As I wait inside the office for Keets, I can’t get my mind off Stone. I’ve seen him just once since I poured his beer down the sink. I have no idea how he’s doing, but Dr. James and everyone else keep telling me to give him time. He’s been through so much, and it’s important to let the alcohol get out of his system and give him time to adjust. Kind of like a period of quarantine.

I know he hasn’t eaten. I’ve left meals outside his door every night, and every morning they’ve been untouched. No one can go that long without eating and still be okay, can they? Where the hell is Keets? I need to get home. I need to check on Stone.

I sit up straight, my eyes widening and my mouth dropping open slightly. What the hell are you doing, Shannon? It’s not ‘home’. You’re there until your leg gets better, no longer, my brain practically screams at me. A short, stabbing pain enters my chest at the thought of leaving Stone’s house. When did I start caring so much? He’s a friend, and I don’t want anything more. But even as I think that, I know it’s not true. Somehow, Stone has worked his way into my head, my heart. This goes beyond wanting to help him. I want to be a part of his life.

The main part.

The office door opens and I look up, giving Keets a smile as he enters. “Hey, buttercup,” he says fondly, using the nickname my daddy used to call me. Tears spring to my eyes and he sees them before I can dash them away.

“Ah, hell,” he curses, dropping to his knees and enfolding me in his large arms. I hold on to his shirt and let the tears flow. It’s such a relief after holding everything together for so long. Keets is strong, dependable, my best friend. He’s been there for me through the darkest moments, and I’m so thankful he’s here now. “It’s okay,” he murmurs, stroking my back as he places a soft kiss against my hair.

I sit back, exhausted, and wipe my eyes. “I’m sorry,” I tell him on a choked laugh as I look at the large wet stain on his white tank top.

“Don’t,” he says firmly, fixing me with a hard stare. His hand gently wipes away the remainder of my tears, letting me know he’s not angry. “Don’t ever apologize Shan. You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for, do you understand?”

I swallow hard and nod in agreement.

“Good,” he answers, standing up and moving to the back of the wheelchair.

I keep my head down as he maneuvers me through the main bar area, hiding my tear-stained face from curious onlookers. He pauses for a moment and speaks to Ruth, but I don’t intrude by listening in. I just want to leave. When we finally get outside, Keets helps me to settle in the back seat of his truck with my injured leg propped up before folding up the wheelchair and placing it in the back seat.

I’m silent for the whole trip, and so is Keets. I think he understands that I’m deep in thought, that I just need time to process everything that’s happening as well as these new feelings that are emerging.

There’s no question that Stone needs help, but am I the right person for the job? I’m not an expert, but I don’t think Stone helping out at the bar was the right decision. I need to stop him from being at Saddles altogether. It’s going to be difficult, but I’m sure Ruth and Keets can handle things until I get back on my feet. It’s the right thing to do, for Stone.

When we pull up outside his house, all the lights are out. I wonder if he’s eaten anything yet.

Keets grabs the wheelchair from the back of the truck and jogs around to the passenger side, opening the back door and lifting me into his arms. But instead of putting me into the wheelchair like I expect, he starts carrying me up to the front door. “Keets.” I laugh. “What are you doing?”

“I’m just making sure you get inside safely.” He grins. “You got the key?” I move one hand from around his neck and fumble in the pocket of my shorts, holding the key up. He takes it from me and puts it in the lock, opening the door. I can’t see a thing and as we enter, my head hits the doorframe.

“Ow!” I cry, holding a hand to my head as I laugh. “You bastard.”

“Sorry,” Keets grunts as his legs hit something and he curses loudly. I giggle and shush him, not wanting to disturb Stone. The living room light comes on, and I blink at the sudden brightness.

I glance up and my heart sinks. Stone is standing in the doorway of his bedroom, casually leaning against the doorframe. His face, however, is anything but calm. “Having fun, are we?” he asks.

“Stone,” I say, suddenly keenly aware of still being in Keets’ arms. He senses my discomfort and deposits me carefully onto the couch. I can’t take my eyes off Stone. He looks like he hasn’t slept in a week. There are dark circles under his eyes and a five-day growth on his jawline. He’s clearly just showered, as water is still dripping down his torso, disappearing into the waistband of his jeans. He’s lost weight, his jeans hanging too low on his narrow hips. My heart breaks at the lost look in his eyes. He seems haunted, destroyed.

“Hey, man,” Keets greets, walking over and slapping him on the back. “How are you doing?”

Stone says nothing. He just stands there . . . staring at me.

Keets clears his throat and shoves his hands into his pockets, jangling the keys to his truck. “I, ah, guess I’ll leave you two alone,” he says, walking far too quickly back over to the door.

I don’t watch him leave, don’t hear his truck start up and pull away from the house. My eyes are focused only on the broken man in front of me. “How are you feeling?” I ask, clearing my throat as I struggle to sit up. My eyes widen as he slowly begins walking toward me. “I know you haven’t eaten much the last few days.” I’m rambling. “But Dr. James said—”

“What’s going on between you and Keets?” Stone interrupts, his voice low and kind of menacing.

My eyes widen even further. Is he serious?

“Stone,” I start, holding up a hand. “Keets is a friend, and—”

“Oh, I can see what a great friend he is,” Stone says sarcastically. “Does Ruth know?”

“Know what?” I gasp, not quite believing what I’m hearing. “Stone, what are you talking about?” Surely he can’t believe there’s anything romantic between myself and Keets.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” he counters, finally reaching my side. I recoil into the couch as he leans over me, his breath hot and heavy.

Fury builds inside of me at his words. Just who the hell does he think he is? I tilt my head up and jut out my chin, my eyes cold as steel even as I lie beneath him on the couch. “So what if there is something going on?” I seethe in my coldest voice. “It has absolutely nothing to do with you.”

“The hell it doesn’t,” he growls. I yelp as his arm slides beneath my legs and he effortlessly picks me up. “Stop it!” I yell, slapping his arm uselessly. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m making you forget Keets exists,” he tells me, walking into his bedroom and dumping me gently on the bed.

“You’re what?” I ask, trying to scramble up the bed, but he grabs my uninjured leg and drags me back down before moving over me. I’m unable to suppress the shiver that passes through me the moment his lips touch the side of my neck.

“I said,” Stone draws out. “I’m making you forget Keets ever touched this beautiful skin. You’re so fucking beautiful, Shannon. Do you even know how gorgeous you are?” He punctuates each word with another kiss to my bare skin.

“No,” I gasp, no longer trying to free myself. His kisses are setting my skin on fire, and all I want to do is burn. His hand slides up my ribcage, brushing the underside of my breast. I strain against his hand, trying to move it where I need it.

“Shh,” he soothes, kissing the outer corner of my lips. “Take it easy, babe. We’ve got all night.” His fingertips touch the tight bud of my nipple and I cry out against his lips. This, I think to myself. This is what I’ve been needing. His fingers twist, knead, and pluck at my nipple until I’m writhing beneath him. I need more.