Sharp Shootin' Cowboy (Hot Cowboy Nights, #3)(35)

His gaze met hers, and his expression instantly softened. “You okay?”

Her face flamed. She wished she could just slither away unnoticed. “No.” She shook her head. “I’m absolutely not okay. I just want to forget this day ever happened.”

“It’s really no big deal,” he said.

“I puked all over you, Reid. How is that not a big deal?”

He shrugged. “I’ve had worse.”

She let that one go. Some things were better unasked. “Please tell your sister that I’m sorry I ruined everything. I’m going to go home now.”

He pushed off the wall. “I’ll take you.”

She shook her head. “No. You came here to see Krista. Yolanda will drive me.”

“Krista will understand.”

“No, Reid. I’ve already done enough to spoil everyone’s day. I just need to be alone.”

“Okay. If that’s what you want, I can respect that. When can I see you again?”

She snorted. “You’re kidding, right?”

“No. Not kidding.”

Yolanda’s gaze darted from one to the other. “I’m going to go get a lemonade. Either of you want anything?”

“No thanks,” Haley and Reid replied almost in unison, neither taking their eyes off the other.

“Be back in a few then.” Yolanda slipped off toward the drink kiosk.

“You should go find your sister,” Haley said.

“Is that what you want?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll call you tomorrow,” he said.

“No.”

“The day after?”

She averted her eyes, making every effort just to breathe. “You need to spend time with your sister. Krista is only staying for a week, and I’m leaving soon.”

“Then I’ll take some leave and drive up to Sacramento with you.”

“No, Reid,” she answered softly. “There’s no point in continuing this. It would be a wasted effort for both of us to invest any more time in this…this…” She waved her hand. “Whatever it is.”

He grasped her shoulders, but she avoided his eyes. “I get that you’re embarrassed about what happened, Haley. But that’s no reason to give me the brush-off.”

“It’s more than embarrassment,” she insisted. “Don’t you see this is impossible? I’m a bookish, acrophobic, pacifistic vegetarian, and you’re a bow-hunting, roller-coaster-riding cowboy carnivore. I don’t fit into your world. I knew that the minute I saw you with Krista and Tonya. You all belong together. We don’t. We’ll just end up hating each other in the end. Can’t you see that?”

“No, I don’t. I only see you.”

“Why are you making this so difficult?” she asked in a strangled voice.

“Because you’re making a mistake.”

“No. I’m not,” she insisted. “Starting this was the mistake. What more do you need me to say?”

His hands tightened almost painfully on her shoulders. “What more do I need? Tell me flat out that you don’t want me, Haley.”

She stared into intense, infinitely blue eyes. “I don’t want you,” she blurted, almost choking on the words.

He flinched. She had to look away. “You really mean that?” He drew her closer, his gaze searching her face. “Are you sayin’ you feel nothing for me after last night?”

Please don’t kiss me. Please don’t kiss me. I’ll become a blubbering fool if you kiss me.

“This has been way too much too soon for me. I’m not ready for what you want. I told you, I have plans for my life. I’m sorry, Reid.”

“If that’s how you feel, I guess there’s nothing more to say.” He gave a fatalistic shrug and eased his grip. “I’ll walk you back to the hotel.”

“No, please don’t.” She swallowed hard. Her throat felt like sandpaper. “Let’s just part ways here. It’ll be easier.”

“If that’s really the way you want it.” He hesitated and then his hands dropped lifelessly to his sides. “Good-bye then, Haley Cooper.”

“Good-bye, Reid,” she answered back almost inaudibly, her eyes blurring as she watched him turn and walk away.

“Where’s Reid?” Yolanda returned, drink in hand.

“Gone,” she whispered.

“Gone where, chica?” she asked.

“Gone, as in I sent him away.” Haley stifled the sob that rose up in her throat, but try as she might, she couldn’t suppress the moist heat that began trickling down her face.

Yolanda’s eyes widened. “Why? When I left I thought for sure you were going to work it out.”

“Never, Yo.” She sniffed. “It’s impossible.” She spun away, fiercely palming her eyes. “C’mon. Let’s go. I don’t have time for this emotional crap.”

*

Reid caught up with Garcia, Tonya, and Krista standing in line for a second ride on the roller coaster. They smiled and waved. He grimaced. Hanging out at an amusement park was no longer very amusing. He didn’t understand why things had gone south when only hours ago she’d lain beneath him so warm and soft and beautiful, her body welcoming and sweet. He knew she’d lied to him about her feelings. She couldn’t have given herself to him if she felt nothing. She wasn’t the type, but he’d overestimated his success. She’d given him her body but still withheld her trust and her heart.