Page 13 of Fallen Cowboy
“Yes, I do. Because I don’t want to be there to wipe up her tears again. You can’t deny you’re a womanizer, Troy. You always have been.”
I watched the retreating back, her hair blowing in the wind, and felt something inside me. I turned my gaze back to Markus and clapped him on his shoulder.
“I know you might find this odd, and I don’t blame you. But Anelise is different, she makes me feel different. And the last thing I want to do is hurt her.”
I left him with those words, following the lady into the barn, ready to get my day started with her by my side. And it was something I was looking forward to.
“Do you come here often?”
She looked at me from her horse as we rode out along the field, a smile on her face.
“If that is your pickup line, it’s horrible! But truthfully, it’s been a while since I’ve gotten the pleasure of just riding. I’m either helping Cook, taking care of MaryBeth, or helping in the training. But since you’ve picked that up for me, I get to just enjoy this.”
“I always loved seeing you on a horse, you know. Both you and Markus are just pros at being in a saddle and you look so at ease with them.”
“Horses are in the blood. It’s just natural for us.” She leaned over and petted the black neck. “When I bought Rainbow for MaryBeth, she was thrilled. Of course she’s been around them, but you can see how she’s full of energy. I keep having to remind her that horses get spooked and we have to be careful.”
“So, Rainbow belongs to her. How in the world did a black horse get such a colorful name?”
I let her laugh wash over me, so happy to hear it. I imagine that she probably had more days of tears or pain rather than laughter, even with the joy that her daughter was.
“She loves rainbows, still does. So, when she saw the pony, it was instant, Rainbow was the name. I remember there was a day, just weeks after we had gotten her, that the faint white spot on her leg was colored. One of the hands was with her, but they had painted her. She was overjoyed with it. Finally, her horse had color.
“Rainbow didn’t mind. She’s actually good with MaryBeth and their bond is strong. Rainbow knows that MaryBeth is hers. I’ve even allowed her in the stall a time or two, just to talk and help groom her. They get along so well. But I still have to watch her.”
“She’s a lot like you at that age. Always running around. Getting into things. Wanting to be underfoot.”
“She is. Even my parents think so. She’s kind of like her dad though too. He was full of energy. Great with horses, but there was always something inside his soul that just made him seem constantly on the go. He didn’t get along too well with the older breeds. Can’t figure out why there.”
I watched as she rolled her eyes, but she still laughed. I had the urge to hunt the guy down and punch him, but what good would that do?
“What are you doing tomorrow night?”
She tilted her head as she thought over the question and then shook her head.
“Nothing that I’m aware of. I mean, being a mom.”
“Think you can find a babysitter so I can take you out?”
“Like a date, Troy?”
“Yeah. I’ll be the gentleman. Take you out for a drink and a spin on the floor.”
She laughed once again, and I couldn’t help but let that sound soak into some of the cracks of my heart.
“I’m sure Mom or Markus wouldn’t mind. Gonna show the world who I belong to.”
I reached over, grabbed her horse’s reins, and pulled her close, planting my lips on hers.
“Damn right,” I told her, before giving her another kiss.
Chapter 7
~ Anelise ~
Islipped my boots on over my jeans, my heart pounding like crazy. I mean, when was the last time I went on a date?
Even much less with a guy I really liked?
