I need to tell Annabeth about Samantha.
Sixteen
Annabeth
Pink. No. I hate this shirt, also no. Nothing looksgood,I think to myself as I rummage through my wardrobe. Five pairs of jeans, three dresses, and a jumpsuit later, and I still have absolutely no idea what I’m going to wear to the rodeo.
“Ella, do you still have those cut-off jeans with the frayed knees?” I call out to my roommate. Silence. “Ella?” Still nothing.
I fling the fourth, and completely hideous dress to the floor and make my way towards Ella’s room. Since she clearly can’t hear me, I’m just going to have to find them myself. Before I even make it to the hallway, my phone aggressively buzzes in my pocket, and I nearly jump out of my skin.
Unknown: Hey, little Firefly.
My heart thumps rapidly in my chest, and I can feel heat pooling between my thighs as I re-read his words over and over again.Dallas. Texted. Me.I scream internally and try to calm the overwhelming feeling that’s now rushing through me.
Me: Dallas Northlane, I do not recall giving you my phone number.
I double tap his number and save it to my contacts before placing my phone on my bed and staring at it as if it’s a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.
Honestly, at this point, my damn heart feels like a time bomb that could explode at any moment.What the heck is it with this man and his ability to make me feel like a giddy high-school kid with a crush?
Dallas: Got it from your phone when you were making breakfast the other day. Are you going to the rodeo?
Me: Hmm, phone sneaking already? I better keep my eyes on you… But yes, Ella wants to watch Colt ride. I think she said we were meeting up with the Carters as well. Are you?
Dallas: Yes.
He ignores the first part of my text, and I’m worried I was too forward, but about three seconds pass before my phone buzzes again.
Dallas: What are you doing?
Dallas: I mean, do you have plans?
Dallas: Can I see you again?
Me: What, now?
Me: Yeah. Youwanna go for a ride?
Dallas: I hope you mean on the horses.
Me: Dallas Northlane, I am a lady of the most respectable nature.
Dallas: Yes, you are, Firefly. Meet me at the stables in an hour. I’ll be waiting for you.
Me: Ok.
The heat pooling in my core grows more intense, and I feel my centre throbbing at the thought of riding Dallas. I can just picture the crooked smile he had as he typed that cheeky text to me.
I slide into my riding jeans. I’d picked up a new pair a few days ago after the rude realisation that Lee’s takeout and wine had gone straight to my ass, and I can no longer squeeze into my old ones. My hands run across the denim that hugs my curves, and I scramble to put on my boots, the anticipation of seeing Dallas now becoming overwhelming. Pulling my hair into a low, messy bun, I place my favourite Akubra hat on my head and turn to grab my car keys from the dresser. With one final glance in the mirror, I all but sprint out the door.
When I arrive at the stables, there’s a note stuck to the door that says, ‘We’re out over the gulley.’ I quickly get to work tacking up Milo before heading out into the paddock. Before long, we’re cantering overa hill when Dallas comes into view. He’s sitting patiently on his horse – a bloody beautiful looking gelding. As we reach them, the horses nicker happily to each other, their muzzles connecting for a moment as they say hello.
“Hey,” he says.
“Hey,” I reply, flashing him what I hope is a cute smile.
“Annabeth, this is Sampson,” he offers, gesturing down to the incredible beast beneath him.
