Page 12 of Titus

Quinn

Finding out Titus is also staying at the Phoxes Den is kismet. All of the stars align and I’m giddy with excited energy. He wants me; I definitely want him. There’s no denying either and I’m ready for us to be alone.

He pulls up to the front of the lodge and places his hand on my lap. “I need to check on Phoenix before I go in. Stay and come with me,” he says before unlocking the doors.

I nod then turn back to Rini. “Good night, girl. See you at nine in the morning.”

“Ten. I’m going to skip breakfast. Have fun.” Rini smirks, then mouths, “Because I am.”

She and his cousin Lab get out and when they walk in the door, Titus pulls out of the driveway. He slowly drives to the back of the lodge and parts next to the trailer that was connectedto this truck. When we get out, I see his name in small letters on the front of the trailer.

I don’t know where his horse is or how we are getting to it but I truly don’t care. I’m with him and I’ll go wherever he wants at this point. The bourbon is coursing through my veins and I’m feeling right. I’m nowhere near drunk but I’m intoxicated with him.

He grabs my hand and we walk over to three parked ATVs. Two have enclosures and he opens the passenger side door to the first enclosed one. I get in and slide across the bench-like seat, closer to the driver side, so when he gets in, our bodies are touching.

“Are these free for us lodgers?” I ask and a low but deep chuckle falls from his lips.

“Free for this lodger. The owner, Beauden Phox, is my cousin. His dad and my mom are brother and sister.”

“Oh wow. Did you come here during your summers?”

“No. He didn’t get all of this until we were grown. My uncle and aunt have a smaller ranch.”

He starts the ATV then backs out of the space. We drive away from the lodge and pass a few barns, much land, and a small pond before pulling up to a huge stone brown and white home with multiple doors. He pulls right up to one of the doors then kills the engine, steps out, and comes to my side.

As soon as we walk inside, I realize this is an oversized stall. I follow him down the middle and we pass so many beautiful horses until we reach the end. He steps to the stall on the right. His black horse trots to the door and sticks her head out.

“They are all awake,” I comment.

“Horses don’t sleep like us. They only need a few hours.” He strokes Phoenix’s face as he continues. “She spends her nights grazing on this hay and snoozing while standing. When we are deep into competing, she sleeps a little more. She’ll stretch outon her side to get a few minutes of deep sleep. Come here. I want you two to meet,” he says and I step closer.

Phoenix is beautiful and being this close, I’m able to truly appreciate her splendor. Her charcoal skin and hair look so silky. I reach my hand out to touch her then pause. He told me no to touching her at the gas station.

“My bad,” I utter, then drop my hand.

“No, you can touch her. I need to see how she responds to you. Tread lightly because if she doesn’t approve, it’s a wrap,” he says and I laugh. However, when he remains serious looking, I stop.

“You’re serious,” I say.

“Dead ass. She’s really good at sensing intentions. If you just want to use my body and move on, she’ll know,” he says and this time he smiles.

“Stop fucking with me,” I tease.

“I am a little but real shit, horses are good at reading people. I just need to make sure my girl likes my soon to be lady,” he says smoothly. His free hand arm snakes around me and he pulls me into his side. Then he looks at his horse and says, “Phoenix, meet Quinn.” Then he turns to me. “Touch her side first. She has to warm up to you before she lets you caress her face.”

I run my hand down her side and her hair is really soft to the touch. She’s very warm and I can feel her muscles under her skin. As I stroke her, she makes soft noises, almost like deep purring. Then she turns her head to me and nuzzles into my side.

“You got her approval,” he says and I move my hand to her face.

“You’re so pretty,” I compliment and she neighs, as if she understands me.

While Phoenix and I get acquainted, Titus steps to a large bucket and water container on the other side from us. When he returns, he’s carrying a huge water container. He takes it insideof Phoenix’s stall then fills her container. He takes something out of his pocket and sprinkles it in the water.

Phoenix turns and trots to her water. When he walks out, he closes the door, latches the lock, then leads me out. There’s a small sink on the outside with soap, sanitizer, and disposable towels. We thoroughly wash and dry our hands.

“You ready to go back?” he asks.

“I know it’s late but not ready. It’s so beautiful and peaceful out here. The quietness. It’s not this quiet in Crescent Falls and I really like it,” I admit.

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