“I know it was my idea to be friends…” His eyes flick to my mouth. “But I haven’t stopped thinking about the way your lips felt against mine.”
Goosebumps spread across my flesh as I begin to process his words. I’ve thought of our night together every single goddamned day since it happened, no matter how hard I’ve tried not to. Pretending it didn’t happen was the cruelest kind of torture. As much as my mind tells me to walk away, I find myself leaning closer, desperate for more of his touch.
“Hayden.” My voice is a mixture of longing and trepidation as I plead for something I know I can’t have.
He’s off-limits. But tell that to my body as I find myself leaning closer. With a quick tug of my wrist, he pulls me to him, finally pressing his lips against mine. I nearly groan with relief. This may be wrong, but it feels so damn right. I force reality to the back of my mind as he deepens the kiss.
His tongue slides against mine, and I’m instantly reminded of how good we were together. The way he seemed to know exactly what I needed. Hayden groans, and the vibration radiates all the way to my core.
“I’m sorry,” he breathes, pulling back just enough to rest his forehead against mine. “I just-”
My phone vibrates, causing us both to pull away in surprise, and my heart drops when I see a text from my dad.
Dad: Is Hayden with you?
I glance at Hayden and do my best to shake off my unease before responding. There’s no way he could have seen us without us noticing him.
Yeah. We’re just sitting here eating snacks while he waits on Sierra.
Dad: I’m getting a fire started, why don’t you guyscome over here.
When I look up at Hayden, his eyes are still on me. I try not to appear affected by our stolen kiss, but I was moments from begging for more.
“My dad built a fire and wants us to come over there.”
Hayden smiles. “What did you tell him?”
“Nothing yet. You can head over. They know you’re only here waiting on Sierra.”
“I’m not going over there without you, so it’s your call. I shouldn’t have kissed you just now, but I’m not going to run away.”
We’ve stuck with the plan to leave what happened between us in the past, but that kiss proved that I’m not the only one struggling. His touch will never feel wrong to me, even though we shouldn’t be together. No matter how cool I play it, I’m not able to just pretend there’s no ridiculously strong attraction between us. That I can’t feel him the moment he enters a room. That we didn’t fit together like we were meant to be.
On our way.
We walk over to the back of my parents’ house in silence. They have a large stone patio with comfortable seating and string lights to really make the area appear enticing. Behind it sits the fire pit. As promised, my dad has a small fire going, and there are empty chairs ready for us.
“Hey, Dad. You didn’t have to do all this. The lesson is only an hour long,” I say, even though I know he’ll never change.
“I came home and saw your mom out there, so I came out. Even if I’m out doing chores or if I’m not home, Hayden, you don’t have to hide out at Miranda’s place. You are always welcome to hang out and wait here.”
Hayden approaches my dad and reaches out a hand. I watch as they pull each other into one of those awkward half-hugs. It makes me smile even though it causes a new wave of guilt over our secret.
“I know I am, but I also know how it is when you finish up chores and just want to come in, shower, and relax. Miranda and I are friends, so no worries.”
My dad looks between the two of us before finally shrugging and taking a seat in front of the fire. Sierra and my mom have returned from the trail, and we have the perfect view of the rest of their lesson. Sierra is all smiles as she follows my mom’s instructions. I’ve been riding for so long, I can barely remember a time when I wasn’t completely comfortable on the back of one of those large animals. But as I watch Sierra, distant memories of my own lessons begin trickling in.
Summer has always been the best season, and not just because it meant no school when I was younger. The weather is warm enough to ditch the layers, and as a kid, I didn’t have to wait until the day was almost over before I could hang outwith the animals. I’d go on trail rides nearly every day and tag along while my mom taught lessons. And I’m sure I wore an expression similar to Sierra’s. Pure joy.
“Hey… I had a question since you’re both over here,” my dad begins slowly.
I already don’t like the sound of what he’s about to say, but I keep my expression neutral as I wait for him to continue. The intensity of Hayden’s gaze matches my own as he waits to hear whatever my dad is about to ask.
“Randi, I know you agreed to take care of things while your mom and I go away for a few days next week. But would you be upset if I asked Hayden to help you out? It’s a lot to keep up with when it’s your mother and me, and you have a full-time job on top of it.”
Folding my arms across my chest, I glance at Hayden before returning my full attention to my father. What a way to put me on the spot. “Really, Dad…?”
“This isn’t like the run to pick up those mares. I know you can do it by yourself, but we don’t want you working yourself to death. I know how many hours you’ve been putting in at Boulder Ranch lately. Extra hands can’t hurt, and your mom thought maybe Sierra would like to tag along with Hayden and help out as well.”
