My heart hammers as his mouth lowers down my jaw, and he sucks on my neck. I whimper as our bodies create friction between his erection and my bare thighs.

“Fuck, Hads. You’re drivin’ me wild, sweetheart.”

His words hit me like a bolt of lightning, and I freeze.

“Kane, wait…” I pull back so I can meet his eyes. We’re both panting. “I need to be up front with you.”

He blinks at me, waiting.

“I don’t want to lead you on, and if we go any further, I’ll feel guilty. Hurting you is the last thing I’d ever wanna do so until I know for certain what I want, I don’t think we should escalate things. I’d be devastated to lose my best friend because I cherish you so much.”

Kane flashes a genuine smile, brushing strands of my hair behind my ear. “Nothing will ever prevent me from wanting to be in your life. Whether that’s through friendship or more. You don’t ever have to worry about that, Hads.”

I sigh in relief. Not having him in my life would shatter my heart.

“Thank you for understanding. I wish this wasn’t so complicated.” I slide off his lap and sit next to him.

“You’re not the only one at fault. Like I said, I should’ve admitted my feelings to you much sooner, but I can wait.”

He stands, then leans down and kisses my forehead. “I’m gonna go to bed. Sweet dreams.”

I hold back tears as I look up at him, hating myself for being the reason he’s wearing that sad look.

“Good night.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

KNOX

I’ve been looking up information about starting a stud horse farm on the ranch, which means expenses and marketing. I can’t go to my dad empty-handed, so I’ve been researching the small details as often as I can. Another ranch about fifty miles south of us rents studs, so I’ve been stalking their website and their property details for how much land I’ll need. I don’t suspect it’ll be much, but I need to go prepared with a presentation portfolio. Dad will have to agree before he can run it by Alex.

Ever since Kane walked off the job, Riley finally separated us. I’m working with Ethan while Kane works with Grayson. We still see each other around, but we don’t speak. Hell, he hardly looks in my direction.