Mark drove back from the airport filled with dread. The trip had been silent as he had dared either woman to speak to him. He wanted to forget he ever knew Cindy, He had known she was a shallow person, but the extent of her maliciousness surprised him. Now he had to go home and face Kayla. Mark had never been good at admitting he was wrong, but it wasn't just that bothering him. What if Kayla didn't forgive him, what if she decided to leave the ranch? The thought of that tore his insides apart. "What the hells wrong with ya Mark, ya done gone soft over this little snip of a girl." Mark told himself.

Mark parked his truck and walked slowly down to the stables trying to think of what he was going to say to Kayla. He sighed heavily as he walked up the steps. He knocked at Kayla's door but there was no answer. He turned the knob and found the door unlocked. Kayla lay facing the other side of the room. Champ was lying beside her with his head propped on her side looking at him.

Mark could swear Champ was giving him an evil look.

"I know boy, I really screwed up." Mark said to Champ.

Mark sat down on the bed and rubbed Champs head. Champ looked at him then got down and jumped off the bed. He went to the door and looked at Mark. Mark got up and let him out and closed the door back. He watched Kayla sleeping. He sat there a few moments try to gather his thoughts. Kayla turned over and opened her eyes sleepily. He eyes widened when she seen Mark and she sat up.

"Kayla I'm sorry I should have listened to you and believed ya. I know ya probably hate me and I wouldn't blame ya. All I can ask is that you forgive me." Mark said looking into her beautiful eyes that were red from crying.

Mark waited for her to yell at him and tell him that she hated him.

Kayla leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Mark and buried her face in his chest. Mark felt her tears soak his shirt and they felt as if they burnt his skin like they were branding him. All he wanted in this world was to take her pain away. He held her to him as she cried feeling her pain.

"I'm sorry baby, I over heard them talking and they set you up." Mark said.

Mark held her tight until her tears subsided.

Kayla raised her tear streaked face to look in his eyes.

"I'm not mad." Kayla whispered.

Mark cradled her face and used his thumbs to wipe away a few stay tears.

"You should be, I acted like an ass." Mark said.

"It don't out weigh all the times you've been kind and sweet to me." Kayla said smiling up at him.

Mark couldn't believe her capacity for forgiveness. She was such a sweet soul. Mark bent down and kissed her cheek. Kayla smiled at the touch of his goatee and mustache on her smooth cheek.

"Darlin I really am sorry." Mark said.

"Nobody's perfect Mark." Kayla said.

"Well your damn close baby." Mark said smiling at her.

Kayla blushed and looked down and Mark pulled her against him again.

"Friends?" Mark asked.

"Definitely." Kayla said hugging him.

"Why don't ya come up to the house and I'll fix ya dinner." Mark said.

"Only if you let me help." Kayla said.

"It's a deal." Mark said lifting her out of the bed and setting her to her feet.

"What about your girlfriend?" Kayla asked looking worried.

"Wipe that frown off your face, she's gone and she won't be coming back." Mark said.

"I'm sorry Mark; I guess I ruined your relationship." Kayla said.

Mark reached out and pulled into a hug.

"You didn't ruin anything, don't worry about it, let's forget about her, okay?" Mark said.

Kayla took his hand and pulled him toward the door.

"Okay boss man." Kayla said.

Mark smiled and they headed to the house.

Mark laid thinking along time before he finally gave in to sleep that night. He realized how important Kayla had become to him. He admitted to himself he was attracted to Kayla, but it was more than that. He had become attached to her and her friendship had become important to him. He wasn't about to let a physical attraction ruin the special relationship they had. Kayla needed him, as a friend and someone to watch out for her, he would probably scare her off if he made a pass at her. He remembered how she had reacted to Josh trying to kiss her. He made up his mind to settle for friendship with her that would have to be enough. Mark sighed and finally rolled over and went to sleep.