Cowboys & Horses

Chapter 20

We were on top of a ridge which gave us fantastic views of the moonlit desert beneath. Laid out on the half circle shaped cliff edge was a large dark blanket. Edging the soft fabric were dozens of candles, their flames burning bright and strong, highlighting the treat in the middle. A wicker picnic basket sat open, wrapped food spilling from its mouth. A dark green bottle of wine twinkled next to it with two glasses.

"Brady..." I put my hands to my mouth to muffle the strangled sob threatening to escape. "This is just..." A single tear jumped for freedom, opening the path for the rest. "Thank you."

He gave me a hug, chuckling lightly. "I didn't think it was that good."

I giggled, steadily regaining my composure. "I've never had anything like this before."

Pulling back, he took my hand and gave me a gentle tug to sit down with him on the blanket. "Hasn't your lovely fella back home ever done anything like this for you?"

I shook my head. "No...our first date was at a roller skating disco."

He burst out laughing. "Nice touch. What about when he proposed?"

"Um, no..." Memories of that night sprang forwards, unfortunately. "He came home from his work Christmas party absolutely steaming drunk, threw up all over me and the bed, and then got down on one knee with a Haribo ring."

He said nothing for a good few seconds, his face remaining impassive. "Are you being serious?"

I nodded. "I only said yes to shut him up. He kept going on about it, harassed me for nearly an hour. I was so mad about the chunks of sick everywhere..." I shuddered, remembering the disgusting mess I'd had to clean up. "I didn't think he'd remember in the morning...unlucky for me he did."

"Well, at least he made it memorable."

I smiled but said nothing. Talking about Ben made me feel uncomfortable to say the least.

"Have you heard from him since the other night?"

"No. I can't quite work out if that's a good thing or not."

"From what I heard through the door, I would say it's a good thing."

I bit my lip and took my hand back. "I'm sorry, but would you mind if we didn't talk about him? I just...I don't want to think about him."

"Don't feel awkward because of me. I'm curious. I want to understand. I wouldn't ask if I wasn't interested." He grabbed both of my hands. "Sophie, if you were living your happily ever after, we wouldn't even be here. Heck, you wouldn't even be in this country. From what I understand, you're about as committed to each other as a stud dog is to a bitch."

I laughed. What a comparison.

"I love your laugh."

My heart thudded against my ribs as soon as I heard 'I love'. This handsome, irresistible cowboy was causing such a turmoil of emotions inside me, I didn't know which way to turn or what to think.

I turned my attention to Cody, changing the subject. "Is he ok?"

"Yeah. He's ground tied. He'll nod off anyway."

"Ground tied? Seriously, lingo."

He chuckled. "It means he's trained to stay put so long as the reins are on the ground."

Sighing, I turned back to Brady. "I love it out here."

"So do I. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."

The thought of going home haunted me. Even though I still had another two and a half weeks out here, the pressing reality of home was always in the back of my mind. Just the thought of it filled me with dread and distaste.