Page 8 of Save A Horse (Texas Rose Ranch #1)

Daisy

I was back to the same routine that I had every day of the summer, minus a few days when Walt decided there was something else that I needed to do around the ranch.

I was a little distracted by Colt’s comment last night.

I didn’t understand why he said I could’ve fooled him.

I told the truth. I had never been out on a date.

Even after I finished what chores I had to do around the ranch, I made sure to find something else to do to occupy my mind so I wouldn’t think about Colt.

Our conversation had left me a bit confused.

I saw Colt around the ranch a few times throughout the day.

I wasn’t sure what to say to him, but I figured I’d just let him lead.

He had been all over the ranch today, and I knew he had to see me when he walked from the fence where he had the cows to the house.

He didn’t speak, though. He didn’t even look up at me.

I brushed it off, assuming he was probably just busy or tired.

When he came into the barn, though- where I was rubbing Domino’s head- I knew there was no way he would see me.

He was purposefully ignoring me, and I didn’t know why.

Did I say something wrong last night? I mean, I don’t think I did.

I scooted over in front of him when he turned to walk out .

“Can you move?”

“Can I move?”

“Yes. I need to get this back to my dad. We’re moving the cattle.”

“Oh…uh, yeah.” I moved back over toward Domino’s stall.

“Thanks. I’ll be back to saddle up Shadow. I’m going to need him to help with the cattle.” He nodded his head up in the way that men do. I looked back at Domino.

“That was weird to you, too, wasn’t it?” Now I'm talking to a horse. I brushed my hand against Domino's nose.

When Colt got back in the barn, I wanted to ask him what was wrong, but I didn’t know what to say, especially if he was mad at me for something. Saying the wrong thing could make things worse. “Colt?”

“I don’t have time to talk right now, Daisy.

I have to get Shadow saddled up so I can get out to the pasture to help my dad.

” I walked away and went into the house for something to drink instead.

I knew how Walt could be, so maybe Colt was in a bad mood because he had spent the whole day right alongside his dad.

That was a lot easier on me than my brain tossing and turning over the thought that I had something to do with Colt’s strange behavior today.

Still, it reminded me of a time when we were younger, and I was 14 and he was 16.

? ? ?

“Colt, what is wrong with you?”

“Daisy, nothing’s wrong, okay? I’m just busy.”

“You keep saying that, but you can’t always be busy. I thought we were friends.”

“We are friends!” I flinched, realizing that he was yelling at me. Did I upset him? Did my being here bother him that much? Were we not friends anymore? What did I do that was so terrible? “Daisy, I’m sorry for yelling. ”

“No, you’re not, and if my being here bothers you so bad, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. I’ll tell my mom that I don’t feel good and want to go home. I’ll be out of here soon.” I turned and started walking toward the house where our mothers were.

“Daisy…”

“What, Colt?” I turned back toward him.

“I am sorry.” I nodded, acknowledging his words but still unsure if I believed him.

“Why have you been avoiding me? And I want the truth this time.” Colt was avoiding eye contact with me, his eyes fixed on the ground.

“I said something last time you were here that I shouldn’t have.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah…last week when you were here…I told you that it would be nice if sometimes it were just the two of us…”

“Well, Colt, it would be nice.” He looked up at me.

“Really?”

“Well, yeah.” I walked closer to him. “I’d like to be able to just be around my friend without anyone else around.

I can talk to you about anything, Colt, and it would be nice to share things with you without having to worry about anyone else hearing.

You’re my best friend. I wouldn’t want anything to mess that up. ”

“Yeah…I wouldn’t want that either.”

? ? ?

I knew if I had spoken another word to Colt in the barn that it would not have ended well.

I wasn’t the type of woman to let any man run right over me.

My dad was the only one I would ever listen to, and I hadn’t spoken to Colt since before my mother died.

It’s not like we stayed in touch after I graduated and moved, and I wouldn't call us friends now. I wasn’t going to let him just talk to me any way he wanted.

He did have work to do, and I wasn’t going to interfere with that, but I made up my mind that I was going to confront him about this later.

I waited on the porch for a bit, taking sips of my water and looking out into the pasture where Walt and Colt were finishing up.

I told Domino earlier that I would brush him, and I was going to keep my word.

I went into the barn and grabbed the brush before opening his stall.

He was so calm and gentle. He reminded me of my old horse.

Colt came in with Shadow, following Walt and Titan.

“Daisy, can you put Titan up for me?” I nodded.

“Yes, of course.” I put Titan up, sneaking a look at Colt.

I took the brush and started brushing Titan.

I’m sure he would enjoy it after a long day with the cattle.

I debated on what to say to Colt. He was still inside, and I turned to see him rubbing Shadow’s neck.

I wondered how his calloused hands felt.

With each stroke, it was like witnessing a dance of strength and gentleness, revealing the deep bond he shared with his horse.

It was like a silent language only they understood.

I wondered how much Shadow understood about Colt.

Did he know why Colt was being distant with me today?

If only animals could talk, I might have my answer.

I lingered for a moment more and hung up the brush, ready to go shower and eat.

“Hey, Daisy.” I turned as Colt was scratching his head, pushing hair back out of his face, and readjusting his worn Stetson.

“Hm?”

“My dad said he’s going over to your dads’ for a drink. He’ll probably be out a little later than usual.”

“Oh. Okay. I can make us something to eat if you want.” Was that all Colt had to say?

“Do you…I mean…if you want…would you want to go out? I mean, we could go to the bar in town and get some food there?” I smiled, realizing what Colt was trying, yet struggling so badly, to do.

It had been a while for him, and for me, it had never happened.

I walked closer to where he was standing, leaning against the stall.

“Colt Hogan, are you asking me on a date?” He looked up at me.

“Yeah, I guess I am. Unless you don't want to call it that, then it is two old friends getting reacquainted."

“Give me enough time to shower and I’ll be ready. " I turned toward the house. "You had better clean up, too. You stink.” He nervously laughed, and I left him standing there while I went inside.

I was a little shocked. I didn’t want to be here in the first place, and I didn’t expect to rekindle any kind of friendship with Colt.

I was surprised by both of those, but this, however, topped it all.

Colt Hogan asked me out. I always thought he was cute when we were kids, but we were friends, and our parents were friends…

I never let anything become of it, and I sure as heck didn’t ever tell him. Some things are better left unsaid.

I showered and then came the hardest part- picking out an outfit.

I didn’t have a lot to choose from that would fit the bar crowd, but I did have one little number that I had picked up not long before I left the city.

I slipped on some tights and a tight, black dress.

I added short, black boots, a thin, cream-colored sweater with black western designs all over it that I had for years and couldn’t bring myself to ever get rid of, and a pair of silver earrings my mother had given me for the last birthday of mine she was here for.

I looked in the mirror, wondering if it was all too much.

Should I change? I didn’t have a clue. I had never been on a date.

I had gone out to bars and clubs in the city, but I never really danced or went out with anyone.

I just liked to feel included sometimes.

I walked out into the hall after hearing footsteps.

Was I really doing this? Why did I agree to this? I was so nervous.

“Colt? ”

“Yeah?” I looked out the door as I caught a glimpse of him taking a seat at the table, clearly ready to go and waiting for me.

He had on a pair of Wranglers, the ones that fit him in all the right places.

Oh, that man sure fills out a pair of Wranglers to perfection.

He was wearing his boots, of course. I wouldn’t expect anything less.

He also had a blue and brown Aztec-designed pearl snap.

I loved a man who wore those. He topped it all off with a brown jacket.

“Why are you just sticking your head out the door like that? Are you ready?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean you don’t know?”

“I think maybe I should change.”

“Let me see.”