Rust ridesin with dark grey storm clouds at his back, chasing away the last rays of an orange sunset. Ozone thickens the humid air and my heart thunders like his brown horse’s hooves as he waves his cowboy hat at me.
He steers the gelding through the arched gate with the ‘McAllister Ranch’ sign and stops in the yard, dismounting smoothly. I put my guitar on the porch swing, rising to greet him.
He’s tall as all get out, but a little on the thin side because he grew so fast. Still, I know that hidden under those dusty Wrangler’s and the dirty shirt is lean muscle. We often bathe in the creek in our underwear, each time an opportunity to steal hidden glances. With the bandana around his neck, he looks like an outlaw from an old Western and I’m not sure my heart can take much more.
We’ve been best friends since his family moved to Redbird Creek four years ago and losing him is the worst thing I can imagine.
That’s why I gotta pretend things haven’t changed between us this summer.
I have to pretend my pulse doesn’t race every time he meets my gaze, pretend his touch doesn’t chase goosebumps over my skin.
I never had a boyfriend. Hell, I haven’t even kissed a guy. I don’t know the first thing about love, but deep down, I know it’s what I feel for him.
First, it was platonic. But with every guitar lesson, with every night camping in the woods behind his house, with every hug and every smile, that love grew.
And suddenly, I wanted to kiss Rust. I wanted him to hold my hand and tell me that he loves me, too.
But what if he doesn’t feel the same way? I can’t risk destroying what we have. Him and Caleb are my only friends, but our friendships couldn’t be more different.
Caleb’s like an annoying younger brother, even though we’re the same age.
Rust is my ride-or-die, the only person I trust with my true self, with my dreams and hopes. He’s the boy I run to when things get tough. The one I can’t live without. Losing him would mean losing a part of myself and I might as well rip the heart from my chest.
A stablehand meets Rust and takes over his horse, but not before Rust digs something from the saddlebag.
My eyes widen. Is that?—
Rust sprints up the porch stairs. He stops so close to me, I can smell the scent of earth, grass and musk streaming from him. It’s addictive.
Smiling brightly, he takes off his hat and holds it to his chest, presenting me with a bouquet of wild daisies. A few stems are bent and some petals are crushed, but they’re the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen.
“For you, Trouble.”
My breath catches. He’s never given me flowers before.
“You don’t want ‘em?” His lips press together and hisgaze drops to his dirty boots. “Sorry, they got a bit smushed during the ride.”
I snatch the bouquet from him. “No, I love them! Thank you. Daisies are my favorite flowers.”
A grin plays on his face. “I know.”
He remembers that tiny fact I told him ages ago?
“Consider the flowers an apology cause I missed our practice session. A cow got herself stuck in the fence and tore the whole section down. She’s alright now, but Dad’s still out there with some ranch hands, fixing the damage.”
I wish I could tell him that I’m not angry he’s late, just madly in love and I have no clue how to handle those tingly feelings making my chest too full and my head spin.
“It’s okay, Rust. I know you gotta help out.”
“Wish I didn’t. I hate it. But let me properly make it up to you.” He pulls a car key from his pocket. “Dad said I could borrow Yolanda for the evening. Let’s get ice cream.”
“But what about the storm?” I glance at the darkening clouds.
“You’re safe with me under these tumultuous Kentucky skies, Trouble.”
“Caleb ain’t coming along?” I ask.
Rust shakes his head and I could jump for joy. “Naw. Just us.”
