she had that afternoon about Jax. She wondered if either of the kids looked like him, but they did not. They were lighter in skin tone and hair color. Kylie was lost in thought when her brain kicked into high gear.

She said, "Thank you, Jax. I am sorry, too. I shouldn't have had sex with you. I didn't mean to hurt you. You are really a great guy. You deserve better than to be my weekend fling or rebound fuck."

Kylie did not want Jax to be only a weekend fling, and she certainly did not want him to be only a rebound guy either. She knew there was more between them and wanted to explore those feelings with him. She knew he felt it, too. If there was not a spark between them, he would not have come looking for her before she left.

Jax looked nervous. He did not have very much experience with this type of situation. Usually he was up and out the door before he ever got to the point of feeling guilty for fucking another man's lonely wife. Jax felt deeper for Kylie, but he did not want it to start off with lies and secrets.

Jax finally said, "You are great, too. I hope you figure things out with your husband. Once you do, feel free to give me a call. If anything, we can always be friends."

"Friends. Yes, I would like that very much."

Even though she really wanted Jax to be more than just a friend, Kylie agreed. It was a good start. She felt more hopeful than she did that afternoon. She put on a smile, although the discomfort of her sunburned legs throbbing underneath her skirt was making her wince through it.

"Well, I better get going. I am meeting Chase for dinner at six before I drive home."

Kylie watched a fire roll through Jax's eyes. Jax was hurt that she was going to see another man after the day they had together.

Jax fought back his rage and put on his sexiest smirk, saying, "Have a safe drive home."

Jax extended his hand to say goodbye. Kylie put her hand in his. She felt the electricity ignite between them. She wondered if he felt it, too. His face did not betray his feelings.

"Goodbye, Jax. Thanks again for everything."

Kylie opened the door to her car and got in. She drove away from Jax. When she looked into the rear-view mirror, she saw him tip his hat and give her a wink. She thought it was a good sign. She winked back to him, knowing he could not see it. How did I mess things up with Jax so badly? Kylie thought, sighing as she drove away.

Kylie arrived at the parking lot in front of the main office and Chase was already there, leaning against his truck. He was even more handsome than she remembered. Chase wore a perfectly fit pair of blue Wranglers, a blue and white plaid shirt, his tan boots, a cream cowboy hat, and his grandpa's silver buckle which he got from Grandma June. Kylie felt underdressed in her outfit, but felt sexy with her tousled wet hair and perfect makeup. She pulled up to him and rolled down her window.

"Hi, Miss Kylie," Chase said with his million dollar smile beaming back at her. He lifted his hat and gave a slight bow towards her.

"Hi, Chase. You can just call me Kylie," Kylie said as her heart skipped a beat.