Page 77 of Save A Horse
“I followed him once to see where he was going.”
“And?”
“He went to this little spot right outside of town that he and my mom used to go together sometimes. He parked his truck and sat on the tailgate. It looked like he was talking a little bit, but I couldn’t hear him. I stayed far enough back where he couldn’t see me. I left, and any time he mentions something vague, I know that’s where he’s headed off to.”
I wiped my eyes where tears had formed. I noticed the waitress carrying our food and drinks out of my peripheral vision. I grabbed the beer as soon as she set it on the table, and Colt grabbed his.
“This is exactly what I needed. Good food, good company.”
“To nights like these,” Colt chimed in.
“To nights like these.”
As the last remnants of our food disappeared, a surge of energy filled me.Boot Scootin' Boogieby Brooks and Dunn blasted through the speakers.
“Okay.” I wiped my mouth with a napkin. “I’m ready to dance.” A group of people was on the dance floor, dancing to the music.
“Line dancing?” Colt raised an eyebrow.
“Absolutely. Come on, don’t tell me you’re too cool for this.” I took his hand, and he gave in to me, letting me lead him to the dance floor to join the crowd of honkeytonkers.
We jumped in, moving in unison with the others, creating a flurry of cowboy boots. I fell into step with ease. I loved this song, and I had taught myself this line dance years ago, back when I was hoping that Colt would ask me to dance at some point. I glanced over at Colt, who was a little less graceful. I laughed lightly and watched as he found his rhythm.
With each repetition, Colt’s confidence grew, and he managed to throw in a couple of hoops and hollers in my direction. The energy of this place was infectious, and I was extra thankful for this time with Colt tonight. I liked seeing his playful, carefree side. I got lost in the moment, letting everything else go. It was just us and the music.
The lights overhead beamed onto the dance floor. Everyone here seems so carefree and filled with excitement. Colt has the biggest smile on his face, really enjoying himself. My face was surely flushed, but I didn’t care. I threw my head back, laughing and having fun.
As the song was nearing its end, everyone cheered. I felt a surge of adrenaline, and I saw Colt wiping sweat from his forehead. I gave him a high-five.
“You good there, cowboy?”
“Oh, yeah. Never been better.”
“I’m going to run to the restroom.” He nodded, and I went inside. I wiped away the sweat and checked my face. I let out a deep breath, trying to slow my breathing.
As I emerged from the bathroom, my eyes scanned the room for Colt. When they landed on him, I saw a woman beside him. She was all smiles and fluttering eyelashes, leaning in close, with her hand resting on his arm. I saw her lips moving, an invitation in her eyes as she moved her arm to gesture to the dance floor.
I realized the band was starting to play a slow song. Filled with annoyance, I wanted to go up to her and tell her to stay away from my cowboy, but instead, I stayed still and watched. I was curious how Colt would respond.
Before I could step forward, I saw Colt remove the woman’s hand from his arm. He gave her a polite, yet firm smile, and made his way over to me. His sweet and sexy smile was plastered on his face as he took my hand in his.
“Daisy, would you do me the honor?” I nodded, smiling back at him.
As we made our way to the dance floor, I caught a peek at the woman who had just been near Colt. Her face fell at the sight of us. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t happy about it. I was thrilled.
Colt chose me.
He keeps choosing me.
We started dancing, my arms around his neck and leaning on his shoulders, and his hands perfectly fitting on my waist. We started swaying to the sounds ofThere’s The Sunby Zach Top.
“I love this song.”
“It’s a good one, for sure.”
“Who was that you were talking to?” I nodded my head toward where I had seen the two of them standing.
“I don’t even know her name. I couldn’t even get a word in, honestly. She only asked me to dance. And I declined. I only want to dance with you.”
