Page 4 of The Heat of Intensity

“Heated moments? An orgasm to make your body light up and take your brain for a spin to hit pause on the shit that’s dragging you down. You’re still very much alive, Cosima. You can get that tight ass of yours on a horse, feel the sun warm your skin, and breathe in the fresh breeze flowing through the pasture.”

She starts to sputter and I’m getting tired of her excuses. I scoop her into my arms and jolt out the front door. She’s screaming and wiggling, but I struggle with calves and ride bulls for a living, so this bundle of woman is a welcome change.

I place her on her feet right next to the trailer.

“Stay put,” I tell her and open the trailer. “So, you can see some?”

I gently step into the trailer on the right side where my horse is. The Gypsy Cob is heavier than my Quarter horse, that’s why I put her on the left.

“Nothing in my right eye. The left one I’ve been experiencing some blurry vision but when I yelled at you there was a moment where I saw you perfectly clear.”

I guide Wendy, my horse, out of the trailer. “Can you tell what color Wendy is?”

Cosima steps closer and stretches her hand out to hold it in front of Wendy’s nose. A smile slides across my face to see Wendy press her nose against Cosima’s palm.

“She’s black,” Cosima croaks and steps even closer to stroke Wendy’s back.

The longing on her face is a punch to the gut.

“We’re gonna put them in the pasture and let them get some of the fire out of their bones. Then we can go for a ride together.” She starts to shake her head and I shut down all her reasons not to go when I add, “I’ll add a lead to help you guide her. We both know you have years of experience and can saddle up a horse blindfolded, and ride one all the same.”

A stray tear spills from her cheek when she croaks, “Why are you doing this?”

I reach out and cup the side of her face. She fucking flinches and I release a string of curses inside my head while I hold my ground and caress her cheek.

“You intrigue me even if you keep pushing me away. Through texts, straight to my face, or having your sister tell me to keep my distance. You’re captivating, Cosima. I actually enjoy our banter and the sass you throw at me. With what happened this morning? You should be able to endure my presence for your safety and my peace of mind.”

Her palm lingers on the neck of my horse. “Fine.”

“Good,” I rumble. “Let me get Wendy into the pasture. Stay put with your bare feet.”

Her mouth slides into a tight line, and I feel mine twitch from a hint of laughter. She’s definitely a sassy one who doesn’t like to be ordered around. The woman is used to taking charge and doing everything her own way.

Though, the day I met her she flirted with me while she was bleeding from being used as a fucking punching bag. Back then I promised her I’d blindfold her before I hogtie her and fuck her from behind. Cosima hummed in agreement even as her eyes were swollen shut, her body hurting from the assault she just went through. That woman is fucking strong even when life hits ground zero.

I’m getting the Gypsy Cob out of the trailer when I hear her soft words. “She’s gorgeous.”

“That she is,” I state and bring the mare closer.

Cosima reaches out and this horse responds in the same way as mine when she presses her nose against Cosima’s palm. She murmurs sweet words while stroking the horse’s head and neck.

“Now do you see why I couldn’t let you give her up?” I ask.

Her sad eyes hit me right in the chest. “I get your point, but seeing is not something I’m fully able to do…if I’ll ever be able. It’s selfish to buy a horse if I’m never able to ride.”

“Bullshit,” I growl. “You know damn well you’re working with your sister so she’ll be able to put Bluebell to work. And even if you don’t ever gain back your full eyesight, it doesn’t mean you’ll never ride again. Being selfish is sometimes good especially when you gain joy and pleasure to balance the shitty things in life. So, the reasoning you have when it comes to Bluebell isn’t valid because you’re not alone and have lots of shit to make sure that horse gets everything she needs.”

“Oh my stars, she’s gorgeous. Is she yours, Cosima? I thought you wanted to postpone buying a Gypsy Cob?” I hear Eastlynne gush as she strolls toward us, Rourke is right behind her.

Cosima turns her face away from her sister, so I answer for her. “I picked the mare up this morning from the Clyden’s Ranch. Hixon mentioned Bluebell doesn’t like being in the trailer alone so I brought my own horse. Besides, with y’all’s horses still at our ranch I thought it would be good to have a pasture buddy. How’re the stable renovations coming along?”

“Great,” Eastlynne quips.

“They’re as good as finished so the two horses can be put in a stable tonight,” Rourke states and lets his gaze land on me. “You’d need to pick up some shavings. They are putting in the stall mats later today.”

“Some hay as well and other stuff. Most of the equipment was lost in the fire,” Cosima remarks.

Eastlynne bobs her head and turns to my prez. I’m sure she’s about to suggest they’ll handle it, but it’s time for Cosima to get her mind focused on new things. Hell, if yelling at me caused her to get partially clear vision in one of her eyes? I’d say she needs to refocus and get a change of scenery.

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