Page 33 of Save A Horse (Texas Rose Ranch #1)
Colt
O n the drive back, I wanted to check on Daisy and make sure she was okay. I knew she was struggling on the way there, and even though it seemed like she was okay when I came out of the house, I wanted reassurance from her.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I’m good. I’m really good.” I loved hearing her say that. I was so happy that she got some reconciliation with her dad today. I knew she needed that. They both needed that.
“So…your dad knows about us?”
“Yep. He’s not going to say anything, though.”
“You sure?” She nodded.
“I’m sure. Don’t worry, Colt.” Now look at who is consoling whom.
“My dad will probably have supper ready when we get back.”
“Yeah. We’ve been gone about the whole day.”
“I’m sure my dad won’t mind that. He wanted the two of us to go.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“What did your dad say to you earlier when he pulled you to the side?”
“Oh.”
“Colt…was it about me?”
“Kind of.”
“Would you tell me? Or is it supposed to be a secret?”
“I guess it’s not really a secret.”
“So?”
“He just asked me to kind of watch out for you.”
“Huh?”
“He knew the situation with your dad had been strained, and he wanted me to make sure that you didn’t spout off something and dig a deeper barrier between the two of you.
He wanted you to go today to hopefully fix your relationship with your dad, or at least help it.
He knew if he went that you would see through his motives, and if I went, it might be easier. ”
“Oh.”
“He was just looking out for you.”
“Like he was with you when he asked you to promise him that there would only be business this summer and nothing more?”
I rolled my eyes a little, knowing that Daisy was right. John was right. I knew when Daisy got here, before anything happened between us, that she would be leaving to go back to the city once summer ends. I went through with it anyway. I let my desires take over.
I went back on my word to my dad, and I made the first move by asking her out.
To the bar.
To dance.
And I kissed her.
I made the first move.
The thought of her leaving at the end of summer was becoming more and more real to me, and my heart hurt thinking about it. I didn’t want her to go. I want her to stay…with me. I want her. I want us.
We pulled into the ranch, parking the truck beside the porch. I turned in my seat, moving my leg around so I could get a good view of Daisy.
“Daisy?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m glad things are good between you and your dad now.”
“Me, too.” Without thinking, I placed a hand on her leg. She looked down at it.
“Colt…”
“Daisy…”
“You two come on in and eat!” We turned quickly, getting out of the truck to see the front door swing open.
I should have been more careful, but I just wanted to tell Daisy how I feel. I want her to know that she doesn’t have to go. She can stay. We can have a life together. I hope that is what she wants, but she does have a life in the city.
One thought weighed heavier than any other.
What kind of man would I be to ask her to give up on her dream ?
We went inside and took a seat at the table where my dad had already laid out all the food.
Fried pork chops, mashed potatoes, and corn.
My stomach growled. I hadn’t eaten since earlier in the day, and I was hungry.
I was sure Daisy was hungry, too. I pushed the conflicting thoughts away and made myself a plate.
“So, how did today go? Were there a lot of them?”
“Ah, there weren’t too many.”
“Daisy, how was it?”
“Oh, it was good.”
“It was good?”
“Yeah. It was. Thanks for sending me out there today.” I glanced from Daisy to my dad and could see a smile form on his face. This was his doing. I knew how much it meant to Daisy, and because of that, it meant a lot to me.
“Not a problem, Daisy.” I knew my dad wasn’t going to pry and ask if they talked or what they talked about. He could tell the day went well, and that is all that really mattered to him.
“Well, you two…I don’t know about you, but I’m tuckered out. Working on a ranch by yourself is a tough job.”
“I’ll grab the dishes, Dad.” He nodded and stood from the table.
“I’m going to head out in the morning and take a few calves out to the sale. You two are alright to stay here and take care of things.”
“We can do it, dad.” He walked down the hall to his room. I turned to look at Daisy sitting across from me.
“So?”
“So?”
“We have a little time to ourselves, darlin’.”
“Seems like we will have a little time to ourselves tomorrow, too.” She winked, and my heart fluttered.
“I have some ideas for that.”
“Oh really?”
“Oh, yeah. Big plans there. But first, we have right now, and I want to do a little something.”
“Hmm…what could you have in mind?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Let’s go out on the porch, cowboy.” I followed her outside, my head pressed gently on the small of her back.
Once out there, I pushed her against the wall, extending my left arm with my hand pressed beside her head.
The roughness of the house contrasted with the softness of her body.
I took my right hand and grabbed her chin, lifting her head up where her eyes stared completely into mine.
I wanted her to see how I felt. I wanted her to see the hunger I had for her.
“What are you waiting on, cowboy?” I took that as permission, and I firmly let our lips meet.
I grazed my hand down her body, keeping a slow and steady pace. My fingers traced the curves of her waist, exploring the way her body was responding to my touch. She was melting against me, and I could feel my heart racing. She leaned into the kiss, deepening it. It only made me want her more.
Her fingers found their way to my hair, and I was sure this must be one of her favorite things.
She had done this several times now when we kissed, and I was enjoying the way my loose curls were being gently pulled.
With her hand in my hair, she pulled me closer.
I moved one hand to lift her leg some. The kiss became more passionate. Each movement lit a fire inside of me.
I slid my hand down further, taking my time to save this moment. I felt her breath hitch with each caress. I moved my lips, trailing them from her mouth to her neck, planting soft kisses along the way. She gasped, arching her body toward me .
Each kiss was a promise of my feelings for her. That I cared for her and would continue to be there for her in any way she needed.
I pulled back slightly to gaze into her eyes. I could see the desire and tenderness in them. I was amazed at how much this woman had hold of me. She could ask me to do anything for her, and I would. I would run through fire for her.
“You have no idea what you do to me,” I whispered, my voice low and husky. She smiled with flushed cheeks. I was so captivated by her.
“You make me feel alive.” She whispered, her voice barely above a breath. I gave her a smirk and leaned in again.
I captured her mouth with his, pouring all my unspoken thoughts and feelings into the kiss.
I was waiting for her response, and then her hands moved to my chest. She placed one hand on my chest, and I was sure she could feel the thump of my heart beneath her fingertips.
How could a woman make me feel this way?
No one has ever made me even a little excited, but Daisy sure can. She always made me feel electrified.
Every kiss and every touch reminded me of the undeniable connection we shared.
We couldn’t be separated as kids, and we couldn’t be separated now.
I clung to her.
My heart clung to her.
The porch once again was a little safe haven for a private sanctuary. It was a place away from everyone and everything- where it was just the two of us.
The sun was setting. A beautiful, golden hue captured the sky.
I pulled away and pressed my forehead against hers. We were both breathing heavily, needing to catch our breath .
“I don’t want this to end,” I whispered and looked up.
She nodded, and I could see how the look on her face had changed.
I kissed her forehead softly. Daisy wrapped her arms around my waist, pulling her chest into me.
I put my arms around her and held her tight.
I could tell she was scared and afraid of what would come of this.
The weight of summer ending was heavy on her, too.
“I got you, darlin’. I got you.” She squeezed tighter, and so did I.