someone steps out into the night air. I hold my hand up to my forehead to help see until the headlights finally turn off. It’s just dark enough I can’t see specifics or a face, just a short stature. It’s a woman.
The dog barks again, spinning in circles. “Hat, enough!” I holler.
“Hattie?”
I know that whispered voice. I hear it nightly, when I’m sitting on the porch and the wind blows through the trees. It’s hauntingly beautiful, but right now, I’m a little worried about my mental status. It’s probably not good when you’re hearing the voice of the woman you love, who just so happens to live thousands of miles away.
The dog takes off like a bullet, charging toward the visitor, and I’m on the move. The woman drops to her knees in the dirt driveway and Hattie is all over her. My pup is barking and spinning and showering the new arrival with kisses.
“Hattie, enough,” I demand as I approach the car.
“It’s okay,” the woman says, petting my dog behind the ears.
The moment the moonlight hits her face, the most beautiful hazel eyes reflect back at me, stealing my ability to breath. “Kyla?”
She stands up, dusting off her hands. “Hi, Mason,” she answers softly.
Stepping forward yet again, bringing me within reaching distance of her, I try to wrap my head around her sudden appearance in Montana. “What are you doing here? Are you all right?” I ask, worry gripping at my chest.
“I’m f-fine,” she insists, seeming to stutter a bit with her words.
I want to step forward and take her in my arms, but I don’t. I can’t. I don’t know why she’s here, but I do know she’s not mine to touch. However, I can look, and look I do. Even under the dark of nightfall, I can tell she’s beautiful. The most stunning vision I’ve had since I was in Boston. She’s wearing an oversized T-shirt and jeans. Yep, a pair of basic blue jeans that hug her legs to perfection. On her feet are a pair of cowboy boots with a rounded toe. I’ve never seen her in anything like she’s wearing, and it’s sexy as fuck.
“I was hoping, maybe, we could talk,” she finally says, her voice laced with nerves.
“Sure,” I answer quickly, afraid she’ll up and leave. “Do you want to come inside?”
“Umm, okay.”
I step back and slowly make my way to the front door, which is closer. Usually, after a long day outside, I’d use the back one so I don’t track dust, dirt, and cowshit through the house. But the front entrance is closer, and all I can think about at this moment is getting her inside.
We step up on the front porch, and I reach for the screened doorknob. “Actually, would it be okay if we sit out here? It’s such a beautiful night, and your view is breathtaking.”
I nod and wait for her to take a seat. There are only two options on this side of the wraparound porch: the left side of the swing or the right. Kyla chooses the right, leaving me the open space beside her. I sit down, careful not to let my outer thigh touch her leg. Out of habit, I start to rock, letting my long legs move the swing at a slow and steady pace. Hattie drops at my feet and sighs, like she does most nights.
After a few minutes, she finally speaks. “I’m sure you’re wondering what I’m doing here.”
“Well, the thought has crossed my mind,” I reply, a very slight smile causing my lips to curl up for the first time in a while.
I catch her own grin out of the corner of my eye, and my heart feels just a touch lighter. She clears her throat and leans her head back against the top of the swing back. She looks up, and I wish we could see the stars. Unfortunately, from this vantage point, you can’t see the stars, even on the brightest nights. Since the back porch is uncovered, that’s where I go to see a starry night.
“I’ve had a lot of time to think over the last few weeks,” she starts, continuing to keep her gaze on the ceiling. “About what happened.”
I don’t know if I should say something or just let her talk, but the need to open my mouth is too strong. “I’ve been thinking about it too. A lot, actually.”
She sits up and turns her head, meeting my gaze for the first time since we