Page 30 of Save A Horse
“What do you mean?”
“Maybe we can be together when your dad isn’t around, and we can go out sometimes and go riding…and we don’t have to tell him.” Would she be my secret? Did I want her to be hidden? I really didn’t, but what other choice did I have? I couldn’t lose her again.
My heart couldn't take that heartbreak again.
“I do want to enjoy this time with you...that sounds like a plan…because honestly, I just can’t keep my hands off you.” I was looking at her, glancing down at her body once more, and I just couldn’t help myself. I knew my dad would be back soon, and I needed one last touch. I moved closer, wanting to feel what was mine. I grabbed her neck from behind and pulled her in to steal one last kiss. “I kind of like having you as a secret.” Honestly, the sound of that was starting to grow on me. Maybe it was turning me on a little bit, or maybe I still hadn’t come off the high from our fun just a little while ago.
“It might be kind of fun.” She winked, and I could tell shewas enjoying this. “So, let’s just take it one step at a time.”
“Deal.” I slid my hand down her leg, tempting her. I knew what I was doing. I loved to watch her as her body took over.
“So…we can have our own little adventure with this?”
“Whatever you want, darlin’.” I meant it. Whatever she wanted, as always, I would give her. I would give Daisy the world.
“Sounds like something out of a movie, like we’ll be in our own little world.”
“You always did like a thrill.” She knew I was right, and her grin said it all. “My dad should be home soon. I can make dinner if you want to go shower.”
“Wouldn’t suppose you have time to join me, would you?” Oh, she has no idea how badly I want to take her up on the offer, but my dad could be back at any minute, and the only thing worse than me telling him I broke my word to him is for him to come home and find it out by us showering together.
“Better not…you know…” The look on her face said she knew what I meant, and she got off the counter, picked up her shirt, and headed toward the bathroom. I grabbed a rag and dampened it to wipe off my body, then put my shirt back on and heard the water running.
I hadn’t heard my dad pull up yet, so maybe I could spare a minute or two. I knew I didn’t have time to do what I wanted and hop in there with her, so instead I leaned against the door frame, listening to the soft sounds of the water cascading down her body. My mind drifted, picturing Daisy inside. If I were in there right now, I would find ways to make her laugh, listening to her laughter echo off the tiles. I could see her splashing me for trying to touch her- playfully of course. I would splash her back, then my urges would take over, and I would pin her against the wall, taking in her whole body and kissing her until I could no longer breathe. Daisy’s appeal was undeniable, and I could only imagine what it would be like to be in that shower with her, feeling thewater’s warmth against my skin, and I feeling her touch.
I shook my head slightly, knowing I needed to snap out of it and cool off before I got myself into trouble.
I made my way back into the kitchen and pulled out some steaks from the fridge.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Daisy
Ilet the warm water run down my body as I thought about what had just unfolded between Colt and me. I never thought something like this would happen. After all this time, I didn’t think that coming back here would change anything, especially not in this way. I had just stopped talking to Colt once my mom died. I shut everyone out after that. I was a little surprised at how Colt was trying to reconnect a little at the start of my stay here, and thinking about how that little girl once could only dream of being with him made my eyes swell. To that little girl, this was a dream come true. Now, we just had to keep pretending like we were friends, keeping our relationship a secret from Walt. It was my idea, but it was the only thing I could think of to keep us together. That was all that mattered to me at this moment. Maybe keeping this relationship hidden from Walt would give an exhilarating edge to it.
I rubbed over my body with my hands, trying to wash away all the stickiness. I felt like someone was watching me, and I kind of hoped it was Colt out there. Just the thought of him standing out there, wondering what it would be like to join me in this shower, gave me a rush.
I stepped out of the shower, the steam moving around me and fogging up the mirror. I wiped it off with a towel, then wrapped it around my body. As I felt thefabric against me, I wished it were a pair of rough, calloused hands instead. Those were what I longed to touch me. I could smell the scents of my shampoo, but I could also smell something savory, and I knew it must be whatever Colt had started making in the kitchen. Glancing into the mirror, I brushed my hair back, then I headed toward the kitchen to see what Colt was up to.
I could hear something sizzling and some pots and pans clanking. I found Colt standing at the stove, his back facing me. I stood there, taking him in for a moment. He was so focused as he moved his hands to flip the steaks. His muscles flexed with each movement, bringing a smile to my face. These discreet moments were myfavorite. I loved when I could steal a quick admire without him noticing.
“Need a hand?” Colt turned swiftly, a grin spreading across his face.
“Yeah. Could you grab the seasoning from the cabinet? It’s the one with the black lid.” I nodded, moving toward where he had pointed. I grabbed the seasoning, my fingers brushing against the cool metal of the container. I turned back to Colt, catching a glimpse of him peaking at me. I quickly shook my head, focusing on the task at hand.
“Here you go, cowboy.” I could still call him that since his dad wasn’t here yet. That nickname would never grow old. He was stuck with it forever. “Anything else I can help you with?”
“I’m about ready, but if you could set the table, that would be helpful.”
As I pulled out the plates from the cabinet and arranged them on the table, one for each of us, I thought about how hard it would be to contain myself at dinner. What if I smiled or laughed or even stared too long at Colt? Would Walt notice? I brushed those thoughts away, placing the last fork down.
I looked out the window, hearing the sounds of tires against gravel. Walt was home. My heart sank a little.
“Colt, your dad’s here.” He brought over the food, looking out the window as he walked over to the table.
“Great timing.” His brow furrowed and his hand grazed my arm just as quickly as he pulled it away. “Just act natural. Everything’s okay.” I nodded, feeling the nerves of the situation. That was a lot easier said than done.
“Hey, dad.” Colt held his casual tone, and I was alittle envious of how he could flip a switch so perfectly.
