CEO FALLS IN LOVE

lmost in a whisper, as he hugged me, without looking at me. — I didn't want to cry, I wanted to be strong for my mother and Grace, but only God knows how I felt b

juice, took me away from the local gossips and took me out for air a few times. Always silent and respectful, like the Jared he knew, not the cowboy who stole a kiss before regretting it. The man's words came back to me every now and then. The best comfort I could have received that day. The hours passed, people began to leave the house and the cowboy approached, placed a kiss on my forehead and murmured once again that everything would be okay. I hugged his waist, pressing my fingers against him, and just nodded, accepting the affection. As it all began, he left. I saw him around town over the next few days, a few distant waves, a few shy smiles. And nothing like the man he was that day, without even getting closer. I stayed in Riverville for two more weeks, trying to survive the grief and prepare for the next chapter of my life. Grace called me every day, worried about me, hearing about my days at the bookstore and telling me about the start of school. Soon it would be my turn. The morning of my departure, as my dad was organizing my things in the car, Jared appeared, staring at me from across the street. I thought he would give me another one of his waves from a distance, so I walked across and stopped a few meters away from him, before greeting him. - Hi stranger. — You're strange — he replied with a smile. — With Grace at the farm, you were there every week. It took seven years for the two of you to suddenly be silent. — If you complain any more, your sister will come chatting... She can always call you. — I know, I miss her... — he confessed in a whisper. — Me too, but she's so happy. “I know,” he replied. — Mom said you were leaving and I came to say goodbye. She said she came to visit yesterday. I didn't know it would be so fast. - Same? — It's obvious, little one... You're my step sister. — You went through one and now you're sending the other to college? — I replied, trying to drown out the real question I wanted to ask. That kiss is not one you give to a sister. — Yes, about the thing from the other day... — he said and took off his hat, running his hands through his hair and playing with the brim, as if looking for words to explain. — I... well... — About the kiss? — I questioned in a more serious tone while the man remained with