They Knew Us Once

Chapter 2. Hot men and their dogs

The next morning, after my horses landed at their connection state, my mom and I were boarding ours as well. I settled into my seat and grabbed my headphones, closing my eyes. I had only just started to fall asleep when I felt someone drop into the seat next to me. My mom had been bumped to first class and I stayed in economy, so of course I had to sit next to a random person.
I open my eyes to see a young man guiding his dog into the seat next to him. I gasped excitedly and reached out to the little rottweiler puppy.
"Can I pet him?" I asked the man.

He smiled at me and responded in a deep voice.

"Sure. she loves people".

I reached for the puppy and she climbed over his lap to sit with me. I snuggled her close to me and she licked my nose. I grimaced, giggling quietly, as he pulled her away. The pilot came over the intercom and said we'd be taking off soon so he settled her into her seat and she fell asleep in a few short seconds. He smiled and patted her head before turning to me.

"Im Colt" he says quietly as the lights dim.

"I'm Violet," I said, smiling.

We made small talk for a while before falling asleep for the majority of the flight.
I woke up to the sound of a whining puppy. I opened my eyes to see an old man yanking on the puppy's ear, Colt yelling at him, trying to unbuckle his seatbelt. I got there faster and ripped the man's hands off of her ear, pulling her away. After what seemed like forever, we landed and Colt rushed off the plane with his dog in tow. I followed quickly and saw him talking to security. The puppy jumped excitedly when she saw me walk off the plane, pulling her leash from Colt. She runs towards me as Colt runs after her. She jumps into my arms as Colt slows to a walk, a smile on his face. I smile back before noticing my mom walking towards us. She rushes over to us and yanks my arm lightly.

"We need to go get our bags and get on the road. The horses are going to be at the house soon."

I nod, smiling at Colt as we walk away. We collect our bags and go to pick up our car.
A few hours later, we are pulling into the driveway of our new home. The horses would be arriving soon and I needed to go check the fences and clean the stalls. I jumped on the fourwheeler and drove around the pasture before going to clean the stalls. A few hours later I was hosing down my legs and arms before walking up to the driveway. I saw a car and the trailer pull into the drive and stood waiting for them to park. I walked over to the trailer and opened the doors.
I was about to walk into the trailer when a familiar puppy rushed over to me and ran around my legs. I looked up and saw Colt getting out of the car talking to the driver. I smiled, reaching down to grab the puppy's leash before she tripped me with it. I walked her over to Colt and handed her leash to him. He barely looked at me so I turned around and walked to the horses. I started by getting Cruise out first, putting him in the pasture, then getting the boys out and putting them in their stalls. When I walked back to get Bossy out, I saw all the drivers and Colt yelling at each other and backing away from the trailer. I walked over and realized the problem. They had tried to get Bossy out on their own. I walked in front of them, glaring at Bossy.

"Cuidate La Jefa".

I pointed at her nose sternly and she calmed down, lowering her head. I untied the leadrope and led her towering body into the stall. I patted her barrel before taking off the halter and walking outside again. The grooms, drivers, and Colt were all gaping down at me as I walked to them. I looked at them calmly before pulling their payment out of my back pocket. The driver snatched it quickly, closing the trailer and getting into the driver's seat. Everyone got into their cars and drove away, still watching me in their mirrors. Colt walked up behind me and handed me a check. I looked at him and frowned. He smiled