Page 17 of Hearts Etched in Glass
Alright, I think he agrees.
Mounting the saddle, we begin a running pace. We’re gaining momentum, each pound of his hooves matching the beat of my heart when we make another circle. I clutch the reins, readying to make the turn around the barrel as I hear Roger shouting and cheering behind us. The anticipation is soaring in my veins.
We are going to do it!
The barrel is in view.
Finally, after so many moments practicing, the time has come. It feels like I take flight for a moment asmy body jolts forward, leaving the saddle. Snatch has stopped abruptly, mid-run, launching me off his back and into the turned-up ground we’ve been riding in. Everything is dark as my face is stuck in the sticky mud. I can feel the loose ground within my palms as my hands are outstretched from the fall. My knees are planted in the dirt as my rear-end is sky high. I hear a bellow of laughter from two people outside the corral, and I can feel Snatch trot over to my side. The bastard launched me so hard that the sugar cubes left my pocket and he is now at my side, snacking on them.
“Wanker,” I curse at the horse as I lift my shirt to wipe my face. Looking over to where the laughing individuals are, I spy Kenneth beside Roger.
“You feel like a cowboy yet?” Shaking my head at his words, I fling some mud in his direction, hoping it gets on his pompous suit. I wish Everett were here to scold him for wearing a suit and Oxfords to the stables, much like he used to do with me.
“I want to see you try that shit. Harder than it fucking looks, especially with this jackass.” I motion my thumb towards Snatch, and he comes up to nibble on my hair.
“Oi!” I shout at him, shooing him away with my arms. He probably didn’t like being called a jackass since he is an articulate, posh Arabian horse.
“At least you don’t have that blasted, dry, duck dick around your neck.” Kenneth remarks, crossing his arms over his chest.
Rolling my eyes at Kenneth I shout back, “It is a bloody bolo tie! You imbecile.”
“Either way, it makes you look like a bellend.” He retorts, as Roger nearly falls off the gate, laughing.
Trudging towards them I rest my arms up on the metal gate.
“We have to go out of town. Meeting with Brielle’s family to run some of the vehicle parts and weapons,” Kenneth explains, staring down at me, waiting for a protest.
“I’ve got to start taking things seriously, right? Everett wants us united.” His expression changes from an anticipating asshole to a slightly surprised shit head.
Chapter 9: Marcus
Somethin Bout A Woman,Thomas Rett and Teddy Swims
It’s been a week since our ardent evening and somehow everything has gone back to the mundane routine. Granted, I thoroughly enjoy being Tilly’s private security and Biscuit always provides entertainment, even when he doesn’t intend to.
A grand example is every time we follow her to the hospital and roam about the hallways, he tries to look like some covert, undercover bloke, but he sticks out like a sore thumb. Or rather a buttered biscuit on an elegant serving platter.
I bathe in Tilly’s energy each morning and absorb her sweet essence during the day. It is highly addictive.
The amount of care and attention she gives, not just to me, but to everyone she meets, is exemplary. She mentioned that she never wants anyone to feel unloved or unnoticed, for everyone deserves a little love and appreciation in their life, and by hell did she pull my fucking heart strings. I don’t even think she notices the small glances I give her. The several-second stares I keep to myself, as she is laughing or smiling up at something. Before Bobby and Tilly kiss, I look to make sure no one is watching, and relish the moment with them, envisioning I’m wrapped up in their arms as we embrace together. I take mental note of these pictures and tuck them away for the times I need most, alongside the memories I’ve cherished with Bobby. Maybe that night was a one-time thing. If it was, then it would be the best night of my pitiful life.
Today we are meeting Bobby at a clothing store. Apparently, he wants to buy Tilly something and shower her with gifts before he heads out of town for a business meeting with Kenneth. My chest feels a bit heavy at thenotion that Bobby won’t be around, but I’m glad have the honor of protecting Til while he is away.
The downpour encases us, but Tilly and I are shielded by my umbrella. My hand is caressing the small of her back as we walk through the street, towards the shop. Biscuit calls out to us that he will be waiting in the cafe next door, until we retrieve him. I nod in his direction, as Tilly gives a graceful wave. Opening the door to the clothing boutique, a redolent smell of jasmine hits my senses. As we step inside, I close the umbrella and take Tilly’s coat, hanging it on the rack. We turn to find Bobby approaching us and he looks delectable. His hair slicked back, in perfect placement, with a smug grin on his face. His bright blue eyes and full of wonder and light, beautifully contrast to his three-piece black suit.
“Hi,” Tilly and I say in unison, then we glance at one another, recognizing our behavior, and blush simultaneously.
“My favorite people,” Bobby says as he hugs each of us, but dips Tilly into a passionate kiss. And I cannot deny that it takes my breath away, let alone hers.
Bobby gestures to the middle of the boutique, several dresses and outfits already hung on a rack. Tillysaunters over to the placement and stands before the rack assessing the garments. “Bobby these are many different colors. Not my typical pink.”
Bobby sits beside me in a lounge chair. The boutique has shades of dark purple, and green; it is small and romantic. Curtains drape down the ceiling and walls, as standing mirrors are outside of the six dressing rooms at the back of the shop, where four leather lounge chairs are placed adjacent to the dressing rooms.
“Darling, do you really like the color pink?” Bobby asks nonchalantly, his hand flexes on the arm of the lounge chair and raises an eyebrow as if he already knows the answer.
Tilly clutches her chest as she nervously bites her bottom lip. “Why yes, I’ve worn it every day since I was a kid.”
Bobby tilts his head to the side, challenging. “Do youreallylike the color, or have you been indoctrinated to like it? Today, you will pick out anything and everything your heart desires. Marcus and I will sit here sipping our whiskey, as you come out to model the outfits you choose. Today, you have the choice.”
