The Submissive Wives Estate

14. Family Secrets

CALLIE

Droplets of chlorine dripped off my brow as Xavier and I walked away from the pool to Mulbrandt.  Daniel was walking ahead of us, his bare back rippling and glistening in the sunlight. 

I opened my mouth to speak, but I snapped it shut when Daniel began chatting with Xavier instead of me. It sounded like guy talk and my head was already spinning from the heat and the way I watched Daniel pull Whitney aside like she meant something to him.

I was deep in thought about how the rest of the evening should go with Xavier, the tips of my ears blazing, until all of a sudden, Daniel spoke to me over Xavier's shoulders, "Throwing pillows?... Oh, Callie. Really?"

I clapped Xavier's hard bicep, "Why did you tell him?"

Xavier looked at me like he'd committed a grave sin but defended himself, "It was cute."

"You're always good for something cute," Daniel reached over Xavier's chest and brushed my nose with his knuckle.

All my love for Daniel blossomed at that small touch. I scrunched up my nose and reached for his forearm to return the touch but he had already withdrawn. I was left pawing at the air. Xavier furrowed his brows at the sight with a humored smirk, sandwiched between us as we kept walking.

"Where are you going, Daniel?" I inquired. 

"The stable. A ride will clear my head," Daniel replied clinically. 

I nodded, feeling heat rush to my already hot cheeks in a light sting as I clasped my hands behind my back. I turned my attention back to Xavier who was toweling his hair off, his umber hair turned black from the water and spiked in all different directions.

"I have some work to do for my clinic," Xavier announced as he slung a grey v-neck shirt over his dried-off upper half.

"Xavier?" I asked in a small voice as I watched his ripply arms slide through the sleeves and the fabric cling to his contoured abdomen.

"Yes, my dear?" he answered so cordially my heart nearly swelled to my surprise. 

Here I was, walking with two men and I only thought one could do something to my heart. But both? That was pleasantly new and scary all the same.

"Can I go riding with Daniel?"

"If he'll have you, sure. I'm not opposed to it. But I want you back for dinner, okay?"

I nodded at Xavier before turning to Daniel, "Can I come?"

"Always. I'll meet you at the stable once you're dressed."

ততততততততত

After changing into my simple riding clothes, I found Daniel. Khaki riding pants, matching his hair that curled around his ears. Sturdy black riding boots. His beautiful hands rested on his horse's velvety yellow fur as he spoke in a soothing voice into her ear. He let out a low chuckle as she looked into his eyes and nuzzled his nose affectionately. 

I trudged up to the stable and Opie knickered the moment he looked at me, catching Daniel's attention. His eyes which matched the grass flew up, "Hey, Cal."

"Hi," I reached out for Opie's glossy brown coat, admiring the glints of red in my horse's coloring as the sun shined upon him.

"Ready?" Daniel's large hand met my crown and my heart panged straight to my knees.