Return to Tacoma Falls

I like you, a lot

Dalton's POV

We stood there on the dance floor and she stared at me. The impact of my words hit her hard. I could tell. Listening to her confession slip past her lips, hit me strangely. I had no idea she had liked me all these years but I was glad.

I was taking a chance letting her know what I was feeling. With so little words, they meant so much to both of us. I was even going to take a bigger chance with what slipped from my lips next.

"Harper."

"Yes?" She whispered.

"I like you. A lot."

Her eyes widened and her lips parted as she searched for words but they eluded her.

I reached out and gently took her hand into mine, slipping my fingers in between mine.

"Say something." I whispered.

I watched as her lips curled into an upright position, "finally."

"What?"

"I never thought you would ever hold my hand." She smiled.

"I tell you I like you and all you can think of is me finally holding your hand?"

"A girl has to have dreams, doesn't she?" She grinned and I couldn't help but chuckle. "Dalton, I like you a lot too." Hearing this words made me smile.

We danced some more and eventually walked off the dance floor, making our way to get something to drink. We both drank an ice tea and talked until I heard a voice I didn't want to hear.

"Oh I see how it is. You would rather pick her over me!"

I turned to see Christy standing there. On instinct, I wrapped my arm around Harper's waist and pulled her close.

"I'd pick her any time and any day of the week than you." I snapped back. I was tired of this. She cheated on me and thought I would just roll over and take her back.

"But Dalton." She whined my name. I hated when she did that. It made me cringe.

"No. Do me a favor and stay away from me and stay away from Harper," I ordered. I ushered Harper away.

"Girls be crazy," Harper said to me.

"You have no idea," I said causing her to laugh.

We made our way to the stable. Maybe at least we'll get some peace.

*******
Harper's POV

Dalton leaned against the railing of the stable as did I and we talked as we drank our sweet tea.

"Dalton!" Our heads snapped up to see his dad walking towards us.

"Yeah?"

"I talked to Larry Fisher and he's working on the contract situation. He said it's going to take time but has gotten a judge to put an injunction on it."

"What does that mean?"

"It means no one rides for the rodeo until this mess is cleared up."

"Are you saying no one as not anyone?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying. It seems that there's been a lot underhanded dealings going on according to a few people I know on the circuit." He said emphatically. "Now, I'm going to tell your ma."

As soon as Payton walked away, Dalton picked me up and swung me around enthusiastically. I wrapped my arms around his neck. This was incredible news and I was happy for him.