The Cowboy's Prize

Chapter 6

It was a lovely day for a picnic, and when Scott's text read, "Dress for comfort, the outdoors and getting that cute butt dusty." At least that's what I assumed when I smiled at his remark about my rear end.

His next text left me slightly puzzled when he asked for my shoe size, but I sent my reply with the red heel emoji to my Cowboy and smiled.

That my Cutiepie arrived bearing coffee was another mark in his favour, as was the large smile that lit up his bright blue eyes. It was exceedingly difficult to be perturbed with the lanky stud, especially with those eyes gazing prettily at me. And once I'd slurped down another quarter of my coffee, I found him even more charming when he presented me with another present.

He pulled a bag from behind his back and grinned at me.

I put my coffee down and grabbed the bag from his hands eagerly and with a huge smile. "You shouldn't have!" I said coquettishly, really meaning I deserved every present and more. I smiled and stood on tip toe to kiss his cheek in thanks. Scott murmured a pleased sound at my response and tipped his head down a fraction to allow my lips easier access. I rewarded his gesture and buzzed my lips against his skin a moment longer before smiling and returning my attention to his gift.

I opened the bag and pulled out a large box. Glancing up at his face through my lashes I smiled again before opening the box and revealing a pair of boots. I could tell immediately tell that they were no pretty dress pair. They were strong, yet supple and appeared as if moulded to fit my skin like a glove.

My mouth dropped open as I contemplated the gift. Eyes wide, I looked up again in appreciation and said, "They're beautiful. How do I repay such a gift?"

"By using them for what they're intended." Scott answered with a grin. "We're going riding."

He held out his hand and I put mine in it. "I hope I don't fall off!" I remarked offhandedly, and Scott chuckled before pulling me towards the door.

"Put them on and grab your purse!" He said with a mischievous grin.

"Drag me!" I smirked, but grabbed what I needed and placed them next to the door. I sat at the hall table and changed out of my dress shoes. I slipped my feet into the new boots and found I had surmised correctly, they fit like a second skin. "Ooohhh, they're perfect." I gasped and then thanked Scott again.

"Don't thank me yet." He said with a smile. "You're going to need them."

"Yes." I said answering his smile and taking his hand again, we left for the day.

......

An hour later I was on the back of a sweet mare, riding steadily towards Scott's intended picnic spot. His stallion gambolled with a frisky gait around my horse, showing Scott's ease in the saddle and his confident seat. He controlled his mount with one hand and took off his hat with the other, using the back of his hand holding his hat to wipe his brow.

The sun took its opportunity in that moment to shine brightly over Scott and his horse. It was a sublime picture and I pulled out my phone to capture the memory. "Smile Texas!" I demanded and Scott rewarded me with a smile so bright I could barely see him. But my camera had captured it perfectly. It surprised me how much I appreciated the picture he made.

"Damn." I whispered under my breath before following his horse along with mine.

I had amused myself, imagining a tender heart towards him at our dinner, but I found myself surprised at how strongly I felt towards the taller man in so short a time. It was as if he knew me better in the space of a few days than most of the men I'd had occasion to date did. It was puzzling, how he made me feel things so quickly...

I hadn't found someone to whom I'd made such an early connection in more time than I cared to admit. My heart had been empty for so long. For a time deliberately so. Having one's heat broken was no pleasant thing. But as I tagged along behind Scott for a time, admiring his butt as it moved with his horse, I found myself hopeful.

I awkwardly kicked my mare's sides as I attempted to gain a bit more speed from the happily sauntering horse, she nickered at my clumsy movement and Scott threw an amused smile over his shoulder before pulling back on the reins and slowing his own mount to match the gait of mine. He grinned boyishly and leaned over to poke me in my side.

"Nearly there Princess." He chuckled.

"Where's your sense of chivalry?" I asked returning his grin with a lofty expression. At his hurt frown I couldn't help myself, I shook my head and forgave him on the spot. "You're really too sweet for your own good Texas." I said with a smile.

"Is that a good thing?" He replied with an attempt at sophistication and I could have kissed him on the spot.

It was a good thing we were on our second date. Kisses were allowed. And admiring his mouth as it turned up at the corners once again in response to my returned flirtatious smile, I was very happy I wouldn't have to turn his lips away this time.