Black Swan Affair by K.L. Kreig Page B

second I thought all of the rumors around town about him were true. I thought for sure I was dead along with the animal he was butchering. But then our eyes connected and I knew none of the rumors were to be believed. He motioned me over to help him free a baby red fox who had been caught in an illegal hunting snare.
    It turned out Old Man Riley, or William as he asked me to call him, was a quirky, misunderstood, loveable man who revered animals as much as I did. He took that fox back to his home and nursed it back to health before letting it loose again. Then he showed me his lake. Said besides his Lilly, his dead wife, I was the only one who knew about it, although that wasn’t entirely true.
    Kael thought he was doing a good job of being stealthy that day—the day he followed me. I’d already spotted him behind the shed, waiting for me. I thought about trying to lose him. I could have, but I didn’t. I knew it was only a matter of time before he found out anyway.
    I laughed to myself the entire way. It sounded like a herd of elephants was pounding behind me. I don’t think the deaf could have missed him. When we got to the lake, I knew he stood behind the safety of the leaves and brush, watching me. He never came out. He was patient until I was ready to leave and followed me back out. He never brought that day up. But every time I went to that spot, I sensed him there…following…protecting me, I guess. It was as if he knew I wasn’t ready to share. He was okay with that, something I appreciated greatly.
    Then the next summer, I broke my leg when I wiped out on my bike. I wasn’t bedridden, but I certainly couldn’t trudge the mile it took to get to my private paradise. I cried and cried and everyone thought it was because I was in pain. I was, but the pain wasn’t in my leg, it was in my heart. Only Kael knew the real reason.
    Charlotte had laid eggs. Nine of them. And they were just about to hatch when I had my accident.
    Kael never said a word. But two days later he came back with pictures. Then, without my even asking, he went to my lake every single day that summer to check on the eggs, reporting back when they’d hatched. And along with Old Man Riley, they built protective fencing around the nest, trying to guard the cygnets when they were at their most vulnerable to predators. In the end, only two of the nine made it. But I’m not sure any would have had it not been for Kael watching over them.
    Over the years, there were countless acts of selfless kindness just like this one. And I think maybe I’ve taken them for granted. Kael Shepard loves me— has loved me—like no other man ever has. Even Killian. Especially Killian.
    I just never saw it because someone else’s aura was blinding me.
    Now, as I watch him struggle to get the backs of his legs, I know I should offer to help, but I don’t. I’m frozen to my seat, gaping at his raw masculinity. I marvel as he moves with beauty and grace, his taut muscles fluid underneath tanned skin. My mouth waters a bit. I don’t think it’s for beer.
    Then I do something I should have done a long time ago. From the very first time I said yes to a real “date” with Kael Shepard only a mere eight months ago.
    I take my friend hat off and put on one of a woman instead.
    And when I do that…when I open that door I’ve had sealed shut by another man for twenty-six years and view him through an entirely new lens, what I see astounds me. Floors me, actually.
    My body suddenly feels weak and needy.
    My core is starting to sizzle, and it’s not because it’s almost ninety degrees today.
    It’s because of Kael.
    It’s almost as if I’m seeing my husband for the very first time as the unparalleled male specimen he truly is.
    He’s beautiful. Knee-weakening beautiful, if I’m totally honest. He’s not ripped like those guys you see in muscle magazines. His thighs are powerful, but lean. His skin holds the healthy glow of summer’s rays. He doesn’t have