Breathe

Chapter Eleven

I'd known Seth had been planning something by the way he had been a bit distant during the next week. He was secretive and would not give anything away, but I let him act that way knowing he would eventually let me in.

That time came mid-Sunday when a knock sounded at the door of my room. Luce had gone out on a date with Charlie so I was alone and had been immersed in a novel. With the sound, I sit up and head towards the door which I open to find Seth, waiting patiently.

"I have a surprise for you...." Is the first thing he says when I open the door and the look in Seth's eyes is pure mischievousness and it both scares and excites me.

"Is it too late to tell you that I hate surprises?" I laugh nervously. "Let's just turn around go back inside while we still can."

"Where would be the fun in that? Trust me, I know you hate surprises but you'll love this one."

"Okay," I say in complete confidence.

"Okay?" He raises his brow.

"I trust you." As the words leave my mouth Seth's lip tip up into a smile and it completely melts my heart with its warmth and I can't help but look down to hide any reaction evident on my face.

He takes that as an opportunity to lean through the doorway and place a tender kiss on my forehead. "You make me so happy."

The seemingly simple words that leave his mouth mean so much more than that. Never from my first day meeting him would I have ever imagined that in a few months' time the guy I'd assumed to be an asshole with his cocky smirk would be saying such sweet things to me and become one of the only people who truly understood me.

Seth 'Stone' King had single-handedly stolen my closed-off heart and taken it to the frontlines where it was most susceptible to damage. Over time I'd realised his rough exterior was just a show to see who would make the effort to get to know the real him; the one who absolutely adored his mother, worshipped his dad, is a role model and teacher to his little brother and would go to war to help his friends. He was undoubtedly the best kind of man and I was in no way worthy of being in his presence, but I was glad nevertheless.

In an attempt to ease my embarrassment, I look up and comment, "Let's go before I change my mind."

He nods in response leads me out of the door rooms and into his car, shifting into gear quickly, probably afraid I'll decide I want to go back into the safe house which is the dorm room. Whilst driving through the windy roads, we pass multiple shades of green and brown of the trees and shrubs and I find myself getting lost in the colours as they whip past.

An hour later, Seth finally pulls into a long drive and as we arrive at the end he cuts the ignition my mouth widens in shock. In front of us are two buildings; a farmhouse and a barn which features two saddled horses out the front. One is a beautiful dappled grey whilst the other is a brown and white pinto.

"Seth," I murmured slowly. "What are we doing here?"

"Well, we're going horseback riding, silly." He mocks me sweetly, sticking his tongue out.

"I've never ridden a horse before." I state.

"I know," he's smiling.

"I've always wanted to," I continue.

"I know," he repeats.

"But I can't, I'm too scared. There's no way I can do this."

Seth takes my hand in his grip, bring it to his lips and kissing it softly. "Doe, you can do anything you set your mind to," he released my hand, opening and shutting his door before making his way around the car to open mine, and bows offering his arm, "Your chariot awaits, milady."