Page 25 of Save A Horse (Texas Rose Ranch #1)

Colt

I couldn’t believe my dad remembered all the details of that story.

It was so long ago, but I guess it was a little bit of a scary moment.

I had been scared and a little embarrassed that I had been so stupid to not think of how I was going to get down once I got up there.

After that incident, I always thought things like that through before doing anything.

My dad decided to go to bed, so I started cleaning up the dishes. I was glad that Daisy and I were finally alone again. I was sure that I would be wishing for that a lot more for the rest of the summer with her.

Daisy came up beside me, gently brushing her hand against my back, taking a towel in her hand.

“I’ll help by drying them.” I smiled at her.

We did the dishes in silence, and I just admired the way that being in her presence brought so much comfort to me. Daisy was impeccable and this evening between us was picture-perfect .

“Hey?”

“Hm?”

“So, what do you want to do now that we have some time to ourselves?” There were a lot of things I wanted to do, but I couldn’t risk it all right now, especially with my dad just in another room.

“Do you want to go out on the porch for a bit?”

That was probably a safe option for us. My dad usually slept through the night until six a.m. when he got up, but being outside would give us some more relief and security.

“I could use some fresh air.” I

I wanted so desperately to take her hand in mine, but I couldn’t risk my dad seeing us.

We walked out onto the porch, me quietly shutting the door behind us as not to disturb my dad.

We took seats in the rocking chairs. My dad had built them for my mom.

She always wanted a pair of them and a porch swing, and anything she wanted, my dad made happen.

“It’s nice being back here.” I turned, facing her.She was looking out toward the fields. “I’ve…missed this. I guess I never really realized how much.”

“Yeah…I’ve…I never realized how much I missed having you around this place until you came back.

I could feel it the moment I saw you, struggling with the gate…

our hands brushed against each other when I came over to help you, and I…

I felt something.” I probably sounded crazy to her. "It sounds crazy, doesn't it?"

“You felt that, too?” I nodded, a surprised look on my face.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Why did you never come back here? I mean…you came here for my mom’s funeral, but your dad said he never saw you otherwise. ”

“He came to visit me once, but I knew he felt so out of place that he wouldn’t be back.

" I could see the hurt in her eyes. I felt so bad for her.

I knew the death of her mom hit her hard.

It me hard, too, when my mom passed. I was thankful for the twenty years I had with her, but Daisy only had sixteen years with hers.

She didn't have her mom by her side for the rest of high school, her graduation from high school or college, or when she moved for college.

I had my mom through high school. I never realized my situation could have been worse.

"Sometimes I wish he had come back…maybe shown me a little more support.”

“But why didn’t you come here? It works both ways…doesn’t it?”

“I was struggling. I guess…in ways…I still am.” She paused for a moment, then stood and walked over the wooden railing.

She folded her arms and propped herself against it.

“After my mom died, I felt like a piece of me was missing. She was the rock, and then she was gone, just like that. I told you I have blamed myself.”

“Yes, you did. But Daisy, I told you it wasn’t your fault.” I stood up and walked over to her, leaning against the railing beside her. “That’s the truth. What happened is not your fault.”

“Okay.”

“Can I tell you something?”

“Yes.”

“Your dad did want to visit you more.”

“What?”

“I heard him and my dad talking. He told my dad that he wanted to go visit you again, but he wanted you to come home, and he didn’t know how to get you to do that.”

“Why does he want me here so badly?”

“Is it that bad being here? ”

“This is where it all happened…all the pain. This place reminded me so much of my mom and being at the ranch with my dad; it just reminds me so much of her and what happened. I hate that feeling. I hate that pain. I left because I was struggling, and that’s why I never looked back.”

“Your dad was struggling, too.”

“I guess I’ve not been the best daughter. I just wish he had tried to talk to me. He left that all up to me.” We didn’t speak for a few minutes, just stood on the porch. I glanced at her a few times, then finally placed my hand on hers.

“Daisy, I know we have to keep this relationship between us hidden, but I can’t help how I feel about you. It feels so right.” I leaned toward her, eager to feel her touch. She leaned in, too.

“I feel the same way, cowboy, but you’re going to have to learn to keep your hands to yourself unless we are for sure alone.” She backed away, and that only made me want her more.

“Daisy?” She turned her head. “I promise that I am going to make this summer unforgettable.” She smiled, and that was like one huge green flag.

It was my time to go. I moved in close to her, wrapping one hand around her waist and the other against her cheek.

We stared into each other’s eyes, getting lost. I pushed her toward the wall of the house beside the front door.

“Colt…”

“Mm, mm.” She knew she only uses my real name when she is mad at me. I wanted her to say it again, but the right way this time.

“Cowboy…” I saw the teasing look on her face and I gave in.

My heart was racing, and my gaze was locked onto hers. There was such an intensity that shivers went down my spine. Holding her in place with one hand on each side of her, I moved my head and admired her whole body.

“I’ve wanted this for a while. My dad couldn’t go to bed soon enough.” Her cheeks flushed.

I didn’t give her a chance to respond before I pressed my lips on hers.

The kiss was electric, a fireigniting between us.

I moved back only for a second to let her breathe before diving right back in.

I moved my hands slowly down her body as I kissed her, feeling every inch of her.

She was melting into me, her hands now fisting my hair.

I knew she wanted more, and I wasn’t about to stop just yet.

I kept kissing her, this time agreeing to not stop until she used words to tell me she needed a breath.

I could feel her soften beneath me. She was letting her guard down and I felt so privileged to be in her presence for this moment.

I pulled her even closer to me, as if I were trying to make us one.

I lingered longer on her lips, taking in her taste and savoring every moment.

I pulled back and searched for her eyes, asking for permission to continue.

She nodded, and I planted kisses all the way down to her neck.

I could feel her shiver as she leaned her head back.

I now had perfect access to continue pleasing her.

I pulled back again after continuing for a while longer and gave her a quick breath as I returned to her lips.

The passion was as strong as ever. The world around us was gone, and all that mattered was the rhythm of our hearts beating in sync.

The porch had now become our private sanctuary under the stars.