by Lacey Wolfe
“Whoa.” His eyes were wide.
“Hang on tight.” Cassidy’s fingers found their way to her mouth as she bit the end of her nails.
“He’s fine.” I squeezed her shoulder. “Just because you’re afraid of heights doesn’t mean he is.”
“I know.”
I wanted to lean close and kiss her cheek, but it was best I keep my eye on her son.
“Hold on and I’ll lead her around. You good with that?” I asked Shiloh.
“Yeah. This is cool.”
“Go hang out with Wendy.”
Cassidy glanced toward Rob’s sister who was outside the pasture now, following Gracie around as she picked wildflowers. With her arms crossed, she made her way toward her and a sense a relief washed over me. Not having her so close was a good thing. Penny could feel how tense she was and already, the horse seemed better.
“All right, hold on. As I lead you around I’ll teach you the basics. Sound good?”
“Yeah.”
I walked slowly at Penny’s pace.
“Are you my mom’s boyfriend?” he asked, staring ahead as he held tightly on the saddle.
“Well, I think she wants to be the one to talk to you about it.”
“I asked her and she ignored me. I’d be okay with it.”
“You would?”
He nodded. “It’s weird but you seem cool. I watched you on YouTube.”
“Oh yeah?”
“You’re a good rider. Sucks about the injury.”
“No kidding.”
“I’d like to go sometime and watch.” He paused. “Not sure my mom will let me though.”
“Let me worry about that, but I think it can be arranged. Want me to pick up the pace?”
“Uh.”
I grinned. “This is good.”
I glanced out toward Wendy and Cassidy, engaged in conversation. Her red hair sparkled in the sun and flowed with the slight breeze as she tucked it behind her ear. I was a lucky man and this was what I wanted. Cassidy and her son.
Chapter 15
Cassidy
I was enjoying my time with Wendy. She was around my age and it turned out her son and Shiloh were in the same grade, only she lived one town over so Jake attended a different school.
“So are you and Ryder a couple?” she asked.
“We’re just starting.”
“It’s weird to see Ryder with a girlfriend.”
“Yeah, he told me he’s never done a relationship. Guess I should feel special.”
“Uh yeah, you should. He seems taken with your son too.”
I looked that way, warmth filling around my heart as I watched them together. I was surprised at how much I liked Ryder that much more from seeing him interact with Shiloh. I totally got the woman having the hots for a guy with a baby now.
“This is my first serious boyfriend.”
“Since Ryder’s father?”
“Something like that.” I didn’t want to go into detail with Wendy and sound like a slut, because when I stopped and thought about how I acted all those years ago, it made me shudder. But at least I had my son and that made it all right.
“My husband and I just split.” She kicked the dirt with her toe. “He wasn’t thrilled when we found out about Gracie and we’d been having troubles. I hoped the baby would fix things, but turns out another woman was what he needed.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Men are losers.”
“For real. So why do I feel so lost? How did you deal with you and your son’s father splitting?”
“He wasn’t in the picture to begin with, but it was hard being pregnant alone and the day I had Shiloh, it was just my mom there.”
“Oh, that sucks. I’m sorry.”
“It was so long ago. After my mom passed, Shiloh and I have sorta moved around, trying to find our place.” I waved my hand. “The whole thing with his dad having nothing to do with us doesn’t even bother me anymore.”
That was the truth, for the most part. I still hated Shiloh’s dad, but he was who he was. Of course, I’d heard he was married now and expecting his first child…first with a wife. Who knew how many other kids he had out there he’d just signed away. Maybe he was a changed man and he’d step up to the plate for his new baby.
“Anyway, let me get you my number before the day ends. We can get coffee sometime and chat,” I said. Wendy seemed like she needed a friend and, hell, I did too. Other than Beth, I didn’t have anyone. Since she knew my new boyfriend, that might be beneficial in the long run.
I glanced around, taking in the blue sky and the tall trees. It was pretty out here. Much different than Miami, that was for sure. Out here, it was so open and as I gazed off into the distance, it was like trees went forever.
A loud neighing from a horse caught my attention and I turned just as Shiloh fell from the horse, Ryder reaching out to grab him, but not before my son landed on his side next to the horse. Ryder picked him up and ran with him in his arms, but my feet felt like they had weights in them. I couldn’t move, trying to understand what I’d just seen. When the cries from Shiloh finally registered, I took off toward where Ryder had carried him.
I was by his side, shoving Ryder away.
“What happened?” I screamed.
Tears rolled down my son’s face and he held his arm.
“Can you move it?”
He shook his head. “It hurts.”
“My truck is right over there. Let’s get him to the hospital to be looked at.” He gripped his own injured shoulder.
Holding my son close, tears in my own eyes, I asked again, “What happened?”
“The horse got stung by a yellow jacket and jerked. Before Shiloh could get his grip again, he fell.”
“He wasn’t holding on?”
“Not anymore. He was comfortable and holding the reign to try and take the lead.”
“Why? Why would you have him let go?”
“I didn’t know the horse was going to get stung. Let me carry him to the car.”
“I got it. I’ve been doing it myself all these years. I can still do it myself.” I lifted Shiloh, my back feeling like it was about to go out.
Wendy already had my car door open and I hurried toward it. Ryder was behind me.
“Let me drive,” he insisted.
I set Shiloh in the backseat and helped him buckle, ignoring Ryder.
“Let me get some ice. He needs that. I have a freezer in the barn,” Ryder said.
“No, I just want to go.”
“He didn’t hit his head or anything.”
I glared at him. This was not the time for him to tell me what to do. I wasn’t dumb when it came to ice. “Fine. Go get some ice.”
He jogged away, still holding his shoulder. Carrying my son probably bothered his injury, but I didn’t have time to worry about that.
“Your son is going to be okay.” Wendy hugged me. “It was accident. Don’t forget that.”
She hurried away to get to her own son who Rob was helping off the horse.
Ryder returned a moment later with a bag of ice. “We’ll go to Eastlake. I know a short cut.”
I took the bag of ice and pressed it up against Shiloh’s arm where he held it. “Hold this there for as long as you can stand it, okay?”
He nodded, tears still coming out.
“I got this. Stay with your company.”
“Cassidy.”
I closed Shiloh’s door. “This isn’t the time to pick an argument. Now excuse me, I need to leave.”
He stepped back and let me get into my car. As I left the ranch, a part of me felt guilty for pushing him away, but then the other part of me was angry with myself for even agreeing to this. Bringing Shiloh here when there was a chance he could get hurt. Ryder had no idea what it was like to want to protect someone with everything inside. How could he have ever let my son let go while riding?
***
A light knock sounded on my front door before it opened. Beth was here. I hurried across
the house and she came inside, her daughter behind her.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t get here earlier when you needed me.”
Enjoying the feel of her arms around me, I said, “It’s okay. Shiloh is okay. Just a broken wrist. He’s resting now. They gave him some pain meds.”
“At least it wasn’t any more serious.” Beth sat on the couch and I joined her.
“Can I go on the back porch?” Taylor asked.
“Sure thing, sweetie,” I said.
After she disappeared through the kitchen doorway, Beth gave me a stern look. “You’re not mad at Ryder, are you?”
“I can’t be mad at him. It isn’t like he knew a bee was going to come and sting the horse but I’m still upset. I’ve been content all these years by myself. Maybe it’s best I stay alone.”
“You don’t mean that. You’ve been so happy.”
“I barely know him. He’s never had a girlfriend and sure he likes me, but the lust is going to fade. I don’t feel to confidant that his feelings will stay for me.”
“I hate when you get this way.”
“What way?”
“Like this. So sure the best course in life for you is to be alone. It isn’t only about you. What about what’s right for Shiloh and Ryder?”
I stared at her, my anger rising again because this wasn’t the time to argue with me. “I know what’s best for my son.”
“And Ryder?”
“He isn’t my concern.”
She shook her head. “One little hiccup and you’re just done?”
“Yeah. I’m just done. What’s the big deal?”
“You had a shot at happiness.”
“I don’t need a man to make me happy.” I stood. “I love you, Beth, but you’re over stepping. I’m going to put on a pot of coffee. Want a cup?”
“Sure thing.”
I left the room, needing a breather. I didn’t want to give up Ryder, but I also didn’t know if I was ready for a relationship like I thought I was. What I didn’t want to tell Beth was how natural Ryder had been with my son. How he’d know more of what to do for him than me, and it pissed me off that I hadn’t thought of ice.
He’d called and text to check on Shiloh, but I’d ignored him. And I was going to go on ignoring him because I wanted to be a coward and not face my feelings head on. Instead I wanted to do what I did best, run. Pack up and leave town and start over somewhere else. Only this time, I’d be leaving a piece of me behind and it was a piece I didn’t know if I could survive without.
Chapter 16
Ryder
I’d given Cassidy space, only because I didn’t know what else to do. I’d called her and text her, yet she hadn’t responded. She was upset, I got that, but it wasn’t like I’d been neglecting her child. Hell, I’d set my own recovery off lifting him and getting him to safety as quick as possible.
I’d just finished a session with Beth and was waiting on her to come back and give me her thoughts on my shoulder. It sucked because I was so close to calling up my agent and getting in on an upcoming rodeo. That was how good I’d been feeling, but not anymore. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as I thought.
Cassidy wasn’t here today. I came early to see her but her door had been closed and Beth had found me outside it, alerting me she wasn’t here. She’d been quiet all therapy session and kept the conversation away from anything personal. It killed me because I wanted to know how Shiloh was and how to mend this with Cassidy.
The door swung open and Beth came in, adjusting the glasses on her nose.
“Thanks for sticking around.”
“No problem.”
“I think your shoulder is just irritated from carrying Shiloh. I’m not seeing anything from examination that shows you damaged it any worse. Just take it easy the next few days, ice it, keep it in the sling, and you’ll be back to where you were again.”
“That I can do.” I lifted my Stetson from my lap but before I stood, I said, “I know we’re avoiding a certain topic, but is giving her distance the best thing right now?”
Beth sighed and took a seat. “She’s upset.”
“With every right, but it’s not like I did it on purpose.”
“She knows that.”
That was a relief.
“You need to understand, Cassidy is extremely independent. She isn’t your typical girl who has been waiting on prince charming to come in and sweep her off her feet. I honestly think she is the only woman I know who would be fine going through life and never being married.” She cleared her throat. “Until you. I’ve seen a change in her. She’s battling with herself and I don’t know which side is going to win. The side that loves you or the side that she’s been all these years.”
“What should I do then?”
“Subtly stay around.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “I’ve never done this whole relationship thing. I can’t figure out why we are so drawn to each other.”
Beth giggled. “Who knows? Maybe the big man upstairs is having a good laugh as he watches you two try and figure this all out.”
“A laugh for sure.” I smiled. “All right. Shiloh is fine though?”
“A broken wrist, but he’s back at school today.” She cleared her throat. “Get my drift.”
I stared at her, trying to figure out what she meant, then it clicked. “Cassidy is home alone.”
“Smart boy.”
I stood, putting my hat on my head. “Thanks for all your help.”
“Don’t go running right over there. Go home and get your sling first. If not for your shoulder, but to get some sympathy from her. My orders.”
I nodded and left. I’d go home, get my sling, then stop by my mom’s and see what kind of left overs she had in the fridge to bring with me when I popped in on Cassidy.
***
I rummaged through the fridge and decided to take lasagna. A small salad was already put together and made, so I added that to the bag. My mom made some great sweet tea, but Cassidy probably had drinks at her place.
“What are you doing?” My mom walked into her kitchen, carrying two bags of groceries.
“Uh, getting some food.”
She set the bags on the counter and frowned. “Have you ever heard of a grocery store?”
“You make so much. I didn’t think it bothered you.”
“I don’t, but asking would be appreciated. There have been a few times you’ve snuck in here and taken stuff I had plans for. So what do you have now?”
“Lasagna and salad.”
She crossed her arms and shook her head. “Take it, but next time, ask.”
I walked over to her, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Will do. I needed your best food. I’m going to see Cassidy.”
“How is Shiloh? I feel horrible her son got hurt.”
“Beth said it was a broken wrist.”
“Poor guy. He’ll bounce back. Has Cassidy spoken with you?”
I leaned against the counter. “No. But Beth said she was home today and her son was at school. So I’m going to try to go over there and fix things.”
“And here I thought you didn’t like that girl.”
“And I thought I didn’t either.”
“So you’re really serious about her? She isn’t just some fling from a girl playing hard to get?”
I stared at my mom, taking in her beauty. My mother had aged well. Her blonde hair now shorter, around her chin. She’d always kept it long until a few years ago. The house was filled with photos of our small family. I always liked seeing the way my parents aged through the years. But most of all, I liked seeing that they stuck it out. There were times growing up I recalled them fighting and even a few times they didn’t speak to each other for a week, but somehow they always pulled through.
A woman hadn’t crossed my path in all these years that I could see myself in my parents’ footsteps until Cassidy. She’d come out of nowhere and now I needed her. She was a part of me. Things progressed fast, but I didn’t care. Maybe
that’s how it happened. When you met the one, it just clicked.
Well, things hadn’t exactly been easy between us, but I wasn’t going to give up and let her walk away just because of her son getting hurt.
“She’s more than a fling.”
“Then take my lasagna and go win her back.”
I grabbed the bag I’d made and went back to her, hugging her. “Wish me luck.”
“You’ll be fine. She can’t stay mad long. Shiloh is okay and that’s most important.”
I hurried outside and into my truck. It was time to fix this with her. I knew I could do it and we’d move forward. Maybe she wouldn’t accept me back today, but I wasn’t going to give up. Ryder Starling wasn’t a quitter.
It took me longer to get into town than I’d have liked. If there was a red light I hit it and of course, there had to be a small fender bender. Everyone slowed to see who it was, being in this small town. But finally, I made it to her place. I parked next to her car, but as I tried to shut the truck off, I hesitated.
Was I forcing myself on her? If she wasn’t ready to talk, was I going to make it worse by being here? I hadn’t thought this out. Beth had mentioned she was home and insinuated that I come here, but she didn’t tell me to get lunch and impose on Cassidy.
Maybe I shouldn’t be showing up here with a bag of food, just expecting she’d eat with me. In my mind, things would be perfect after today. We’d move forward and we’d both give this relationship a real shot, but I hadn’t stopped to think about her kicking me out. Or even ignoring the door like I was an unwanted solicitor.
My phone buzzed in my pocket and I pulled it out to read a new text.
Your truck is loud. If you’re going to sit outside, at least turn it off.
I grinned then looked toward the house. Cassidy had the front door open staring at me. Her hair up in a tight bun on her head. She wore a loose T-shirt that hid her curves with a pair of black leggings.
I turned the truck off and gathered my stuff.
Here goes nothing…at least I’m trying.
Chapter 17
Cassidy
Ryder came my way, carrying a reusable grocery bag slung over his shoulder. When I’d first heard his truck, I’d thought about ignoring him, but something came over me. I wanted to stay away from him. Pretend not to like him, close my heart off. It didn’t work though. I hadn’t slept since walking off his family ranch. Tossing and turning, my mind unable to shut off because I felt horrible. I couldn’t be the old me any longer. The one who didn’t like bull riders. The one who disliked the idea of a future with any man, if I’m honest. Ryder made my knees weak from the moment I saw him and as he climbed the porch steps, that same feeling swept over me.
