Page 35 of Save A Horse (Texas Rose Ranch #1)

Colt

A s I pulled the truck up to the house, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue through the sky.

I felt a rush of heat as I stepped out of the truck and headed to Daisy’s side of the truck to open her door.

I followed behind her to the door of the house, opening it for her.

I quickly jumped back with the pang I had just felt.

“Hey!”

“Sorry, cowboy. I just couldn’t help myself.”

“Darlin’, are you admitting you’ve been checking out my butt?” She grinned ever so slightly, her teeth biting on her lip. Dang, she was tempting.

“Sure am.” I pulled her inside and pushed her against the back of the door. I leaned in, taking a moment to look at her before planting a kiss on her lips.

“Let’s get cleaned up.” She held a playful grin, playfully messing up my hair.

Daisy nodded, my heart jumping at the sight of her.

She walked down the hallway, and I followed behind, stopping at my room and watching as she continued to hers.

“I’ll hop in the shower first so I can go work on supper!

” I no longer saw her, but I knew she was listening.

I went to the bathroom first to shower and change. I had left Daisy with plenty of thoughts to keep her mind occupied while she was waiting for me to finish. Honestly, she had left me with plenty, too.

I love the way she moves.

I loved the way she never backs down from a challenge and is always up for an adventure.

I love the way she makes me smile.

I love her laugh and the way she gets louder with each chuckle.

I love her confidence.

I love the way she makes me feel like a crazy, in-love teenager again.

After a few minutes, I emerged from the bathroom, steam flooding behind me. I peeked out the door and called to Daisy.

“Hey! I’m out now. You can go ahead!” She came out of her room and peered at me. I could see her throat bob as she swallowed. There was something undeniably intimate about this moment. The air was thick with unspoken words, shared warmth, and familiar glances.

I went back inside my room, changed, and ran to the kitchen to get the meal started cooking.

I wanted it to be ready as soon as possible.

I pulled out some steaks from the fridge and some green beans I had left thawing.

I cut two potatoes down the middle, keeping them whole, and tossed them in the microwave to start cooking.

I seasoned the steaks and slapped them on a pan with high heat, listening to the sizzling sounds, and put the green beans in a kettle with some salt and butter .

“Smells amazing in here.” I turned and saw Daisy with her hair in a messy bun, a worn T-shirt, and shorts completing the look.

“Thank you. I’m not finished just yet.”

“No worries. Don’t get your panties in a wad, cowboy. I can wait.” She pulled some plates out of the cabinet and placed them and some silverware on the table.

“You don’t have to do that. I will get to it.”

“Nonsense. You’re cooking. The least I can do is set the table.”

She came closer to where I was standing at the stove and wrapped her arms around my waist from behind. I could feel the weight of her head as she pressed it against my back, and I wanted to take her right then and there, but I knew it wasn’t the right time.

“Hope you’re hungry. Food’s ready.” She let go and made her way to the table, and I followed behind her with the food. “One more thing.” I walked into the living room, returning with a candle. I grabbed the lighter from the top of the fridge and lit it, placing it between us.

“Look at you pulling out all the stops. Colt Hogan trying to be romantic?” I nodded, and I could see the way her face lit up. She was enjoying herself.

We started eating, giving quick glances and nonstop smiles.

She was perfect. She was everything I could ever want in a woman.

I had a plan for this evening, and I knew that I wanted to do this one last thing before we were too tired to stay awake any longer, and before my dad showed up later tonight.

I scooted the chair beside me out a little and pulled something up from it, placing it on the table.

Daisy looked down, and she knew exactly what it was.

“My journal?” I nodded. “How do you have it? ”

“I found it after you moved away. I needed some space to be alone for a bit, so I went up into the tree house. I saw it there and picked it up.”

I remember that day like yesterday. It was the day my mom died.

I went out into the treehouse and sat there, wishing all the pain would disappear.

I had lost my mom, and I didn’t have the one person in my life who always made me feel comforted.

I didn’t have Daisy. That was one of the few times that I have ever cried.

I cried because of the pain.

I cried because of my mom being gone.

I cried because of all the things my mom wouldn’t be here for.

And I cried for my lost friendship, the one I wanted back more than anything.

I cried for the love of my life to return.

“I thought I had lost it.” I picked it up and handed it to her. I saw a look of fear flood her face.

“Did you read it?” My face lit up, a mischievous grin forming. I knew Daisy, and she wouldn’t stay mad at me over something like this. She could never stay mad at me.

“You mention several times wanting to wear the cowboy hat.” She covered her face partially with the book, trying to hide her rosy cheeks. “You know what they say about that, don’t you?”

“What’s that, cowboy?”

“If you wear the hat, you ride the cowboy.”

“I’ve heard that before.”

“So?” She raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve not worn your cowboy hat yet.” She was telling the truth, but there was an easy solution .

“Well, we can fix that.” I rose from the table, placing one hand on my hat to take it off and place it on her head, but I was stopped by her hand.

I knew she was trying to stop me, and we both returned to our seats.

“There’s plenty of spots here on the ranch that I think could be christened. ” I winked.

“Maybe we could do that at one point.”

“Check the page that’s bookmarked.” She looked down and then back up at me as if asking for permission. I nodded, then she opened the page.

——————

I saw Colt again today. We went swimming. And I am here to admit that I am seeing Colt in a different light.

His laugh.

His smile.

The way his eyes sparkle in the sun.

The way he listens to me and clings to every word that leaves my lips.

We made the most of today and had a lot of fun. I enjoy every moment being with him. Every interaction throughout the day made my feelings grow stronger, but I wasn’t ready to tell him.

Our connection is still growing, and all I want is to know if he feels the way I do.

He asked me if we would always come here, and I told him I hope so. That spot is special. Being with Colt is special. I want to keep doing things with Colt that we have always done. I always want to be in his life.

The last thing I told him was that I couldn’t imagine summer without him, and that is true.

————— —

I finished eating while Daisy read through the page. Each entry in her journal was filled with memories and moments. Each entry was filled with details and feelings about me. When she finished reading, she looked up at me and we smiled at one another. Daisy needed my soft side right now.

“Looks like we ended up spending summers without each other.” She nodded, and I could see tears forming in her eyes. Oh, no. I hated seeing her cry more than anything in this world. It hurt when we were kids, and it hurts now.

I stood up from my seat and made my way over to her. I got down in front of her and placed a reassuring hand on her leg. I put my other hand on her chin and moved her head up so she would look at me.

“Daisy, it’s alright. I don’t want you to cry.

It was never my intention to make you upset by giving your journal back.

” I felt so bad and guilty for causing her to cry.

I didn’t want to cause her any pain. I never wanted to do that.

Flashbacks of not telling her about my promise to my dad came back, and I couldn’t stand the thought of hurting her anymore. I couldn’t handle it.

“I know.”

“Why are you crying?” I took my thumb and raked it across her cheek to get rid of her tears.

“Because it’s my fault.”

“What’s your fault?” I was unsure what she was talking about, but I would try to fix it if I could.

“Why did we spend all those years separated and never see each other. That is my fault.” She wiped her face, making the tears disappear. “I’m sorry.”

“Daisy, it’s okay.” She put her head on my chest. “You needed time and space. I understand. You don’t have to apologize to me for how you needed to heal. We all deal with things our own way. It’s okay.” She sniffed .

“So, you read it all?”

“Every word.” I watched her look down at her journal.

I took it gently from her hands and turned to another page.

“I’ve had a really nice time with you today, darlin’, but I am worn out.

I will see you in the morning. Don’t worry about the dishes.

I will get them in the morning.” I gave the journal back to her and placed a kiss on her forehead before going down the hall.