Crossing the Line

Chapter 5: You, Me, and Crystal

Crystal drove me to work every morning for a week while my car was in the shop. She was practically glowing every time. She animatedly chatted about her date with Tristan every time they had one; which she was sure to make often. A pang of guilt hit me. She really liked him. I forced a smile and pretended to be interested in the details of her dates. A pocket of silent fell over the car when she finally finished talking.

“We should get you a boyfriend,” Crystal said. Her eyes sparkled as she glanced at me. I had to force myself not to laugh; technically, I already had one. I smiled and shook my head before I put my hair up in a ponytail

“That’s the least of my worries right now Crys. It’s not that important right now. I just need to focus on my job,” I lied. She seemed a bit disappointed but didn’t say anything else about it. I smiled discreetly out of the window when we pulled up to Ridgeway. I hopped out and said goodbye. She gave me a knowing look. I sighed and waited for her to get out of the car.

She smiled and skipped into the barn alongside me. Tristan was already starting the morning rounds. He looked over to us and smiled politely. After he threw the cube of hay over a stall, he put his gloves in his back pocket and walked over to us. His muscles rippled with every step. I couldn't help but to stare. He was wearing the black Ridgeway riding shirt and blue jeans today. 

“Hi Tristan,” Crystal smiled. She hugged him and pulled back. Something stirred inside me when she touched him. I didn't like it.

Her phone rang. She sighed and looked at it. “I have to go, but I’ll see you guys later.” She said. She waved before she pranced back out of the barn and drove away. It was only then that I realized that I was holding my breath. I exhaled loudly and laughed. I went into the tack room and got a saddle ready. I hear the door close and knew who it was immediately. I turned when I felt arms go around my waist. I slung my arms around his neck and met his lips for a soft kiss.

“Hello,” he smiled. I smiled and ran my fingers along his chest. I stopped at his hips and pulled him closer to me gently.

“Hello to you too,” I breathed. I kissed him again before I let go and went back to the tack I was preparing. “I’m going for an early ride. Do you want to go?” I asked, picking out a bridle. He chuckled and nodded.

“Of course,” he smiled. He grabbed his tack and started saddling up the horses. I finished the feeding rounds and mounted. We rode out to our lake and tied up the horses. Tristan liked to call the lake Lake Holly. He said it was because it was as unpredictable and beautiful as I was. He held my hand as we walked to a spot overlooking the lake. We sat down. I laid back and Tristan propped up on his elbow next to me. 

“So tell me how it went,” I smiled. He looked at me confused before I looked at him and rolled my eyes. “You're date with Crystal” I clarified. I normall ynever asked him about them because I would get all the details from Crystal right afterwards, but I wanted to hear what Tristan had to say about it this time. He laughed and kissed my cheek.

“It was okay I guess. We went to see a chick-flick. It was really boring,” he shrugged. I laughed and sat up too.

“You’re just saying that to spare me,” I rolled my eyes playfully and pushed him away from me. He laughed and brought his body back so that he was hovering above me. I found myself lying back down. 

“Are not,” he smiled. I smiled and my breathing picked up a bit. He laughed and kissed me gently before he rolled over onto his elbow again. “I love how worked up you get.” He grinned. I rolled my eyes and smiled. I rolled on top of him so I was straddling him and brought my face close to his. His breath picked up and he reached up to kiss me, but I hovered just out of reach. His eyes begged me to do something. I laughed huskily and deliberately breathed on his neck. He groaned and held my waist.

“I’m not the only one,” I whispered near his ear. He groaned again and pulled at my waist.

“You’re such a tease,” he breathed. I laughed heartily and sat up a little more on his lap. I was always so comfortable around Tristan, no matter wwhat was going on. He breathed deeply and looked up at me with his impailing blue eyes. I smiled and bit my lip.

“We have a few hours,” I shrugged. I wanted every part of him... and I wanted him now. 

*The style of the men's Ridgeway uniform can be seen in the media to the side.*