Page 43 of Don't Burn Bridges
She whistled softly. “Wow, that’s cool. Your dad must've spent a lot of time teaching you how to run the place. I mean, it can't be easy with a ranch that size.”
Something flickered across his face before disappearing. “Yeah.” His attention shifted toward the windshield. “He started teaching me when I was a kid. By the time I graduated high school, I already knew most of the day-to-day stuff.”
“You were close?”
One shoulder lifted in a shrug. “Yeah, I guess. He wasn't big on hugs or heart-to-heart talks—not like my mom was—but he treated me okay. Taught me the business from the ground up.” His mouth curved slightly. “I could mend a fence and brand cattle before I could drive.”
She smiled. “Sounds like child labor.”
A laugh rumbled out of him. “That’s life on a ranch.” His smile faded, replaced by something quieter. After a moment of silence, he surprised her by continuing, “Dad wasn't perfect, but he worked hard, took care of us, and made sure the ranch stayed afloat no matter what.”
There was affection there. Respect. The kind that came from years spent working beside someone. Whatever flaws Peter Wilson might have had, Shane had loved his father.
Shylo looked away.
Earlier, she'd been sitting in front of a computer screen reading probate records and wondering how hard Shane would fight her. Now, she wondered how much damage the truth would do when it finally came out. Because for the first time since arriving in Hazard Falls, she could see the person who would be hurt by it. And he didn't deserve that.
Her stomach twisted. Damn it.
He opened the driver’s door. “The engine should be cool enough now.”
She followed him to her truck.
After adding the coolant, he closed the hood and wiped his hands on a bandana he pulled from his back pocket. “Give it a minute, then you’re good.”
“Thanks.” She slid into the driver’s seat and, after waiting a moment, turned the key. The engine caught, and the temperature gauge was back in the normal range. She stepped back out and leaned against the door. “Looks like you saved me.”
“No problem.”
“I owe you.”
He shook his head. “You don't.”
“Still gonna count it.”
That earned her a smile. As the corners of his eyes crinkled, an uncomfortable realization washed over her. She'd seen that smile before.
Not on him.
On herself.
The resemblance was subtle, but now that she'd noticed it, she couldn't unsee it.
A chill prickled across her skin. Suddenly, standing there felt awkward in a way it hadn't a minute earlier. She pushed away from the truck and shoved her hands into her back pockets, needing something to do besides stand there looking at him. “I should probably get moving before this thing decides to break down completely.”
“Probably a good plan. Make sure you get some more coolant or refill the water jugs, at least.”
“I will.”
He took a few steps toward his truck, then paused long enough to look back at her. “Drive safely.”
“Always do.”
A moment later, he climbed into his truck and pulled back onto the road. As he drove past, he lifted a hand in farewell. Shylo returned the gesture without thinking about it, then watched until the dust settled behind him and his taillights disappeared around a bend.
The silence that followed felt different somehow. If she had to describe it, the word would be lonely.
When she'd driven into Hazard Falls, she'd convinced herself this would be simple. Find Shane. Claim what belonged to her. Leave.
