Page 110 of Lassoed Love

I need to bite the bullet, confront my fears, and reach out toXavier. We need to talk, hash out everything that’s been going on between us. It’s time to mend what’s broken, not just with my father, but with the people who still have a place in my life.

Pulling out my phone, I move my fingers over the screen, pulling up my text messages with Xavier. My heart aches at the sight of the last message from him.

Just weeks ago, things had finally started to fall into place, and look where I’ve gotten myself now. I release a long sigh and begin typing out a message.Is he even going to reply?Ugh.Why am I so nervous all of a sudden?After multiple tries, I manage to type out:

I hit send, my heart pounding in my chest as I wait for a response. The seconds tick by slowly, each one feeling like an eternity. Why am I so nervous? I just need to talk to him, to fix things between us.

As the message shows ‘Delivered’, a wave of anxiety washes over me, its grip tightening around my chest.What if he doesn’t reply?The thought alone sends a jolt of embarrassment through me. I feel my heart racing, my palms growing clammy.

Desperate to quell the rising panic, I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I remind myself that I can handle whatever response comes my way. I close my eyes briefly,focusing on the sensation of my breath entering and leaving my lungs, a grounding technique I learned from a mindfulness app recently. After a moment, I open my eyes, my resolve firm. Fuck this feeling. I can’t let fear hold me back.

I’m going there anyway because I need to. I need to make things right.

I need him.

42

Burn, Burn, Burn - Zach Bryan

Bent down in the barn, I’m busy cleaning out Duchess’s hooves. Blue’s done, and I’m all fucking sweaty. The weather outside today is a bit gloomy, but this grind of hard work makes you break a sweat, without a doubt. I wipe my forehead with the back of my arm, before moving to lift one of her strong legs onto my thigh.

Before I can continue, Blue in his stall starts whinnying loudly, knocking against the stall. That old trick again—he’s restless and wants to get out.

“Alright, Blue, you impatient brute. I’ll take you out.” I mutter, earning a snort from the horse as if he understands every word. I shake my head, smirking. Duchess nudges my shoulder playfully, and I chuckle. Never a dull moment with these two.

“Easy, girl. Just finishing up here.” The routine in the barn keeps my mind occupied, providing a momentary escape from the outside world.

As I finish cleaning up her hooves, giving Duchess a quick pat, I lead her back to her stall—but I’m stunted for a moment, as a sensation tingles at the back of my neck at the feeling of a presencefrom behind. I don’t need to turn around to know it’s her. I’ve grown so attuned to her presence that it’s become second nature.

My body reacts before my mind fully comprehends, a shudder coursing through me. Slowly, I turn around to face the woman who’s become the rhythm to my heartbeat. It’s been weeks since I last saw her, and the sight of her now leaves me breathless.

Still gripping Duchess’s bridle, the charged air between us is palpable. Our eyes lock, a silent exchange that speaks volumes. She glances down, attempting to conceal a small smile, and I seize the moment to truly take her in. Dressed in those damn perfect blue jeans that cling to her curves, she’s a sight that I’ve longed for. The work boots and the frill-sleeved black t-shirt tucked into her jeans—fuck, I’ve missed her. My craving for her touch intensifies. When she looks up, our eyes meet, and a blush instantly paints her cheeks a rosy hue. So, we’re back to this now, huh?

Isla breaks the silence with a timid, “Hey.”

“Hi,” I respond, my voice gruffer than I intended, but a smirk plays on my lips.

I notice her voice soften as she continues, “I, uh, sent you a text…” Her words trail off.

I pat the back of my jeans, realising my phone isn’t there. It must’ve been left inside the house. “My phone is inside. Sorry.”

“That’s... all good,” she says, fiddling with the hem of her shirt.

My gaze lingers on her, tracing the lines of her face, the subtle changes that time has brought.

The silence stretches, a chasm of unspoken words and unresolvedfeelings. As I look at her, I notice a subtle fragility, a frailty that wasn’t there the last time we crossed paths. She seems to have lost a bit of weight, and the realisation tugs at my chest. I can’t help but wonder about the stress and turmoil she’s been through, the toll it’s taken on her body.

The ache in my chest deepens, a mix of concern and an unspoken desire to shield her from whatever burdens she carries.

Duchess shifts restlessly, sensing the tension in the air. I release her bridle, my hands now free, but uncertain of where to put them. Isla’s eyes meet mine again, and I can see the vulnerability in them, a reflection of my own feelings mirrored back at me.

She begins to speak, her words stumbling and stuttering as she tries to express her remorse. “Xavier, I’m... I’m so sorry,” she stammers, a genuine regret in her eyes. “I’m such an idiot for what I did. I was just... scared,” her voice falters, the vulnerability palpable in the air.

As she speaks, a heavy silence lingers in the barn. The air is thick with tension, the only sound breaking the quietude is the distant rustling of leaves outside. My gaze remains fixed on her, my eyes betraying a mix of emotions—confusion, hurt, and a lingering affection that refuses to fade away.

Isla continues, her words carrying the weight of her sincerity.

“I never wanted to push you away. I was just overwhelmed with everything – my dad, the accident, and then us.” She glances down at her hands, fingers nervously intertwining. “I thought I needed space, but now... now I just realise how much I miss you.”

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