Justin: Cowboy At Heart

Part 7

((OOC: Hope you all enjoyed the story of Justin and Dusti.  I hope to start Justin's brother Colt soon and will keep you posted!))

A truck pulled in a few seconds later and Gypsy’s head shot up.  Kayla quickly grabbed the mare’s reins so the horse didn’t take off and deseat her friend.  She also kept one hand on Dusti’s knee to steady her.

            “Help’s coming, Dust,” Kayla whispered, looking toward the truck.  Two cowboys slid out of the Ford.  “Help!” Kayla called. 

            The cowboys came running.  Kayla soon recognized them as Justin and Wyatt, but right now she didn’t care why they were there.  All she cared was they were.  She knew she wouldn’t be able to get Dusti down on her own.

            “What happened?” Wyatt asked as Justin moved up beside Dusti.

            Kayla shook her head.  “I told her not to, but she had to try.  Then she just froze.  I can’t get her down.”

            Justin gently touched Dusti’s knee.  “DW?” he whispered, using his old nickname for her.  She raised tear-streaked eyes.  “Hey, shh, baby.  Let me help you.”

            Dusti still whimpered softly.  Justin reached up and carefully untangled her fingers from Gypsy’s mane.  He lifted her out of the saddle and held her close to his chest.  Dusti buried her face in his shirt and clung to him, still shaking.

            “Shh,” he whispered, kissing her hair.  “You’re safe now.”

            “Take her inside,” Kayla whispered.  “I’ll take care of Gypsy.”

            Justin just nodded as he continued to talk soothingly to Dusti.  Dusti continued to whimper softly as she clung to Justin.  She was too scared to really think about who was holding her.  Justin carried her straight to the house, leaving Wyatt to help Kayla.

            He nudged the door open with his boot and headed straight for the living room.  Nothing had changed in six years.  Well, except for him and Dusti.  Justin sat down on the couch, keeping Dusti in his arms.

            “DW?” he asked, gently coaxing her to look up.  She looked so scared that it broke his heart.  “What were you thinking?”

            Dusti sniffled.  “I-I had to save the ranch,” she whispered.  “I-I thought if I could win the rodeo in two weeks I could get enough money to at least get ahead.”

            Justin gently started to rock her.  Dusti snuggled close to his chest, her heart still racing.  She closed her eyes tightly, trying to calm down.

            “Sweetie, we’ll think of something,” he whispered, kissing her forehead.  “I promise.”

            She shook her head, looking up at him.  “Why should I trust you?” she asked softly, her voice shaking.  “You let me down once already.  When I really needed you.”

            “I was young and stupid,” he said.  “But please believe me when I tell you I had no idea about you accident.  I only found out a couple of weeks ago.  If I had known I would have come right back.  Honest I would have.”

            Dusti sighed as she rested her head against his shoulder.  “Doesn’t matter now.  It happened and now we’re going to lose the ranch because I’m terrified to get back on Gypsy.  She’s my best friend and I’m terrified of her.”