After a moment to gather myself, I cross the room and throw myself onto the bed face-first. I should probably take the time to wash my face and moisturize, but I’m not. Nor do I care that I’m still dressed.
It takes a little while for me to fall asleep, and when I do, I don’t sleep for long. My mind refuses to shut off completely. I’m too restless.
Giving up on sleeping, the longer I lie here, it’ll only frustrate me more than it already is. I get up, change into a pair of faded jeans, throw on some boot socks, and tug on a hoodie. I tiptoe to the bathroom across the hall, wash my face of makeup, use my moisturizer, put my hair in a messy bun, and brush my teeth.
Once done with my business, I’m ready and head for the stairs, not knowing if Maddox is up and about yet. From the sounds of the house, I doubt it. Regardless of whether he was, it didn’t matter. I wasn’t sticking around. I know exactly what I’m going to do.
The sun isn’t up yet. We had about an hour and a half before it would peak over the horizon. This was perfect for me.
At the back door, I slip on a pair of my cowboy boots and step out the door, not worrying about coffee or anything else. I wanted out of the house. I needed to feel like I could breathe.
Staring across the yard, my eyes locked on where I’m heading, I walk the distance to the barn, and jerk ever so slightly when I step inside to find Tyler Henderson already there.
I knew Tyler growing up. He’s one of Maddox’s best friends. I always thought he was cute, but nothing like the other Tyler. The one I had a massive crush on for so long. I used to think it was funny when they’d both be around. I’d joke and call them Tyler One and Tyler Two, like Thing One and Thing Two. I always knew the difference between the two of them, though mostly because you couldn’t miss the hard distinction.
Even now, they were total opposites, though where Tyler Henderson had always been cute, there’s no missing the change in him. He’s hot. Well, both men are hot, but only the other Tyler was able to make my heart ache while my stomach fluttered with millions of butterflies.
“What are you doing out here so early?” he asks, his head coming up when he sees me step through the open barn doors.
“‘Gonna saddle up Rex and take him out,” I answer, heading for my horse’s stall.
“I’ll get your saddle and prep him for you.”
“I can do it myself.”
I didn’t need Tyler or anyone else to saddle my horse for me. I might have been gone for a while, but I knew how to handle myself. I can surely take care of saddling up Rex. It’s not something you forget how to do. Not in a million years.
“You sure? It’s been a while since you’ve ridden.”
Without looking in his direction, I answer, “Just because I haven’t done it lately, doesn’t mean I don’t remember how. I grew up here, if you recall. I know what I’m doing.”
“All right, well, if you need help, I’m here.” Tyler grunts and goes back to mucking the stall of one of the other horses.
“Appreciate it,” I tell him and open Rex’s stall. “Hey, boy. You wanna go for a ride this morning?”
Rex neighs, stomps a hoof, and nods, making me smile.
“Then let’s get you ready,” I tell him, clipping a lead to his harness.
Rex follows me out of his stall and stands perfectly still while I get him all saddled up.
Tyler comes up and pats Rex’s hindquarters, holding a two-way radio out for me. “You’ll need this if you go too far out. Some areas, service is more than a bit spotty. This will be good if you have any trouble.”
“Thanks.” I nod, take the radio, and put it in a saddlebag. I wasn’t going to need it, but it was good to have just in case. Out riding, you can never be too safe.
“Maddox know you’re going out?” Tyler asks, watching me closely.
I scoff and shake my head. “I’m a big girl. I don’t need to report to my brother, he’s not my keeper.”
“Right.” Tyler smirks and shakes his head. “Well, be careful. Check in every so often.”
I want to roll my eyes, but I don’t. I don’t need to check in, though I will since he’s asking without actually asking.
Leading Rex out of the barn, I stop us right outside, put a foot in the stirrup, grab the horn, and pull myself up, swinging a leg up and over the saddle. Once my ass is in the seat, I adjust myself and grab the reins. I use my heel to nudge Rex forward gently. “Come on, boy. Let’s get out of here for a while.”
Rex grunts and starts walking. We do this for a while, making our way to the back pasture. The moment we clear the pasture, I give Rex the cue he needs to start in trot. Then a full-on gallop. I sigh as a peace I haven’t felt in so long flows over me. This right here is exactly what I need.
We reach my favorite spot on the whole ranch, and I smile as the sun starts to peek over the horizon. It’s a beautiful sight. The colors brightening the sky simply take my breath away. No picture could give it justice.
