Page 14 of Save A Horse (Texas Rose Ranch #1)

Daisy

I lay in bed, wondering what was running through Colt’s mind.

The last thing I expected when my dad told me I needed to come here, and pretty much forced me to stay here for the summer, was to end up reconnecting with Colt.

I especially didn’t think we would reconnect in this way.

I was sure my dad wouldn’t love the idea of me off with someone instead of keeping my focus on the ranch and working.

I don’t know what I would say to him if he were to find out.

I rolled over in bed, picturing the magical night I had with Colt. I let peace come, focusing on the silence, knowing whatever was going to happen could happen in the morning.

* * *

I got up the next morning, quickly changing, and ran into the kitchen for some coffee.

I noticed a note on the counter, letting me know Walt and Colt were out in town getting some supplies and would be back in a few hours.

I enjoyed the serenity around me while I finished my coffee, then I rinsed out my cup and walked out to the barn.

I wasn’t eager to clean out the stalls, but I was eager to see the horses.

I hadn't realized how much I had missed being around horses while I have been away. I cleaned out their stalls, made sure they all had food and water, then took down the brush. One by one, I brushed them- Titan first, then Shadow, and then Domino. It had only been about an hour and a half, and since I didn’t have a list made for me or Walt here to tell me what all I needed to do, I decided to go for a ride.

“Hey, Domino. Do you want to go for a ride?” I grabbed the saddle, ready to feel the wind in my hair.

* * *

When I started, I kicked Domino into high gear so I could feel nothing but the wind blowing against my face, moving my hair every which way.

I pulled the reins to slow Domino down, taking in the scenery around me.

The sun was casting a bright light across the open fields, and the sounds of hooves against the soft earth were soothing, like a gentle heartbeat that matched mine.

I stopped Domino so I could admire the view around us, closing my eyes briefly to absorb it all.

I took a deep breath, smelling the flowers and grass.

As we continued, I could feel all my tension seep away.

The world around me was so alive, and after the night I had, I was ready to take on whatever the day would bring.

I began to make my way back to the ranch, the sun now fully lighting the path. The familiar sights of Texas Rose Ranch brought joy to my heart and a smile to my face, but the sounds of voices caught my attention.

Rounding a bend, I spotted Colt, my cowboy, and Walt unloading items from the back of their truck.

They were chatting about something- probably about what needed to be accomplished for the day.

I could see some bags and feed for the animals as I arrived closer to the barn to put Domino back in the stall.

I felt a warmth in my heart as I watched Colt and Walt work together, remembering all the times I sat on the porch or various places around the ranch through the years as kids, watching them two together.

Colt had always wanted to be like his dad and take over someday, and I knew this was his element.

He was made for this. I hopped off Domino, taking the lead in my hand, and walked him into the stall.

The smell of hay and leather surrounded me.

I rubbed his nose once I closed the stall door, pressing my forehead against him, feeling his warmth.

He was so gentle, and I was glad Colt had suggested I ride this horse.

I turned and hadn’t noticed that Colt had made his way inside the barn.

He was organizing the supplies he and Walt had picked up in town this morning.

I steppedcloser to him, trying to get a look at him.

We had shared such a close bond as kids, and I could feel how close we were starting to get after this time being back here, especially after last night.

I approached him, trying to catch his eye.

“Hey, Colt. How was the trip?” I was trying to keep it casual, not trying to get ahead of myself or let any anxiety creep in.

Colt turned to look at me for a moment, giving me a small smile, but then he quickly turned back to continue unpacking things from the bags and boxes.

“It was good. Just got what we needed.” His response was quick, not giving me much room to continue the conversation. I furrowed my brow, twisting a piece of my hair through my fingers.

“I saw you and your dad talking when I got back from riding Domino. You two seemed like you had a good time. Did you find anything interesting in town?” I placed my hand against his back, wanting to have a little reminder of our time together and the way it felt when we touched.

I hoped pressing him further would help him open up and continue the conversation.

Colt shifted his weight just enough so my hand was no longer touching his back. He glanced around the barn like he was looking for something. I turned, unsure if he was going to speak or not.

“Yeah, just the usual stuff. Just a typical trip.” He was still avoiding my gaze, and I could feel the anxiety creep up on me. A lump formed in my throat and I felt sweat form on my hands. I wiped them on my jeans. I took a step closer to Colt, trying to remain calm.

“Colt, is everything okay? You seem…different.” I spoke softly, hoping that he couldn’t sense all the emotions I was currently trying to suppress.

“Did you and your dad get into a disagreement while you were in town or something? If you did, you can tell me. You can talk to me about it, whatever it is.”

He finally looked at me, and for a moment I caught a glimpse of the same man that asked me to dinner yesterday.

The same man who took me on what apparently was my first date.

The same man that had so much gentleness in him, despite his rugged exterior.

The same man that touched me so gently and softly, making me crave something I had never felt before.

I hoped his expression would lighten up, but when he turned again, I was filled with so much uncertainty.

“I’m fine, Daisy. Just tired, I guess.” His words felt rehearsed. I folded my arms, contemplating my next words.

“You know you can talk to me, right? We always used to talk to each other about everything. If something is bothering you…”

“It’s nothing. I’m fine. Just busy. There’s a lot to get done today.

” I felt worried, hating the way this was going.

I just wanted a conversation with him, and this was not how I expected our first interaction to go after last night.

I didn’t want to keep prying, but I knew I deserved more than this.

He tried to shut me down once when we were kids, and another time since I had started staying here, and I wasn’t about to let him do it again.

“Colt, I’m just…worried. I don’t want you to feel like you ca n’t tell me things or need to hide stuff from me.

I want to be here for you. After last night, I thought there was something between us.

” When he didn’t give me a response, I continued.

“Was it only a one-time thing? Was it just a way for you to get a little action since you don’t get much?

If you were just using me, then at least be man enough to tell me.

” He turned quickly, his expression dark.

“You know dang well that I’m not like that.”

“Then tell me the truth.” He sighed.

“Will you please just let this go? I don’t want my dad to see us talking like this.”

“Like what? We’re just having a conversation.” I was so frustrated, but I tried to keep calm and not raise my voice to where Walt could hear.

“Yeah, but if he saw this right now, he would be able to see that this isn’t a friendly conversation. He would know something’s up, and I’m not ready to deal with that. I still haven’t figured out what to say to him…how to explain this.”

“Explain? Can’t you just tell him that we’re seeing each other?”

“You don’t understand. It’s not that simple.”

“You’re right. I don’t understand. I don’t understand because you won’t tell me anything.” I paused, trying to catch my breath. “Colt, you have to know that I’m just worried about you.”

“I know, Daisy.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

“So? Are you going to tell me?”

“When my dad told me he agreed with John to let you stay here, he made me promise him something.”

“Okay?”

“He told me you were here to learn hard work. ”

“I’m so sick of hearing that.”

“Will you let me finish?” I nodded. “He told me that he was doing this as a favor to your father, one that he owed him. I told him he had nothing to worry about.”

“That still doesn’t explain this…”

“He told me to leave you be.” I could feel my blood boiling. Was Colt saying what I thought he was saying? “He told me that I was to leave you alone…I wasn’t supposed to let anything happen between us. This was supposed to be strictly business.”

“So, let me get this straight. Your dad basically told you to keep your hands off me? Is that it?” He nodded.

“Daisy…” He reached out to touch me, then stopped himself.

“Tell me one more thing. Did you agree?” He nodded. No. It couldn’t be. How could he do something like this to me? He swore he’d never hurt me and now look at this. Look at what he’s done.

“Daisy, I’m sorry.”

“Are you sorry that your dad told you to do that,although he had no right to? Are you sorry that you agreed? Or are you sorry that you asked me out last night and things ended up getting heated between us?” He didn’t answer.

All he could do was look at the ground, keeping his eyes off me.

I felt tears swelling in my eyes. I wasn’t weak and I wasn’t going to let him see me like this.

I took off toward the house, not looking back.