Page 39 of Save A Horse

I hopped out of the shower and put my clothes on. I could smell the fish in the kitchen, and I was hoping it was ready. My stomach growled. I was so hungry and eager to eat.

“It smells good in here.”

“Wait until you taste it.” I sat down at the table, and Walt placed a plate in front of me. “I bet you haven’t had freshly fried fish in a long time, have you?”

“No, sir. I haven’t.” Walt took a seat beside me, and I heard footsteps. I turned and saw Colt turn the corner.

“Come sit. It’s time to eat, son.”

We all started to dig into the plates in front of us. The aroma made my mouth water. I was anticipating this meal. It had been a long time since I had eaten anything like this. You can’t get food like this in the city. This is prime, country cooking, just like my mom used to make.

“Wow.” I continued chewing the food. “This is so incredible, Walt. It’s better than I remember.” He chuckled.

“Glad you like it.”

“You know, I haven’t been fishing in a bit. Last time I went, I didn’t catch a thing. Maybe I should have sent Colt here instead.” He shook his head and took another bite of the fried fillet.

“Yeah, I’ve been pretty lucky lately.” I knew what he meant, and it made my heart flutter a bit. “Maybe I can show you a few tricks sometime. I hear Daisy may have some, too.”

“What do you mean?”

“Come on now. You must remember. You pulled that bag of colored worms out of your pocket last time we went fishing. We were fourteen and twelve then.”

I was surprised he remembered that. I mean, even remembering our ages.

Did Colt pay that much attention?

“I remember.” I turned to Walt, who was now speaking. “You came back and told me you needed some of those magic worms Daisy had.” We all laughed. “Maybe you two can go back out fishing at least once more before Daisy has to leave at the end of summer. I wouldn’t mind another meal like this.”

Walt had no idea of the weight of his words.

“Yeah. That would be nice.” I looked down at my plate, finishing my last piece.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Colt

The clock struck ten, and my dad had settled in his room for the night. He was completely oblivious to what was about to happen between Daisy and me. She was standing in the door frame, and I towered over her, my arm placed above her head and propping myself up, my head slightly leaning into her figure.

“I can’t wait any longer.”

“Can’t wait for what?” She knew exactly what I meant. She was just playing with me, and I didn’t want any games right now. I only wanted her.

“I want you. All of you, darlin’.”

“All of me?”

“Can I take it? Can I take what’s mine?” She paused, biting her lip as if she were contemplating what to say.

“I don’t think I should let it be that easy for you.” Was Daisy McClain playing hard to get? And why was that even moretempting?

“What do you want me to do, then?”

“You remember the evening in the kitchen?” I nodded. “I want you to beg, just like you said you would.”

“Beg?”

“Yes. Beg.”