Page 67 of Highest Bidder
“Myles, I’m coming!” I say, a little frustrated.
“I’m sorry, Hershey.” He pulls me into his chest and kisses the top of my head once we are outside. “I’m just excited to show you something.”
“You have a surprise?” I squeal. His smile spreads across his face.
“Yeah.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Can we go now?”
Instead of answering, I run to the barn and realize the horsesare already saddled and waiting. I guess JT was in on the surprise is.
“Hey, Gizmo! Who’s a good boy?” I nuzzle the brown horses’s nose as I take carrots out of my purse and break off pieces to feed him, planting a kiss on his soft nose. Myles mounts his horse, so I take his cue and hang my purse in the tack room and get mounted too.
When we start riding, I lead my horse down to the creek where we always go.
“Hershey, we are going a different way today.” Myles nods in another direction.
I give him a questioning look.
“Trust me. You’re going to love it.” He gives me a wink.
We ride for thirty minutes, but it’s never boring on the back of a horse. The large oak tree leaves are rustling in the wind as the horses keep a steady pace along the dirt trails. Countless chirping birds flying overhead, and flighty wild bunnies zip by on our ride. These woods are one of our happy places. We could ride through here for hours. Myles leads us around another corner, and begin to hear a steady flow of water trickling. Myles turns to grin at me. I’m so excited to explore a new spot together.
We must be on one of JT’s neighbor’s land. I’m not surprised we have permission to explore it because all of the adjoining properties here have formed a tight-knit community, often riding together or helping each other out on their farms.
“Here we are!” He watches as I take it all in.
The bright sun peaks through the branches of the large oak trees surrounding the whole area. The grass and bushes are overgrown where there isn’t a path to walk into the stream easily. Myles takes out a machete from his saddle bad and clears a little spot for us to sit and toward the water. The running water is clear, and I can see the peddles scattered across the bottom.
Myles spreads a blanket close to the stream before we strip down to our bathing suits. It’s still hot this time of year, eventhough it’s technically fall. Fall is more of a state of mind here in Florida.
I wade into the water and let out a sigh. The water always feels good after a long horseback ride. The creek has a steady flow, and I go straight for the middle of the stream, where the water reaches my chest. Myles comes in after me and pulls me into his damp chest. I love feeling the cool water flow all around us. I admire the way the water bounces off the rocks along the edge. The oak leaves flutter in the breeze, like they are dancing for us. It’s so peaceful here. I wish could stay in this moment forever.
“You know what day it is today?” Myles asks, pressing a kiss right below my ear.
I shake my head and tilt my head up to him. I love how tall he is. It makes me feel safe in his arms. He gently kisses my lips.
“It’s the day that I first called you my girlfriend at that gala.” He smirks. “Your mom looked like her eyes were going to pop out of her head, and that guy, Simon, was glaring at me.” I swat at his chest and turn in his arms, so I can face him.
“His name is Steve.” I laugh. “I remember you dropping the girlfriend label in front of everyone. I was in so much shock, I didn’t think I heard you right.” I sway. “Then we danced as if the world around us disappeared. It was amazing.” That night holds some of my favorite memories. There were many unpleasant things about that night, but it was also one of my favorite times with Myles.
“Oh, don’t forget the billiard room.” He winks, and I laugh.
“Yes, I don’t think either of us could forget what happened there.” I kiss him on the cheek and snuggle back into his chest, feeling the water flow around us.
“It’s also the day I realized I had deep feelings for you. I don’t think I ever had a chance since the first day you walked into the auction. I’ve been yours ever since.” He kisses my temple. “Youmean everything to me, and I want to give you everything you could ever want.” His eyes are full of such love and affection.
“Well, now that you are an auctioneer, I think you can afford me now.” I laugh at my attempt at a joke. He continues to smile at me like I hung the damn moon.
“Do you like it here?” he asks, motioning to the nature that surrounds us.
“Here? I always love going on dates with you where we can enjoy the sun in the cool water.”
“Would you like to live here?”
I look at him puzzled, not sure I’m understanding. “What?” I ask, giving him a “you can’t be serious” look.
“I bought it—all twenty acres. There’s a house, a barn, a chicken coop, a well…” he keeps listing things and my jaw drops.
“Myles! This is yours?” I gasp. “You bought this place? It’s perfect!” I break out of his arms and spin around.
