The room lit up along with my face. Colt moved around the house deftly, checking all the windows and doors, shutting and securing them. “That’s the other reason I came here.”
I followed behind him. “For the storm?” I grinned.
“I mean, I was going to use that as an excuse if you tried to send me away. This storm is going to be brutal, and I wanted to check on you. Make sure you were okay,” Colt said tenderly.
“Thank you. I’m glad you did. It’s kind of scary.”
“All part of being in California. If it is not earthquakes or fires, then it’s high winds. We’ll be okay. We’ve weathered a storm or two, that’s for sure,” Colt said.
“You’re right. So when are you going to teach me to gallop with the horses?”
Colt smiled as the rain washed away my fears for our future. “As soon as you’re ready.”
* * *
When you makea bold declaration to leave something behind in your life, it can be hard for other people to accept. I sat in the parking lot, watching the cars zoom by for minutes, just letting my mind drift. Was this truly what I wanted? Did I really want to throw in the towel of working for the Department of Human Services to be a riding instructor? I would be leaving a huge chunk of my life behind. I looked in the front mirror to face myself.
“Come on, Amber, you can do this.”
My knees wobbled as I walked. Donald had just given me the promotion. No one knew I was with a convicted felon in a case that I’d taken over. Nobody knew that I liked the country and wide, open spaces. Hell, I didn’t even know until Colt introduced me to it. I would still do my prison advocate work. I had enough of a network from long-established relationships over the years. I wondered if my leaving would ruin my chances.
I breathed in and out as I approached my desk. I thought I might be sick. Inside, I was excited about my new life, but I hated disappointing people. I wanted to grab a coffee from the break room.
“Hi, boss.” Tameka smiled at me, cutting me a wink.
“Hey, Tameka.” I smiled back at her weakly.
I placed all my things down on the desk. First, a coffee.
Lucy flowed in step with me to the kitchen. We’d cleared the air, and it turned out we had a lot more in common than I thought. “Hey there, boss. I have to run something by you for a case later if that’s okay.”
“Yes, it’s fine. Just might not be calling me boss for much longer.” I sighed.
“What do you mean? Didn’t Colt get cleared of all charges?” she whispered as we reached the kitchen together.
“Yes. He did. It’s not that. I just think—no, I know—that I’m ready for a change. Colt has this riding school he’s starting. I think I want to work with the kids out there.”
Lucy pursed her lips at me as she put the water on to boil. “Are you serious? Are you sure about putting your eggs into one basket like that?” She eyed me with concern.
“I am. I know I sound crazy.”
Lucy pulled a little mint chocolate out of her pocket. “A little something from the conference meeting yesterday.”
I took it from her gladly. I needed a little sweetness before I delivered the bitter news to my boss.
“No, I don’t think you’re crazy, by the way. You’re following your heart. Maybe just ease into it. You don’t know how long it’s going to take before he gets it going. Don’t you need to learn to ride first?”
“I mean, yes and no. I used to ride when I was a little girl. I used to get lessons.”
“Oh, wow. You really are meant to be with a cowboy.” Lucy elbowed me as I poured our coffees.
I shrugged. “I’ll take it.”
“Well, you can sign me up for the first lesson once it gets going. I want to see these trails. Plus, you know I love sticking my nose in other people’s business.”
“Yeah you do,” I giggled. “What do you think I should tell Donald?”
“That you want to work part-time. You are more valuable than anyone in this department. Even if you don’t want the promotion, he would be a fool to let you go.”
