Five Shades of Fantasy

by W.J. May

  ***

  Natalie crossed under the wrought iron metal sign that said ‘Garrett Ranch’ and drove up the gravel road. She had passed his family’s ranch a million times growing up and never once did she ever think she would be asked to visit. Flutters circled around in her stomach and she prayed she wouldn’t later regret eating this morning. She told herself she had nothing to be nervous about but the butterflies didn’t stop.

  Hidden behind tall bushes and stout oak and pecan trees was the large white ranch-style house trimmed with evergreen shutters and a large wraparound porch. It overlooked acres of farmland with barns spread out here and there. Red and pink petunias outlined the pavestone walkway leading from the road to the house. She pulled her car up the driveway and parked behind a black pickup truck. Next to it, her Mazda looked like a toy car. The tires were almost the same size as her little silver car.

  She walked up the stairs to the front porch and rang the doorbell. She fiddled with her keys, waiting patiently for someone to answer. When no one came to the door, she decided to walk around back. She looked around but didn’t see Ryan or anyone else. She waited awhile and then pulled out her cell phone and dialed his number. It went straight to voice mail.

  “Darn,” she muttered under her breath. She hit the end call button and slid the phone back into her pocket. The thought of leaving crossed her mind. When she turned to walk back to her car she saw out of the corner of her eye someone coming out of a nearby barn. She lifted her sunglasses and placed them on top of her head to get a better view of the guy wearing a cowboy hat, plaid button down shirt, and faded blue jeans walking in her direction. A surge of adrenaline hit her veins and immediately she knew it was Ryan.

  He glanced up, holding his cell phone in his hand. Natalie pressed her lips firmly together, trying to keep from smiling. Happiness flowed through her, making it difficult. He waved his arms in the air and gave a big Texas smile. She gave a small wave back.

  “Good mornin’.” He adjusted his cowboy hat.

  “Hi. Thanks for inviting me. I rang the doorbell, but no one answered.” Natalie glanced back at the house, wondering if anyone had come to the door after all.

  “Sorry. I forgot to tell ya that my parents and sister are out of town. They went to buy a steer. It’s just me and my brother … and his family. They live in the house out back.” Ryan pointed behind him with his thumb.

  “Oh. Okay.” Even though he wore a cowboy hat, she noticed how light his brown eyes looked in the bright sunlight. They had streaks of gold that glistened when the light hit them the right way.

  “Let’s go inside for a minute, if ya don’t mind. I wanna grab a few bottles of water before we head out.”

  Natalie nodded, trying to keep her focus on the conversation. For some reason, she couldn’t stop checking him out. “Sure.”

  She walked by his side, to the house, when a strong breeze swept down and knocked his hat off his head. He tried to catch his hat but ended up stumbling forward. She reached up, catching his hat before it blew away.

  “Good catch.”

  She handed him his hat, completely surprised that she caught it too. “A lucky catch I guess.”

  Another gust of wind blew, surrounding her in a chamber of bergamot and sandalwood. It traveled up her nose and through her body, melting everything along the way. Why did his smell intoxicate her to the point of bringing her down to her knees? Another wave of dizziness hit her like a brick wall. Her head throbbed and pulsated causing an incessant panic to rise in her heart. She stopped and held her hands out to the side of her body. “Whoa… not again.”

  “Hey, are you okay?” Ryan put his arm around her.

  “Yeah, sorry.” She held a hand up to her head, willing herself to take control of the situation. Within seconds the dizziness faded away.

  He removed his arm but stayed close by her. “Have you called your doctor yet?”

  She inhaled deeply and let out a long breath. She lowered her hand and glanced at him. “No. To be honest, I forgot about it. I haven’t had any more dizzy spells since last week, so it didn’t cross my mind. I guess I’ll call Monday.”

  “Do you think it’s a good idea to go ridin’? I mean, we don’t have to go if you don’t feel well.”

  Natalie thought about what he said. Despite the dizzy spell, she wanted to spend time with him and get to know him. “Let’s go inside for a while and see how I feel.”

  “Okay.” He led her inside the house.

  The old wooden floors creaked, indicating years of passing feet, shuffling in and out of the country-style home. She followed him into an airy and brightly sunlit room, filled with pictures on every wall. They all told a story of how his family had grown over the years. She noticed a few pictures of him and Sal when they were young.

  “Are you and Sal related?”

  “Yes, we are cousins. Our moms are sisters. I guess I forgot to mention that to you.”

  “I actually see a resemblance between you two.” She pointed to one of the pictures on the wall. Then she looked at a family portrait. “Are these your parents?”

  “Yes, that’s my mom, dad, my brother Lance and my sister, Ellen.”

  “So, are you like half Mexican? I mean, not that it matters.” She hoped the question didn’t sound rude.

  “Yeah, I am. My mom’s Mexican and my dad is White.” Ryan removed his hat and set it on a nearby end table. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his forehead. That explained his tawny skin tone and sandy brown hair and brown eyes.

  “Me too! How wild is that? My mom is White and my dad is Mexican. Vega… obviously.”

  “That is wild. I guess you get your blue eyes from your mom?” Ryan walked up behind her. She could still smell his manly scent, swirling around her and latching on to her.

  “Actually, I get my eyes and hair from my dad. Spanish blood…descendants or something. My mom has light brown hair and brown eyes, kind of like you.” She had to take a few silent breaths to clear her airway from his intoxicating aroma that filled the room.

  “That’s cool.”

  Natalie glanced back him. “You look like both your mom and dad. Except you have more of a golden color to you.”

  Ryan rubbed his forearm. “That’s from all the sun I get from being outside.”

  “I guess I should get more sun.” She held out her arm in front of her, noticing how light she looked compared to him.

  “Well, you have a nice olive skin color. But if you want more sun, it’ll be nice and sunny today, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

  A picture of Ryan with some of his friends caught her attention. She walked over to it and picked it up. “Are these your college friends?”

  “Yes, from TCU.” He reached forward took the picture from her hand. By the way his eyes narrowed and the twitch in his mouth she knew it stirred up some memories. When he went to set it down a picture fell out from behind, landing on the wooden floor.

  Natalie bent down and picked it up. Elegant handwriting embossed the back of it and when she turned it over she saw Jen, posing in a field of bluebonnets. She quickly lowered the picture, pretending not to notice.

  “Here, I’ll put that back.” Ryan stuck out his hand, reaching for the picture. She held out the picture and when he saw Jen in the photo, his hand stopped. “What’s that doin’ in here?”

  “I don’t know.” She shrugged her shoulders, not knowing how to respond.

  His body tensed and his jaw protruded as though he wanted to rip it apart with his teeth. He took the photo from Natalie’s hand. “I thought I burned everything from her. I bet my mom found this and stuck it behind the other picture.”

  “My mom always does stuff like that too. She never throws anything away.” Natalie tried to sympathize and put him at ease.

  He let out a slight smirk. “That’s my mom too.” He started to rip the picture in half but Natalie placed her hand on top of his, stopping him.

  “You don’t have to do that beca
use I’m here.”

  He looked up at her, not saying a word. He released his death grip from the picture and she eased the photo from his hand. She turned the picture frame over and put Jen’s photo behind the other one.

  “It will be here if you want to tear or burn it after I leave.” Gently she placed the picture frame back on the shelf.

  Ryan’s eyes softened and his body relaxed. “You are the most admirable gal I have ever met. Most gals are jealous of the ex.”

  Natalie smiled and shook her head. “I’m not like other girls and I’m sure you’ve met others who are more admirable, pretty, and outgoing than I am.”

  “No, I haven’t.” Ryan reached down and took her hand in his. Her heart skipped a beat. The warmth of his touch felt good against her skin. She folded her fingers over his firm, thick hands and held on.

  “Let’s sit down.” He led her over to the couch and she followed willingly.

  He let go of her hand and rested his arms on the top of his legs. He leaned forward and brought his hands together, twiddling his thumbs. She remained silent, allowing him time to gather his thoughts.

  He kept his eyes focused on his hands. “Natalie, you are like no one I’ve ever met before. Maybe that’s why I’m so attracted to you.”

  Her body flushed with heat. She sat perched on the edge of the couch, unable to relax. The adrenaline pumping through her veins told her to run, to flee and never come back. Her heart told her to stay put. Her hands gripped the edge of the tapestry-covered sofa, holding on for dear life. Did she really want to have this talk with him?

  She sensed him looking at her but couldn’t make eye contact. “You are so beautiful but it’s more than your beauty that attracts me. It’s your personality and the way you act. It’s everything that makes you who you are.”

  Natalie sat frozen, unable to respond. Every word he spoke was everything she wanted and needed to hear. Her head reminded her that she had heard those words before. All of them had been lies that crushed her into a pit of agony. She would never fall for words like those again. She had to be smarter than that.

  She took a deep breath. “Ryan, I’m flattered by your words but....” She turned her body in his direction and looked up at him. “I don’t think I…” Her eyes caught his gaze and her breath caught in her throat. Why did he make her forget about everything she promised not to do? This uncontrollable attraction was more than she could handle. She would not surrender to it. She didn’t want to take the chance of getting hurt again. The battle between her head and heart overwhelmed her. Then she heard that voice; her grandmother’s voice, reminding her to have faith. Isn’t that why she agreed to the date in the first place?

  “I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?” His eyes cried out and she knew he searched for the right words he longed to hear from her.

  Oh my God, why can’t I resist him? She turned away, trying to fight the feelings taking over her heart. Why was this so hard? No one had ever made her feel this way before. She couldn’t explain the connection or the relentless force that drove her soul straight to his.

  She looked back at Ryan. The calling of his lips and the hunger in his eyes made it easy to break her rules. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that… I’m scared. I’m so scared of getting hurt again.”

  He leaned in closer to her. “I’m scared too. We’ve both been hurt before and I don’t think either of us can handle going through that again. All I know is that there is somethin’ about you that drives me…” he breathed out slowly through his nose, “crazy.”

  Not only could he not resist her either but he had the same fears as she did. One thing was for certain, he would have to earn her trust and that would take time. She would take the time and get to know him. She peered into his eyes. “So, I drive you crazy?”

  He cracked a smile. “I don’t mean crazy, like that. I mean that I can’t stop thinkin’ about you and the way you make me feel.”

  She pressed her lips together, contemplating if she should open up to him. He had definitely shown his vulnerability. She figured now it was her turn. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I can’t deny that there is something about the way you make me feel too.” Her hand drew to his arm. “It’s like… magnetic.”

  His eyes lit up and he took her hands in his. “Then you do feel what I feel?”

  A hum of energy encircled them. She looked down and saw how his hands cradled hers in the shape of a heart. His voice touched a part of her that made her want to surrender everything to him. It overwhelmed her and she struggled to contain her emotions.

  She stared directly into his eyes. “Yes, I do and it’s amazing. Just please don’t hurt me.”

  “I understand, Natalie. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt and I don’t want you to hurt me either.”

  “I promise I won’t… but let’s take this slow. Get to know each other, okay?” She surrendered, laying all her emotions on the table.

  “Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you guys.” A pregnant lady walked in holding a small boy’s hand.

  Ryan let go of her hands and stood up. “Oh hey Steph, you’re not interrupting. Ummm, let me introduce you to my friend, Natalie Vega.”

  Natalie immediately jumped to her feet and met her halfway. “Hi. Nice to meet you.”

  “This is my sister-in-law Stephanie and my nephew Colt. Oh and my soon to be born niece, Emma.”

  Natalie leaned over and rubbed the boy’s sun bleached hair. “Aren’t you cute?” He hugged his mother’s leg tightly, hiding behind it.

  “Lance wanted to let you know that the horses are saddled and ready. He needs to finish mending a fence on the east side of the property so he’s about to drive over there.”

  “Okay thanks, Steph. We were getting ready to head out.”

  “Did you still want to ride?” Ryan turned to Natalie.

  She wanted to ride with him now more than anything. Since there were no signs of dizziness she decided it would be safe. “Yes, I do.”

  “I’m going to make some sandwiches for lunch. Nothing big,” Steph said rubbing her stomach. “Would you like to stay?”

  Natalie turned to Ryan, waiting for him to ask her.

  “Please stay. I’d like for ya to eat with us,” he replied.

  She nodded at Steph. “Sure. I’d be happy to.”

  “Great. See y’all in a little while.” She turned and walked into the kitchen.

  Ryan put his arm around her and she knew without a doubt she had made the right decision to follow her heart. “C’mon let’s go for that ride.” He picked up his hat and led her outside.

  “Have you ever ridden before?” Ryan asked as they stepped out the kitchen back door.

  “Yes, but it’s been several years. I’m going to need a refresher and probably some guidance.” Natalie put her sunglasses back on, despite the slight haze in the air.

  “Okay, no problem.” Ryan put his hat on and adjusted it, bringing it slightly forward where only his dazzling brown eyes showed.

  They walked across the yard over to a cowboy holding the reins for two horses. “Natalie, this is my brother Lance. Lance, this is Natalie.”

  She extended her hand and said, “Hello.”

  He wiped his hand on his dingy jeans and then shook her hand. “Nice to meet ya.” He had a heavier twang than Ryan and they looked very much alike with the exception of Lance being slightly taller and leaner. “So are ya ready to show him how to ride?” He let out a smile and motioned with his head toward Ryan.

  She giggled. “I’m sure he’ll be the one showing me.”

  She approached the horse slowly and patted him on the nose. “What’s your name?” She stroked the horse’s head, allowing him to get to know her.

  “This is Freedom.” Ryan took the reins from Lance. “Freedom, this is your master for today. Treat her well. Ya hear me.” The horse neighed and took a few steps back.

  “So, do you remember what to do?” Ryan tugged on the saddle,
making sure it was secured on the horse.

  “Yeah, I think so. It’s all coming back to me.” Natalie ran her hand down the side of the American Paint horse. “Hi Freedom. You sure are a beautiful horse. I love your markings.” The horse nickered and neighed, giving her the sign to proceed. She prepared to mount the horse when Ryan stopped her.

  “Wait a minute. You’re missin’ something.” He held his hand up and then dashed into the barn calling out, “I’ll be right back.”

  Natalie checked the saddle but didn’t see anything missing. However, it had been a long time since she’d saddled up a horse.

  He returned with a cowgirl hat in his hand. “You’re not complete without this.”

  Natalie placed her hand on his, helping him fit the hat on her head. “Whose is this?”

  “It’s my sister’s. Do ya mind?”

  “No, as long as she doesn’t.” She winked.

  “Nah, she won’t mind. Wow, you make a beautiful cowgirl.” Ryan winked backed at her. He knew how to make her smile and she had to admit that she loved being complimented by him. “Can I help you up?”

  “Please.” Natalie placed her foot into the stirrup while he held on to the reins, keeping the horse steady.

  “Ya good?”

  “Yes.” She ensured she had a good grip on the reins and her feet were properly in place.

  He walked over to his horse and got on with little effort.

  “You guys be careful, ya hear. I’ll be on the east side of the property and will be back in an hour or so.” Lance stepped out of the way.

  “Okay. We’ll be back shortly.” Ryan looked over at Natalie. “Let’s start out slow, okay?”

  Natalie nodded. “Okay.”

  She kept her horse in sync with Ryan’s, walking at a slow pace. The morning sun’s rays peaked over the tall oak trees, preparing to beat the ground with another day of record-breaking heat. They wouldn’t be able to stay out too long so she intended to enjoy every minute of it.

  “How large is the ranch? Does it go all the way to the lake?” She raised her sunglasses to get a better view.

  “It’s five hundred acres and no, it doesn’t go to the lake. We have a stream that goes through the property, which probably feeds off of the lake.”

  “I bet that’s pretty. I’ve always wanted to live by the water. I guess that’s why I like going to my aunt’s condo in Austin. It overlooks Lady Bird Lake. It’s really gorgeous.”

  “I bet it is. Have you ever been to Lake Travis?”

  “No, I haven’t.” She shifted her weight, trying to get comfortable on the hard leather saddle.

  “You’d like it. The water is really clear for a lake.”

  “Then we should go sometime,” Natalie responded.

  They rode side by side crossing the land, laughing and talking along the way. She found herself opening up more to him because he seemed understanding about many things. Even though she wasn’t ready to share everything, he gave her a sense of security that continued to build on the level of trust she needed from him.

  The more they chatted, the more they discovered all the common interests they shared like going to the movies, the beach, swimming, and of course horseback riding. Never in a million years did she ever think he would be attracted to her. For one, she didn’t even seem like his type. He was more of a country guy where she was more of a science nerd. He loved to talk and socialize and she preferred to keep to herself. Regardless, the attraction between them electrified her soul and it made her want to know everything about him and more.

  “Gee, everything is so dry.” Natalie observed the sparse layer of green grass they traveled through.

  “I know. We need rain badly. My parents said it’s been really dry here. We’ve even lost some cattle. Based on the weather reports, I doubt they’ll be lifting the watering ban anytime soon.”

  “That’s horrible. I didn’t realize there were water restrictions in place. I guess I’ve been so busy with school, I haven’t paid much attention to what’s going on up here. Now that you mention it, my parent’s yard isn’t that green either.”

  He led the way down a small hill. “This pond used to be bigger. It’s practically dried up now.”

  “I guess this global warming is becoming more of a problem.” Natalie noticed the cracked mud where water once reached.

  “Yeah, you haven’t seen the reports about it being a worldwide issue?”

  “No, I haven’t. I know the news said Austin’s been dryer and hotter than usual and some crops had been affected. I didn’t realize it affected the whole world. Since I’m majoring in biomedical science and not environmental science, I haven’t kept up with the findings. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it concerns me.”

  “Oh, I understand. I hope I didn’t insult your knowledge so please—”

  “No, it’s okay. You’re just more in tune with it because of the ranch.”

  “Yeah, you’re probably right. My parents really wanted me to study agriculture so I could help my brother when they get older.”

  “So why don’t you?”

  “It’s not what I wanna do. Don’t get me wrong, I love the ranch but I’d rather be with people instead of animals.” He urged his horse to pick up the pace and so did she.

  “I understand. So, what’s your major?”

  Ryan lifted his cowboy hat and wiped his forehead again with a handkerchief. “I’m a business and marketing major”.

  Her horse drifted closer to his, allowing her to watch his every move closely. “That’s cool. What department will you be interning at?”

  He glanced over at her and she watched his eyes traveled up and down. He was definitely checking her out. She wondered what he thought about the way she dressed. She hoped the jeans and bedazzled t-shirt her mom picked out for her made her look cute instead of nerdy. As for the boots, her toes hurt and she wondered how much longer she could handle wearing them. She didn’t have enough money to buy new ones, so she wore an old pair that had to be at least a size too small.

  “I’ll be working in the sales and marketing division.” He cleared his throat a few times.

  “Makes sense, since you like people. I wonder if you and Lise will be working together. She’ll be interning in the marketing department too.”

  “Hmmm, I don’t know. I guess I’ll find out week after next. What department will you be interning at?”

  “The main lab.”

  “That’s awesome. I wonder if you will be working with Dr. Kronberg?”

  “I hope so. I can’t wait to meet him.”

  Natalie struggled to keep her attention on the path they rode down. Her gaze kept wandering over to him, admiring the way he looked wearing a cowboy hat and fitted shirt which outlined every bulge in his upper body. Not to mention the jeans that hugged his body perfectly. Cowboys never caught her attention in the past but he sure grabbed her’s.

  “It feels so free out here. Free from stress, free from the worries of life.” She breathed in the fresh country air, clearing her mind. It felt good to get away and enjoy nature. Something she hadn’t done in a while.

  “It is nice out here. That’s why I don’t mind coming home on occasion. I’m glad ya came over.” Ryan reached his hand out and she latched on to it.

  “Me too.” They held hands for a short while until the horses drifted further apart and her hand slid from his.

  She continued to take in the pure air, allowing it to filter through her airways. She loved the way the air blew through her hair and it made her eager to feel the wind against her entire body. Adrenaline flowed through her veins and she yearned to let Freedom ride freely.

  “I’ll race you to the creek!” Natalie leaned forward and gripped the reins tightly and ordered the horse to sprint.

  “Natalie….wait! I don’t think —” Ryan yelled out as she darted off.

  She ignored his warning and pressed forward. Several yards later she looked over her shoulder and saw Ryan close behind. She laughed and lea
ned into Freedom, encouraging him to go faster. This was not like her to do something so reckless, but she couldn’t help it. The wind felt liberating as she sped across the open land.

  Slowly, she raised her body up and took a deep breath. She felt brave and strong. Without much thought she let go of the reins and raised her hands up high toward the sky. She closed her eyes and imagined herself flying through the air; soaring over the vast open land to the wooded areas and down to the lake. She blocked everything from her mind and concentrated only on the sweet smell of the white jasmine shrubs blooming nearby.

  “Natalie. Natalie. Stop! Stop!” Ryan yelled.

  Natalie paid no attention to Ryan’s pleas. The feelings going through her body consumed every part of her. Her body was becoming one with nature. The wind seemed to flow through her, lifting her higher and higher. It howled and lashed against her body giving her the sensation of power and strength.

  “Natalie….Natalie! Look! Look!” Ryan continued to holler in the distance.

  Natalie struggled to separate herself from the wind and break the trance that consumed her. She sensed something was wrong and quickly opened her eyes when she heard Ryan’s frantic cry.

  “Natalie. Stop! Stop!”

  She grabbed the reins and pulled on them tightly urging Freedom to halt. The horse came to a sudden stop. She looked around trying to figure out why he sounded panicked. He pointed toward the horizon.

  “What is that?” Natalie steadied the horse while her eyes took in the implausible sight. “Easy Freedom.” She coaxed the horse but he skittered around nervously.

  In the near distance a warm reddish brown haze expanded across the open land. It rolled in, taking the form of a massive cloud, billowing and consuming everything in its path. The haze was headed in their direction.

  Breathing heavily, Ryan struggled to speak. “It’s…it’s a dust storm. And it’s moving toward us. We gotta go… now.”

  She watched the haze roll in like smoke billowing up from a forest fire. “In North Texas? I thought only West Texas gets dust storms?”

  “My family said we’ve been getting them here lately, and they’re violent.” Ryan guided the horses to turn around. “C’mon, let’s go!” Ryan made a tsk tsk noise with his mouth and commanded the horses to move forward. Even though the horses panted heavily, they didn’t hesitate and quickly shifted into a sprint.

  “We’ll shoot for the barn... over there. It’s a mile. See it?” The wind made it difficult to hear him, chopping every other word off. She followed his hand in the direction he pointed to and she saw their target destination.

  “I can see it. Do you think we’ll make it?” she shouted back.

  “I hope so.” Ryan yelled at the top of his lungs.

  She glanced over her shoulder. The storm had to be only a few yards away. It didn’t take long for the fresh country air to be replaced by thick, gritty dirt. The horses slowed down as the storm surrounded then. Natalie coughed, inhaling the reddish dust with every breath she took.

  Ryan pulled out the handkerchief from his back pocket. He guided his horse closer to Natalie and handed it to her. “Put this on. It’ll help,” he choked out the words, coughing and wheezing.

  Natalie nodded and grabbed it from his hand. “What about you?”

  Ryan let go of the reigns and took hold of his shirt and ripped it open. “I’ll use this.” He tied it around his face, covering his nose and mouth.

  Darkness swiftly filled in between them and she lost sight of him. She reached up and pulled off her sunglasses only to realize that she needed them on. They protected her eyes from the dirt that now stung her eyes and made them water.

  “Ryan…Ryan…Where are you?” she called out, her hand wavering back and forth in the dust. The thick and dark air made it impossible for her to find him. Freedom scampered and skittered around nervously in a circle and she struggled to get him under control. Then she heard his horse neighing.

  “I’m right here. Where are you? We’ll have to walk the horses.” His voice trailed off, lost in the whirling wind.

  She fought to remain calm. “Ooohhh...Ookkaaay,” she muttered under the cloth. Then Freedom came to a complete stop and refused to move.

  “Whoa…. Whoa Girl.” Ryan suddenly yelled and she turned, searching in all directions. Then she heard him command the horse. “Stop! Stop!”

  “Ryan… Ryan—” Natalie reached out into the darkness, not finding him. “Where are you?” she continued to call out. The dirt burned her eyes and a lump formed in the back of her throat. Flashes of her near death plane ride a few months ago crept into her mind and caused fear to take over. She swallowed back the tears. Now was not the time to give into it.

  She got off the horse and pulled his face close to hers. Freedom kept his eyes closed apparently trying to avoid the needle-like pricks of the whipping dirt. She checked his saddle, searching for something to cover up his head. Then she remembered she had on a tank top under her shirt. Thank God. Quickly she took off her shirt and put it around the horse’s face.

  “You’re okay boy.” She patted Freedom, reassuring him. She hugged the horse’s neck and spoke into his ear. “Freedom we will make it to the barn. You have to trust me, okay. Let’s go boy.” She pulled on the reins but he hesitated at first. She persuaded him until he followed her lead.

  Natalie had no idea if they were headed in the right direction. The thick air caused visibility to be near zero. Completely alone and in the middle of a storm, she feared the worse. She could see it all happening again, just like the storm that hit the plane. Would she make it out alive this time? She fought the feelings of despair and fear, determined to survive.

  She closed her eyes and focused on her surroundings. She shuffled her feet along the ground, persevering through the storm. The dirt-filled wind thrashed against her face, stinging her skin like a horrible sunburn after a day at the beach. She itched and burned as the dust entered in through her pores.

  She kept her eyes closed, allowing her senses to fully take over. Somehow, the dirt gave her confidence and strength. It allowed her body to connect with the earth until she became one with it. She felt the ground moving and the entire earth rotating along its axis. Guide me mother earth. Guide me. At that moment, something deep within her stirred. All her surroundings aligned perfectly, like a navigational compass, telling her the cardinal directions. It pulled her body and guided her footsteps along the right course.

  Natalie opened her eyes. Through the thick brownish-red dust, she saw something. She kept her eyes fixed until the air thinned enough to reveal the green barn straight ahead of them. The sight of it brought instant relief and calmness to her. Step by step she made her way to the barn, pulling Freedom at her side.

  “We made it, Freedom. Thank God, we made it.” She reached for the handle on the barn door to open it. At the same time, it slid open and a hand reached for her.

  “Natalie, oh thank God, you’re okay.” Ryan pushed the door open further allowing her and Freedom to get in.

  “Yes, we made it.” Natalie leaped into his arms.

  Ryan embraced her, holding her close. “I was so worried about you.”

  She took off her sunglasses and buried her face against his chest. Tears streamed down her face, scalding her eyes. “I was so scared. I thought I might die out there.”

  He leaned his head back and cradled her face with both his hands. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t leave you out there on purpose. Please believe me.”

  “What happened to you?” Her voice quivered and she swallowed several times, trying to clear her throat from the dust and dirt that scraped her mouth like sand paper.

  “My horse took off riding like a bat out of hell. She brought me straight to the barn. I felt horrible leaving you behind. I was waiting for the storm to pass before I went out to look for you. I’m so sorry I left you out there by yourself.” He wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs in soft gliding movements.

  Her heart told her he d
idn’t leave her intentionally. She just happened to get caught in another freak of nature storm. Why did these things keep happening to her? First it was the plane ride and now the dust storm. She had potentially come close to death not once, but twice now.

  Natalie sighed heavily, still crying. “Thank God, I made it to the barn alive. Freedom got scared and wouldn’t move. I used my shirt and put it around his head. Oh no, I think I lost your sister’s hat.”

  “It’s okay. It’s over.”

  “Then….then something overcame me and my body…” she couldn’t stop the sobs.

  Ryan placed his index finger over her lips. “Shhhh. You’re gonna be alright. You’re safe now. That’s all that matters.” He pulled her close to him and began to stroke her hair, easing the fear away with the gentle caress of his hand.

  Her tears slowly ceased. Being in Ryan’s arms did make her feel safe. Safe from everything. She didn’t want to leave his arms ever. She nestled herself closer to him, allowing her hand and cheek to rest on his chest. The warmth of his skin relaxed her and that’s when she realized she was touching his bare skin. Through all the pandemonium she failed to notice he didn’t have a shirt on. How did she miss that?

  She kept her hand steady and allowed her eyes to survey his finely sculpted pecks and abs. What her hands felt that night on the dance floor was real, very real. Ryan’s body was damn hot. A fine layer of dirt covered his bare chest and his hair stuck up in all directions. The scruffy look only made him sexier.

  He lifted her chin and stared into her eyes. “You are so beautiful, Natalie.” His hand glided down her hair to her arm sending chills all over her body.

  She gazed into his bloodshot red eyes. “Even with all this dirt on me?”

  Ryan nodded. “Yes, beautiful. Dirt or no dirt, you’re gorgeous to me no matter what.”

  Either he was crazy for thinking she looked good sporting the UT burnt orange dirt all over her body or somehow her beauty blinded him. Regardless, he knew the right words to speak. “Oh Ryan, you are a sweetheart.”

  He picked up her hand from his chest and brushed his lips across the top of it. She closed her eyes, savoring the touch of his dry lips against her scorched skin. She wanted to feel his lips against hers. Glide her body against his bare skin. The demand of his touch focused her mind on one mission and one mission only, she wanted him. Then she remembered they both agreed to take it slow and get to know one another. What was wrong with her? She didn’t want to have sex with him. She barely knew him and it went against all her rules. Why couldn’t she control her emotions? She convinced herself that it had to be the near death experience driving them closer together.

  Ryan tightened his arm around her waist and pressed his body firmly against hers. He released her hand and then cupped her cheek. The warmth of his breath spread across her face, inviting her lips to meet his. She moved in toward him, moistening her lips with her tongue. Her heart drummed in her ear and her lips quivered waiting to surrender to his call.

  A loud thud sounded, calling their attention away from one another. The barn door swung open, allowing a ray of light to shine directly upon them. They pulled away, and used their hands to shield their sensitive eyes from the blinding light.

  “Thank God, y’all are safe. That was one heck of a storm.” Lance walked in rambling on and on. They stood looking at him, but neither one spoke a word.

  His eyes darted back and forth between them and he cleared his throat. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to… ummm.”

  “Yeah, we didn’t think we would make it.” Ryan drew Natalie close to him. “But we are safe.”

  She looked up at Ryan, “Yes, I’m safe now, safe in your arms.”