Page 54 of Belong With Me

Colton smiled lazily at me when he heard me coming. Man, it was like these boys were allergic to shirts or something because there was one draped over a gate beside where he worked. Sweat ran down his muscular chest and arms, and into the gloves he had on his hands. Music played softly in the background through a small speaker by the door. The tune was a familiar one.

In an effort to make conversation, without outright just asking for a horse, I said, “This song plays a lot, doesn’t it?” It was the same one I’d heard on my way back from Warmington Run.

“It’s a good song, that’s why.” He looked me up and down before adding, “But that’s not why you came out here, was it?”

I flushed. I hadn’t realized he was as perceptive as his brother. “I need to clear my mind. I’m having a bit of a stressful day and thought maybe a ride would help clear my head.” It was an out and out lie. I hated it, especially when I was about to go traipsing about their property in search of the best way to undermine their trust.

Colton’s smile grew wider. “You want to go for a ride, city girl?” I glared at him as he winked playfully. “I’ve got my bed in the carriage house if that’s what you’re after?”

Stalking right up to him, I smacked his chest, and heard a satisfying sound. “Not going to happen.”

He laughed. “Don’t worry, city girl. I’ve seen those moments with my brother, I’m not about to jump in where I’m not wanted. Especially after the big date last night. That’s not why you need to clear your head now, is it?” Standing taller, his eyes never left me. “He didn’t do something to upset you, did he?”

“No. Last night was great. It’s just things for work. That’s all.”

He took his gloves off and placed them on a nearby bale of hay, then turned and gestured to me with a jerk of his head. “You wanna borrow Ducky again? He was the one you took with Ry that day.” He began walking toward where the main area of the stables branched off.

“Sure. That would be great.” It seemed my perception was correct; the barn was indeed interconnecting with the family horses. I noticed the pens were empty, for now. “Where are the horses?” I asked.

“They’re out in the meadow, getting some fresh air. I’m about to work Diablo in the ring, and they tend to pitch a hissy fit if only one of them is out at a time.”

Not really knowing what to say, but also not wanting to be rude, I made an incoherent noise in response.

He nabbed a saddle and blanket from the saddle rack before nodding at the bridles. “Can you bring out Ducky’s for me? His is the bag second from the right.”

“This one?” I asked, placing my hand on the one he mentioned.

“That’s the one.” He walked through the doorway to outside and headed to the right, where I saw the horses milling around in a green meadow. The grass was longer there, and some of them were standing together under the tree, but one in particular just stood, seeming to stare right at us.

Putting the saddle on the fence, Colton held his hand out to me. “Bag please. It’ll be easier if I can get him bridled and tied. The old bugger has a tendency to walk off if he doesn’t want to do what you want him to.”

I handed him the bag obediently. Unbagging the bridle, he quickly scaled the fence and dropped onto the grass with surprising grace. It was apparent that it was a move he had completed many times over the years. A second later, he was approaching the horse. I leaned against the top rail and just watched. Colton approached Ducky, who snorted at him and flicked his tail. Never taking his eyes off him as he walked closer.

“Hey now. Don’t be like that!” Colton laughed, his voice dropped, and he kept talking. I couldn’t help but think this must be what Ryder was referring to when he called Colton somewhat of a horse whisperer. It was incredible to see when only a few seconds later he slowly came a little closer, offering the bridle and bits for Ducky to see and sniff at.

With gentle, deliberate movements Colton slipped the bridle over his head, tightening buckles here and there, before leading him over to me. “I don’t suppose you brought him any treats?” Crap. I hadn’t even thought of it. I shook my head. “Never mind, he loves a scratch along his jaw. You two will be friends in no time.”

“Good to know.” I began scratching, and the horse leaned into my ministrations. He began to saddle Ducky up without asking.

“Ry mentioned he was well-behaved last time you two went for a ride. You remember that you need to be forceful with your commands, right? Ensure your voice is strong when you talk to him. Use your legs to guide him, don’t press too hard with your ankles though, those boots don’t look very horse friendly.”

“I can do that.” I offered him a grateful smile. “Thanks for doing this for me, Colton.”

Patting Ducky on his side, he said, “No need for thanks. That’s what friends are for. You have a change of shoes with you. Don’t want you twisting your ankle if you get off and have a wander around down near the river.”

His words knocked the wind from me. He considered us friends? After a little more than two weeks? Or was he just using a turn of phrase? Either way, I was going to let something slip if I didn’t get out of there soon. “I don’t have another pair with me, but ill be okay.”

“How long will you be gone for?” he asked. “Just so I know if something happens. You’re not planning on being out for the night, are you?” He pointed at the bag I’d forgotten about that sat on my hip. “That looks a little small for an overnight trip.”

“I should only be gone for about half an hour. An hour at the most.”

Nodding at my reply, he looked at the other horses, who were now paying us attention. “You know where you’re headed to?”

“Uh, the spot where the date was seems like a good place? That’s just past the junkyard, right?”

He pointed over the hill. “Go through that gate. Continue along the fence line for a bit. The next gate you’ll find will be the one that takes you into Maddie’s. Keep riding until you find the creek, then follow it upstream to the firepit.” I nodded. It seemed simple enough to follow. “Should we come up with a spot to meet up in case you can’t find your way back?”

I smiled at the concern he was showing, shaking my head. “Nah. I think I can manage.”

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