Page 60 of Save A Horse
“What on earth! You can’t scare me like that.” I kissed her lips.
“We don’t have much time.”
“For?” I winked, then put my lips back on hers. I moved them from her mouth to her cheeks, and then to her neck and chest. I wanted to taste her, even if it could only be for a minute or two. “Okay…okay, Colt. We'd better stop before we get caught.” She was right, so I nodded as I backed away.
“Still good, though?”
“Always.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Daisy
Ihad gotten up before Walt and Colt to get a head start. I wanted to watch the sunrise, and the best way to do that was from a horse. I saddled up Domino and took off into the fields, knowing a perfect spot that Colt and I had escaped to as kids, our moms going with us on a few occasions.
The morning air was crisp, and everything around me was only beginning to wake up. I felt a slight breeze blowing my hair, feeling cool against my skin. I felt so much freedom riding, freedom that I have never felt anywhere else. The soft rustling of leaves in the wind and distant sounds of birds chirping filled the air. Each hoofbeat resonated with the earth, and I felt each one in my chest. I felt in sync with Domino.
There were so many thoughts running around in my head. The day yesterday with just Colt and me was about as close to perfect as you can get. Each moment we spent together was a treasure. I had never been on a date, except with Colt, and seeing him be so meticulous with planning made it so special and meaningful. I could tell he had put a lot of thought into it. I hoped for more days like that with him.
I wondered if I did stay here, if that would be what it could be like. If being near Colt every day could always feel that good-if it could always feel like coming home, wrapped in warmth and comfort.
This was the hardest decision I had ever had to make. When I left Garrity Valley for Dallas seven something years ago, I didn’t have someone else to worry about. I knew my dad would be alright on his own, so I did what I thought was best for me. Now, though, I had to consider someone else and their feelings. That made the choice so much more difficult. I didn’t want to hurt him. I could only imagine what it did to him when I left without a word after all those years of friendship, and I was afraid of what leaving him might do to him.
I couldn’t decide what to do, stay or leave, so I did what my dad always told me when you were stuck between a rock and a hard place. When in doubt, let your horse do the thinkin,’ he’d always say.
As Domino and I made our way through the dew-kissed field, we reached the top of the hill with the best view of the sunrise. I halted him. You could see so much from up here. The horizon began to light up with hues of orange and pink. The sun was slowly rising, casting a warm glow over the ranch. This was one of the best views, and one of my favorite things about being in the country. I couldn’t help but smile, feeling the gentle breeze as I watched the sun come up. Mornings werealways my favorite. It was a moment of tranquility before everything woke up and started stirring. I closed my eyes for a moment, soaking in the beauty and peace of it. This was my sanctuary, a place I could come to be one with my thoughts, escape, and find solace in nature’s embrace.
As the sun continued its rise, I felt a renewed sense of hope. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen or what decision I was going to make, but I knew that Colt and I would find time to talk about it. I knew we could make that decision together.
I moved the reins to get Domino going again, this time headed back to the ranch. I needed to feed the horses and make sure they all had water, my first tasks of each day, since I had been on Texas Rose Ranch. I took the journey back slowly, wanting to savor the quiet for a little while longer.
When I finally saw the barn come into view, I could see two figures standing right outside it. Walt and Colt were watching as I made my way closer. My hair was blowing in the breeze with the bit of speed we had picked up. I finally gained my confidence back with riding, and I was proud of myself for that.
I glanced at Colt briefly, trying not to let Walt catch me staring. I saw his curls, his muscles, and the sweat beaming from him. No doubt he and Walt had been working hard this morning. I liked how hard Colt worked, and I had his dad to thank for that. I couldn’t blame Walt for wanting to start early. It meant if you kept a good pace, you may not have a long day, and if you were lucky, you would get the toughest chores out of the way before the heat of the summer really picked up in the middle of the day.
I dismounted and led Domino into the barn. Rewarding Domino for letting me take him out so early, I brushed his mane, taking so much care with each stroke. He was so gentle.
The next thing I knew, I felt hands against my waist. I jerked as those hands spun me around.
“Colt!”
“Shhh…”
“What on earth! You can’t scare me like that.” He kissed my lips.
“We don’t have much time.”
“For?” He winked, then put his lips back on mine.
He moved them with such rhythm, from my mouth to my cheeks, then to my neck and chest. I didn’t know how he couldmake me feel like I was floating with every kiss, every touch.
“Okay…okay, Colt. We'd better stop before we get caught.” He nodded and backed away. He knew I was right, even if this was what we both wanted to be doing.
“Still good, though?”
“Always. So, where’d your dad go?”
“Inside to make us all sandwiches.”
