Crossing the Line

Chapter 3: No Going Back

I sighed when I heard hoof-beats coming. Only one other person knew about the lake, and he was here now. He was also the one who was dating my sister... and the one I just kissed. I opened my eyes when I sensed him sit next to me. He brushed the back of his finger on my cheek.

"That shouldn't have happened," I repeated in a whisper.

"But it did," he said softly. I looked over to him. He smiled softly and shrugged. I sat up and sighed. My hair fell forward in a curtain. He tucked it behind my ear and held my chin. I reluctantly looked at him. He kissed me gently and pulled away. He held his face inches from mine. "And I've wanted to do that since the first time I saw you." He whispered. His hand held my cheek softly. I bit my bottom lip softly.

"Me too," I breathed. I looked back at him. "But we can't-"

His lips crushed down onto mine cutting off my sentence. It was like he was begging me to shut up. My eyes fluttered closed and my fingers came up to tangle in his hair as I finally gave in. I pulled my body closer to his. "This is wrong." I muttered through the kiss. His hand ran down my body and stopped at my waist. He clenched my shirt and pulled back a bit. His breath was noticeably faster. His electric blue eyes were mesmerizing. I cleared my throat and stood up. I ran my fingers through my hair and untied Mystic.

"Holly?" Tristan said questionably. I looked at him after I mounted. I sighed and avoided his eyes.

"This," I said motioning to the two of us, "can't happen. Crys really likes you. Have fun on your date." I said softly. My voice broke on the last word.

I turned Mystic quickly and galloped away. I worked quietly when I got back to the main part of the ranch. I taught a small jumping class and went through the evening feeding rounds emotionlessly. I was completely disconnected from everything.

Tristan shot me worried glances all throughout the day. Finally, I was free to go home. I got in my car and turned the key. Nothing happened. I tried again and got the same result. I grunted and put my head against the steering wheel.There was a tap on my window seconds later. I looked over to see Tristan... of all people. Just my luck.

I sighed and took the key out of the ignition. Opening the door, I grabbed my purse. "It won't start," I said quietly. He leaned on the car and sighed.

"Do you want a ride? Since, I'm going to be going that way anyway for my forced date with your sister tonight," he said. I scrunched my eyebrows.

"Who... But nobody's forcing you," I shook my head. He raised an eyebrow at me. Right... I was the one forcing him. Well, sort of. I shrugged. "Yeah, I need a ride. Thanks." I said timidly. We both started for his car.

"Oh, one more thing," he said facing me again. "I have to change out of these riding pants, so do you mind if we stop by my place first?" he asked cautiously. His house wasn't a problem. I'd been to his house many times to hang out, but this was different. We were different.

I nodded anyway. A pit stop wouldn't hurt.

*I know this was a considerably short chapter (ssorry about that!)... Tristan and Holly's secret lake hideout can be seen to the side in media.*