AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“So he’s pissed that Dad pretty much stole his business. Now he wants the land to take back over.” Claire nods and I huff.
No wonder Hunter was so arrogant and pushy about the offer. These bastards want to take everything that my dad has worked for and take the town over. I definitely can’t sell the ranch yet, not when so many slimy people want to corrupt everything my dad built with his bare hands.
“I’m sorry, Claire. I didn’t know this was an issue,” I say stupidly, unsure of how to calm her.
I can’t bring up my plans and confusion about what to do with the ranch now. I have to really think this through and do the right thing. Too many lives are on the line.
“It’s not your fault, sweetie. But I will tell you this, stay away from that man and his son. They ain’t nothin’ but trouble,” she warns as we pull in the driveway.
I’d like to say that it would be no issue for me to stay away, but I can’t lie.
I’ve thought about Hunter and his kiss all fucking day. No matter what I do, his sapphire blue eyes creep into the depths of my mind at every possible turn. He’s like a curse, his lips have poisoned me and now I am consumed by him. No wonder everyone keeps telling me to stay away. He’s a serpent in the garden.
We hop out of Claire’s truck and unload all our bags and bring them into the house. I help her unload the groceries and tell her that I am going to change and go see the horses while she makes dinner. She nods as she pulls the roast out and I run upstairs with my clothes, emptying them out on the bed and staring at the bland fabrics before me.
“I’ll just have to make it work,” I say to myself as I change into the jean shorts a navy blue t-shirt and the black off-brand Timberlands.
I tie my hair back into a braid and look at myself in the mirror. The shorts are still too short for my liking, and I can see every bit of cellulite and every dimple on my thighs, but other than that, I look like I blend right in with everyone else here. I fidget with my dad’s necklace that lays against my collarbone, wishing he was here and could tell me what I should do, but instead, I walk out to the pastures feeling lost and frustrated.
13
The walkto the horse stables is long and hot. I have to wipe my brow several times and fan myself the entire way. I don’t know how these men and Marley work out here all day and night. It must be exhausting. I’m already winded just from walking, but the view is worth it.
The ranch is surrounded by the glorious mountains of Montana. I spot the first lake near the stables as I approach. A few horses are already out, grazing and basking in the sun. I spot Rob training a black stallion and walk up to him.
“Afternoon, Ali. What brings you out here today?” he asks with his boyish smile.
“I came to see Bell. Is she in the stables?” I ask and the black stallion huffs and starts getting anxious.
“Easy there, boy,” Rob says, patting the horse and calming him down.
“Yes ma’am. Marley gave her some shots yesterday so she’s a little tired, but still as sweet as always. She’ll be glad to see you,” he says, eyeing me up and down.
I thank him and walk to the stables. Rob is a good-looking man, but definitely not my type and I can tell Marley might have a thing for him. Then again, ever since I met Hunter, I’m not sure what my type is anymore.
I step into the stables and greet some of the horses that are still inside. They huff and pace and I try to spot Bell. As soon as I near the end, I see her. She’s still golden with that chestnut main. Still smaller than any other horse I’ve seen.
“Hey, sweet girl. I’ve missed you,” I say calmly, approaching her with my hand stretched out so she can smell me.
She sniffs all around my hand for a while, getting used to my scent and wetting my skin with her large nose. I look at her eyes to try to see if she’s going to get anxious, but sure enough I see the click of a memory register in those large brown orbs and she starts getting excited.
“Aw, you remember me, baby? I missed you, old girl,” I say, running my fingers softly through her mane as she groans and leans into my hand.
I bring my face to hers slowly, resting my forehead on hers as she lets out a long sigh. It’s like a sigh of comfort, a joyous noise of finally seeing someone you love. It pulls at my heart because I know she misses my dad.
“I miss him too, Bell. More than anything,” I say quietly into her hair, nuzzling her and soaking in the peace that she brings me.
“I brought you some carrots,” I say finally, sniffing back tears that were threatening to fall.
I give her some and she takes them out of my hand slowly, nibbling at them until I’m all out.
I stay in there with her for at least an hour, petting and brushing her, making up for all that lost time.
“She’s too old to ride now, but she’s still a sweetheart,” Earl says as he steps into the barn, scaring the shit out of Bell and me.
He chuckles and comes over to pet her nose.
“Sorry for scaring you ladies. Just wanted to check on you both,” he says in his old, kind voice.
