My Cowboy Prince (*unedited)

Chapter 16

The evening sky is painted with hues of orange and pink as I walk towards Luke's cabin. The cool air is such a stark contrast to the heated emotions that swirl within me. My heart pounds in my chest with every step. As I approach the familiar door, I adjust the wide-brimmed hat on my head. The very same one Luke lent me for protection against the harsh sun days ago. The hat that had belonged to his mother. It feels odd wearing it now, especially after everything that's happened today, but it's practical. Besides, Luke had given me permission to use it until I left, so why not?

I hesitate before knocking the door, my knuckles brush the wood lightly as I tap it a few times. A moment passes, then another. Just as I begin to wonder if he's even home, the door opens. Luke stands there, looking surprisingly casual in a black thick hoodie and matching basketball shorts. His usually warm, inviting blue eyes are unreadable, and the lack of expression on his face unsettles me. My eyes flit to the hoodie; it's an odd choice for the weather, but I don't comment on it.

"Are you okay?" I ask, my voice softer than I intended.

"Yeah," he replies curtly. Luke turns and walks back inside, leaving the door open. Guess I am to enter if I want to. I step in then close the door gently behind me. The familiar scent of cedar and leather wraps around me as I enter the cozy living room. Luke is already settled on the couch and staring blankly at the TV, it's clear his mind is elsewhere.

For a moment, I just stand there, unsure of what to do. The room feels so tense. Luke finally looks up at me, and our eyes meet. There's a flicker of something in his gaze--- regret, longing, or maybe even confusion. It's hard to tell.

"Can we talk?" I ask, breaking the silence.

"Sure," he replies, patting the space next to him. I walk over and sit down, leaving a small gap between us. The warmth from his body is palpable, but the emotional distance feels even more pronounced. We sit in silence for a few moments, the only sound coming from the low murmur of the TV.

"I've been thinking," I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. "About everything..."

Luke nods. His gaze is fixed on the coffee table in front of us. "Yeah, me too," he murmurs. He runs a hand through his hair in plain discomfort. "I'm sorry for today... and for how I've been acting."

I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I get why your grandma is worried," I say softly. "About the ranch's reputation. I don't want to make things harder for you, Luke."

He finally looks at me, his blue eyes are earnest. "It's not just that Amelia," he admits, his voice tinged with frustration. "I'm just... I'm scared. Scared of what could happen if we let this... whatever this is, continue. You're going away soon and I'm scared shitless of losing you. I---"

His words hang in the air, heavy and laden with emotion. I reach out to comfort him by placing a hand on his knee. "I'm scared too," I confess.

A small, relieved smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. He places his hand over mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I like you, Amelia. A lot. Probably more than I should." He chuckles softly, the sound more genuine this time. "I don't want to keep pretending like there's nothing between us like I did today."

The tension that's been building between us dissipates slightly and is now being replaced by a warmth that feels comforting and right. I scoot closer, closing the small gap between us. "So, what do we do?"

Luke's eyes search mine, and for the first time today, they're clear and focused. "What we had agreed to. If they are any circumstances to come from it, I'll take full responsibility for them. I just... I want to be with you."

"Luke I can't---" The weight of what might happen feels too heavy, too uncertain for him one to bear.

"Shhh, relax." Luke reaches out and cups my cheek with his hand. The touch is gentle, almost reverent. He then leans in and his lips brush against mine in a soft, tender kiss.