Page 46 of Save A Horse (Texas Rose Ranch #1)

Daisy

C olt was standing near the door, and he looked so handsome. The light glimmered off my dress, and I watched as his eyes drifted down and up my body. He was taking me all in, and I didn’t mind it. I liked it. The dress hugged my curves perfectly, and I knew he was admiring the fit.

I walked as close to him as I could without running him over. His eyes never strayed from me, and I was enjoying how captivated he was. I leaned against the doorframe, a playful smirk on my lips as I looked into Colt’s eyes.

“What do you think? Is it too much? I can change.” I looked down at the dress, teasing him. He didn’t speak. Instead, he grabbed my arm and pulled me into him.

“Not too much.” His lips crashed onto mine, and his hands made their way to my hips. He tightened his grip, and I was afraid that if we didn’t stop that we would never get to the bar and get any food.

“Better slow your roll, cowboy. I’m hungry.”

“For? ”

“Food.”

“Well, then, let’s get you to the bar and get some food in your stomach.” He opened the door for me, and I followed him out, making sure to stop at the passenger door of his truck so he could open it as well. I didn’t dare mess with his manners.

The engine hummed softly as Colt headed out the gravel drive toward the main road. As we approached town, neon lights were blurring into streaks of color. The windows were partially down, and the cool night air whipped through my curls. He had the radio on, and I hummed along with the tune.

“Excited?” I glanced over at him.

“Are you kidding? I’m starving.” I laughed.

“Oh, so I’m just a good meal to you, then?” I laughed again, playfully hitting his shoulder.

“I could use a good dance or two. It’s been way too long since we did that last.” I turned my face to look out the window, letting the wind hit my face. “Thanks for offering to take me out tonight, Colt. I needed a nice outing. It’ll be fun.”

“Anytime, Daisy.” He smiled, and it made me feel warm inside.

“Besides, I could use a good dance or two myself. Who knows how it will end?” He winked, and I remembered our last rendezvous at the bar, and how hot the kissing was between us that night.

I had craved him that night so much, for the first time since I had been on Texas Rose Ranch this summer.

As we pulled up to the bar, the sight of neon lights made me excited and reminiscent. The music spilled out into the parking lot, a welcome invitation with each vibration., My eyes lit up. I couldn’t wait to get inside and let the night unfold.

The moment we stepped inside the bar, the wave of sound and energy enveloped us. The sights of people dancing on the floor and the smell of alcohol consumed me. Colt led me through the crowd of people dancing, his hand gently guiding me until we arrived at the corner booth .

“This is perfect.” I slid into the booth across from Colt, seeing the waiter coming toward us.

“What can I get the two of you?” Colt looked at me to answer first.

“Burger and fries for me.”

“I’ll have the same, and two Michelob Ultras.” She jotted the order down in her notepad and took off.

We waited for the food, watching the people dancing and having some conversations.

“I guess the burger and fries were pretty good last time?”

“Oh, yeah. I like it. That’s why I got it again.” I glanced back at the people dancing and spoke again. “Where do you think your dad went?”

“Honestly…” Colt rubbed the back of his neck and adjusted his hat. “This isn’t the first time he has done this.”

“Really?”

“I followed him once to see where he was going.”

“And?”

“He went to this little spot right outside of town that he and my mom used to go together sometimes. He parked his truck and sat on the tailgate. It looked like he was talking a little bit, but I couldn’t hear him.

I stayed far enough back where he couldn’t see me.

I left, and any time he mentions something vague, I know that’s where he’s headed off to. ”

I wiped my eyes where tears had formed. I noticed the waitress carrying our food and drinks out of my peripheral vision. I grabbed the beer as soon as she set it on the table, and Colt grabbed his.

“This is exactly what I needed. Good food, good company.”

“To nights like these,” Colt chimed in.

“To nights like these. ”

As the last remnants of our food disappeared, a surge of energy filled me. Boot Scootin' Boogie by Brooks and Dunn blasted through the speakers.

“Okay.” I wiped my mouth with a napkin. “I’m ready to dance.” A group of people was on the dance floor, dancing to the music.

“Line dancing?” Colt raised an eyebrow.

“Absolutely. Come on, don’t tell me you’re too cool for this.” I took his hand, and he gave in to me, letting me lead him to the dance floor to join the crowd of honkeytonkers.

We jumped in, moving in unison with the others, creating a flurry of cowboy boots.

I fell into step with ease. I loved this song, and I had taught myself this line dance years ago, back when I was hoping that Colt would ask me to dance at some point.

I glanced over at Colt, who was a little less graceful.

I laughed lightly and watched as he found his rhythm.

With each repetition, Colt’s confidence grew, and he managed to throw in a couple of hoops and hollers in my direction.

The energy of this place was infectious, and I was extra thankful for this time with Colt tonight.

I liked seeing his playful, carefree side.

I got lost in the moment, letting everything else go. It was just us and the music.

The lights overhead beamed onto the dance floor. Everyone here seems so carefree and filled with excitement. Colt has the biggest smile on his face, really enjoying himself. My face was surely flushed, but I didn’t care. I threw my head back, laughing and having fun.

As the song was nearing its end, everyone cheered. I felt a surge of adrenaline, and I saw Colt wiping sweat from his forehead. I gave him a high-five.

“You good there, cowboy?”

“Oh, yeah. Never been better. ”

“I’m going to run to the restroom.” He nodded, and I went inside. I wiped away the sweat and checked my face. I let out a deep breath, trying to slow my breathing.

As I emerged from the bathroom, my eyes scanned the room for Colt.

When they landed on him, I saw a woman beside him.

She was all smiles and fluttering eyelashes, leaning in close, with her hand resting on his arm.

I saw her lips moving, an invitation in her eyes as she moved her arm to gesture to the dance floor.

I realized the band was starting to play a slow song. Filled with annoyance, I wanted to go up to her and tell her to stay away from my cowboy, but instead, I stayed still and watched. I was curious how Colt would respond.

Before I could step forward, I saw Colt remove the woman’s hand from his arm. He gave her a polite, yet firm smile, and made his way over to me. His sweet and sexy smile was plastered on his face as he took my hand in his.

“Daisy, would you do me the honor?” I nodded, smiling back at him.

As we made our way to the dance floor, I caught a peek at the woman who had just been near Colt. Her face fell at the sight of us. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t happy about it. I was thrilled.

Colt chose me.

He keeps choosing me.

We started dancing, my arms around his neck and leaning on his shoulders, and his hands perfectly fitting on my waist. We started swaying to the sounds of There’s The Sun by Zach Top.

“I love this song.”

“It’s a good one, for sure.”

“Who was that you were talking to?” I nodded my head toward where I had seen the two of them standing .

“I don’t even know her name. I couldn’t even get a word in, honestly. She only asked me to dance. And I declined. I only want to dance with you.”

“She’s not your type?” He shook his head.

“My type currently has her hands around my neck.”

In Colt’s arms, the world seemed to shrink.

All the noise and people around us faded away.

I felt one of his hands move from my waist, pressing gently against the small of my back.

I let him lead, guiding me in a slow, rhythmic sway.

I breathed in, taking in the scent of his cologne- still the same, woodsy scent he had always worn -and felt so much comfort.

Looking up at him, his eyes had a hint of a sparkle in them.

He had such warmth inside his eyes that were radiating, making me forget any doubts I ever had about this working between us.

I will be leaving tomorrow, and I had pushed that thought into the back of my mind, not wanting to think about it. I didn’t want to think about leaving my home again, and Colt.

As the music continued from the band, Colt pulled me in closer, his head resting on top of mine gently. I let one hand slide down to his chest, and I could feel the steady beat of his heart in sync with mine. It was comforting and a reminder of our special bond.

The song was nearing its end. Colt moved his head off mine and tilted my chin up with his hand.

His gaze was intense and loving. Time stopped as he leaned in, his lips meeting mine in a soft and tender kiss.

So many unspoken feelings were in that kiss, and I was afraid time was almost up for me to spill my heart out to Colt, letting him know exactly how I feel.

Our connection, though, was evident. A spark ignited within me, leaving me breathing heavily and wanting more.

“Come on.” Colt took my hand and led me to the door.

Outside, the night air was a good contrast to the humidity of the summer day. It had started to get warm inside the bar. The live band had clearly drawn in a lot of people tonight, and I could feel the heat from that many being gathered in one place.

Colt led me to his truck, and I remembered this scene all too well.

He leaned against the hood of the truck, turning to face me.

He had an expression of pure desire and hunger that mirrored my own.

We both wanted more than the kiss we had inside.

With one small tug, he drew me to him. I watched him look at my lips, and I took my own peek at his.

“Darlin’, I’m dying from the lack of the sweet taste of your skin on my lips.”

I wasn’t sure of anything else he could say that would make me feel the way I was feeling in this moment. It was the perfect chance, and I took it. I threw my arms around his neck and eagerly rushed my lips onto his. The kiss was anything but gentle.

It was passionate, fiery, full of longing and need.

His hands roamed my back, and I could feel a tingle down my spine.

With each touch, we pulled the other closer, like we were trying to become one.

Nothing else mattered but his touch and the feel of his lips on mine.

There was electricity running through my body, and I could feel the undeniable pull that drew us together.

Colt could very well be my forever.