by Ivy Jordan
“I took two of the horses out for a ride last night. Nothing major though. I honestly didn’t think it would be a problem. But if you would prefer me not to, then I won’t do it again.”
“You took two horses out? Why would you do that?”
“Oh… well… I just took one horse out. But two horses came out. If you know what I mean.”
He laughed. “No, I have no idea what you mean. You’re talking in riddles. What are you going on about? And why do you look so nervous?”
“I’m not nervous. I’m just not explaining myself very well. I went for a moonlight ride with Harper. I gave her Thunder, and I took Adonis out. But we weren’t out there for very long, so I’m very surprised to hear that the horses look tired. They seemed completely fine when I saw them last.” Not that I was really thinking about the horses.
Mike gave me a curious look but then shook his head. “No, it wasn’t one of them. It was Grey.”
“Grey? Hmm, that’s odd. No, I definitely didn’t take Grey out for a ride last night. I wonder if he’s okay. Do you think maybe he’s sick or something?”
Mike sighed. “Possibly. I can’t see what else it could be. We’ll go and have a look at him later this morning and see what’s going on then. Maybe I’ll get someone to come and check him out. I hope not. It always costs so much when one of the horses is sick.”
“Yeah, I hope not too. He seemed all right to me the other day, so maybe it’s nothing,” I said and finished off my toast. I saw that Mike was looking at me and I frowned at him.
“What?”
“A moonlight ride with Harper? That’s very interesting. And I know that Jillian wasn’t there because she’s left already. I had no idea that you were going on night rides with her.”
“I’m not.”
“You’re not? But you just said that you did. Didn’t you?”
“Yeah. I mean, I did, but that was just one night. It’s not like we’ve been doing this every night or something. She was out at night talking to the sheep. She’s even named them,” I said and chuckled at the memory. “I wasn’t tired, so I suggested that we take the horses for a ride. She loves Thunder, and I knew she would want to ride a bit more while she was out here.” I was rambling, and I could see that Mike had noticed too.
“Well, I think it’s great. She’s really good on that horse. A lot better than I thought she would be. No offense to her, but I thought she was pretty much going to suck at everything. She’s really good and took us all by surprise. And Thunder seems to have taken a particular liking to her. I was worried about giving him to her at the start, but it was definitely the right move.”
I laughed. “I know. I also thought she’d be awful, but she showed us all not to judge a book by its cover I guess. She’s incredible. I’m so amazed by her.”
“You totally got laid!” Mike said suddenly.
I almost choked on my coffee. I’d obviously praised her too much, but I had no idea how he had suddenly jumped to that conclusion. “What? Why do you say that?”
“Ah, you see! If you didn’t you would’ve said ‘no I didn’t!’ Instead you want to know how I know! Ha! Well, I know because you’re my brother and I can clearly tell that something happened between the two of you. Tell me you didn’t do it in the shed at least!”
I laughed. “We didn’t do it in the shed.”
“But that definitely means that you did it then.”
“You’re not going to give up until I tell you the truth, are you?”
“Absolutely not. You should know me well enough by now. I will go on and on and on. So you might as well just spill the beans.”
I laughed. “Well… Yeah. I did. We did. Uh… I mean… it just sort of happened.”
Mike chuckled. “I have no idea how having sex with someone just sort of happens, but I’m fine with it. She’s great, and you deserve to have a good time. To be honest, the two of you are a lot more suited than you realize. I’ve been waiting for the two of you to figure it out. Allison and I saw it from the very beginning, but the two of you are either very slow or else you didn’t want to admit it to yourselves.”
“What do you mean? Why do you think we’re suited?” I asked.
“You’re both city people who feel unusually at ease out here in the middle of nowhere. You’re both great with the horses, and you both clearly like working hard. You’re also both pretty damn stubborn and a little bit full of shit. You’re perfect for each other.”
I laughed at that. I didn’t tell Mike that Harper still thought that I lived there. I still wasn’t entirely sure why I was keeping that information to myself. I thought about saying something but changed my mind. “She’s a great girl,” I said instead. “And I’ve obviously been thinking about doing that with her since I saw her. I never thought it would happen though.”
“Funny things happen at this place,” he said with a laugh. “Which is why you should come more often. You know, Travis, it’s been great having you here.”
“What? Are you actually paying me a compliment? Is this really happening? Or has everything been a dream so far?”
He punched me. “Hey, you want me to take it back?”
I shook my head. “Not at all. Please continue. I like getting compliments.”
“Well, it’s true. I’ve enjoyed having you here. I felt bad when you offered to work with us though. I mean, it’s not what you usually do when you come out here, but it’s been nice.”
“It has actually been nice. I’m sort of glad that this group came along now. It’s given me a bit of a different perspective on things, and I think I needed that.”
“Heh, I’m sure you’re very happy that this group came along,” he teased.
“Well, naturally I’m happy about Harper of course. But putting that aside, I’ve actually just really enjoyed the work. I know I always say that I’m not running away from anything, but I guess a part of me is. I’m not sure why because I really love it here, but it’s like I’m constantly trying to prove myself. And every time you tell me that I’m running away I sort of feel like I don’t want to come here anymore.”
He sighed. “Yeah, I know. I shouldn’t have pushed you like that. I’ve been a bit of an asshole, and I can admit to it.”
“Did Allison tell you to say that?” I teased.
“She did,” he said and laughed. “But I know that she’s right. I haven’t been fair to you all these years. The truth is, I just wish you were here with me. It’s not because I’m not happy for you; it’s because I’m not happy for me. I’d love you to want to work here with me. But I completely understand that you’ve chosen a different career path. You’re also damn good at it, and I’m very proud of you, even if I don’t say it often enough.”
“You never say it,” I pointed out.
“Yeah, I don’t. But I really am proud of you. You’ve done an incredible job. I think I’ve just been a little frustrated lately and I’ve taken it out on you. Uh… Allison told me that she spoke to you about our problems. You know… not being able to conceive.”
This took me by surprise. My brother and I didn’t often talk about our feelings like this. It was strange to hear him talk this way. “Yeah, she told me,” I said. “I hope you don’t mind. I guess she just needed someone to talk to.”
“Of course I don’t mind. I’m glad she spoke to you. It’s been killing me, Travis. I keep thinking that it’s my fault.”
“It’s never anyone’s fault! Have you spoken to the doctor?”
“We have. And she seems to think that there is nothing wrong. She said we must stop stressing about it. The more we stress, the worse it is for us.”
“Easier said than done, I’m guessing.”
“Yeah. Absolutely. Having you here has been such a blessing though. I really have been thinking about it less and less.”
“Well, I’m very pleased to hear that I’m the source of your good sex life,” I said.
He chuckled. “You and me both, Travis. You and me both.”
“Y
ou know, I think I need to come here more. The ranch work has been much more satisfying than I ever imagined it would be. I still love my city slicker ways, and I don’t want to leave that life behind, but I want to do this more. Maybe I should come down a few more times throughout the year. It would be good work with you again.”
He grinned. “Yeah. And Mom and Dad will be proud. You know, if they are really watching us right now, this is what they’d want us to do.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“Now, are you going to see Harper again?”
I shrugged as casually as I could as if to give the impression that I really hadn’t given it much thought at all. Which we clearly both knew was not the case at all. “I don’t know.”
“It’s a free evening tonight. You should go see her.”
“Ah, I don’t know. I’ll see. I want to work on my book a bit more tonight. I haven’t really looked at my work much since I’ve been here.”
“Sure,” he said and laughed.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Oh come on, like you’re really going to be able to concentrate on your book tonight when you know that Harper is going to be lying in bed all alone?”
I shook my head. “Come on; I have a bit more restraint than that.”
“Sure you do,” he said, and we both laughed.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Harper
I was lying in bed, wondering if I should do a bit of work. Jillian had left all her magazines for me to read but I wasn’t in the mood for them. It was strange to look at pictures of makeup and the latest fashion when I was out here wearing cowboy boots and a big floppy hat. I felt so far removed from that lifestyle. I knew I would get back into it as soon as I got back to work, but for now, I was perfectly content with taking a break. Maybe I should go for a walk, I thought. We’d had a lot of time off that day, and the evening had already settled in over us nicely. I felt very relaxed, but a walk outside also seemed like a good idea. I was just about to go when my phone rang and I saw that it was Jillian. I smiled. I’d been looking forward to hearing from her again.
“Jillian!” I exclaimed as I answered.
She laughed. “Harper, I’m so glad you answered. I wasn’t sure if you’d be busy or not.”
“Not at all. You called at the perfect time. We’ve had a lot of free time today, so I was just lying here wondering what to do with my evening.”
“Oh no. You aren’t bored are you?”
I chuckled. “I’m not. I’m getting kind of used to not doing anything for a change. So, tell me everything. What’s happening with you and Thomas? Was it good to see him again?”
“Yeah, it was so good. He was at the airport waiting for me. He laughed when he saw me. I was still covered in a layer of dust. I hadn’t wanted him to be there. I had these big plans of going home and showering and putting a nice outfit on first. But there he was. And at that moment, I really didn’t care. He told me that I looked beautiful and took me home with him. For a while, we didn’t even discuss what had happened. I mean, we had more important things to worry about. Let’s just say that I got the shower that I so desperately needed, but I didn’t do it alone.”
I giggled. “Ooh, this sounds like a very good start.”
“It was. After that, we lay in bed talking, and he admitted that he made a mistake. He said he hated being without me. I think we still have a long way to go, but it really feels like we’re going to make this work. I think that going to the dude ranch was one of the best things that I could’ve done. It gave me a good chance to really think about things, and I now have no doubt in my mind that Thomas is the one that I want. I love him.”
I smiled. “I’m so glad to hear that. You deserve to be with someone that you love. I’m glad to hear he missed you.”
“He did. We’re like teenagers who have just discovered love for the first time. It’s so exciting. I get all giddy just thinking about him. We’re going on another date tonight. He wants to take me out to wine and dine me.”
“That sounds amazing. It also sounds so different to what we would be doing here together,” I said and laughed. “What are you going to wear?”
“I was thinking that green dress. The one you picked out for me. He hasn’t seen that one yet.”
“Oh yes! You have to wear that. Perfect. Although I have a feeling it’s not going to stay on you for very long.”
She laughed. “That is most certainly the plan. So, how are things going over there? Are you enjoying yourself still? I hate that I left you.”
“Please don’t worry about me. I’m having a wonderful time here. Like I said, I know I would never live in a place like this, but I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’m also seriously considering getting myself a horse. No jokes.”
“A horse! Where are you going to keep it?”
“Obviously not in my apartment. Can you imagine?” We both dissolved into laughter. “I looked online and I found plenty of equestrian places that also support horse boarding. How amazing would that be? I’ve already organized to go and visit one of them when I get back. I don’t know what it is about the horses, but I just took such a shining to them. I wish I could take Thunder with me but I’m just going to have to visit him as often as possible.”
“Oh wow. I’m happy to hear that, Harper. It makes me glad that I forced you into going in the first place. I would’ve felt awful if you had hated it.”
“Oh, I definitely don’t hate it. It’s by far one of the best things that has happened to me in a while. I didn’t realize how much I needed this. I needed to get away from the fast pace of things. Just like you said I did. You were right all along. This is just the sort of thing I needed.”
“I’m glad to hear it. And how are things going with the gorgeous Travis?”
“Well… uh… not too bad actually.”
“Ooh, this sounds interesting. There better be some juicy gossip coming up.”
I laughed. “Oh, there sure is. You’ll be very proud to know that Travis and I went on a romantic moonlit ride the night you left.”
“What? You went on a date? Seriously?”
“Not a date. I mean, we didn’t plan for it to happen. But it did. And it was so nice. We flirted a lot. And then, once we’d put the horses back, well… I kissed him.”
“Harper! You continue to surprise me. I knew you had it in you. And, how was it? Tell me it was amazing. Did you really kiss in the barn?”
“We really kissed in the barn. And yeah, it was more than amazing.”
“So what happens next? Are you going to kiss him again? Do you want to do anything more?” Jillian asked. I could just picture her sitting on her bed, jumping up and down with excitement.
“Well… we already did more.”
“What? Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
I giggled. “Probably.”
“I can’t believe this. You… you slept together? Tell me everything.”
I detailed the rest of the night to her. For a brief second, I worried that someone might hear us, but the door was closed, and the room was fully soundproofed. I went into quite a bit of detail so if anyone heard, I would be mortified. Jillian was over the moon when she heard the news and couldn’t stop screeching with excitement.
“Hell, no wonder the guy turned me down. He was interested in you all along! Oh no, I hope he didn’t think he had no chance with you because I had asked him out. Poor guy. So… what is going to happen now?”
That was the biggest question I had too. “I have no idea, Jill. I’m not sure how I feel about this whole thing. I mean, Travis has not promised anything for the future, and I haven’t asked for anything. He’s a cowboy living out in Texas, and I’m a city girl living a fast-paced life in New York. The two things clearly do not go. So I have a feeling that this is all just going to fizzle out.”
“Do you want it to fizzle out?”
I laughed. “If you’re asking if I want to sleep with him again, the answer
is definitely yes. If you’re asking if I think that is a good idea, then I’m honestly not sure. I don’t want to get hurt. What do you think I should do?”
“I honestly think that you shouldn’t worry too much about it. I think you just have fun and enjoy yourself with him. Just see what happens. Who knows? Maybe it’s something that can grow into something else. You just never know sometimes. And maybe it will be nothing but a holiday romance. But surely it’s worth at least finding out if there is more to it don’t you think?”
“Yeah, I guess so. I’m just scared.”
“Of what?”
“Of falling for him.”
“You’ll be fine, Harper. Just don’t overthink it. And give me a call when you want to talk.”
I smiled. “I will. I’ll see you soon enough though.”
“Yeah, look I have to go. But thanks for telling me all of that. And thanks again for being such an amazing friend to me. I appreciate you coming to the ranch with me more than you know. I’m sorry about leaving you there, but I really do appreciate what you did for me.”
“Anytime, Jillian. Anytime. You would’ve done the same for me. And anyway, I’m having a lot more fun than I thought I would.”
I cut the call after saying goodbye and lay back down. It was fun telling Jillian about Travis and very nice reliving the whole thing. But I now felt more confused than ever. I wasn’t the sort of girl who just slept around with guys. I also never slept with anyone unless I was sure it was going to go somewhere. But how could anything happen with Travis? Our worlds were too different. I knew that I was already falling for him, but I also knew that I wasn’t ready for any deeper level of emotional commitment. I wondered if I should end things before they got too serious. The last thing I wanted was for either one of us to get hurt. Or could I just have fun with him and then leave without so much of a glance back? That was what I wanted to do, but I wasn’t sure if I could. I lay there for a while, a million confusing thoughts running through my head, until I eventually got up and went out for a walk. I needed to clear my head again.
Chapter Twenty-Five
