Like I’m beautiful even when I’m broken.
I move toward him without thinking, and before I can say a word, he’s out of his chair, pulling me into his chest. His arms wrap around me, anchoring me against the warmth of him, as his hand cradles the back of my head, tucking me right under his chin.
“I got you, baby,” he says against my hair, “I know these past couple of days were shit. And this morning isn’t much better. You don’t gotta say anything... Just let me hold you for a minute, alright?”
The tears I swore I wouldn’t cry threaten to fall again,burning my eyes. I squeeze them shut and breathe him in instead—cedar and pine, something that smells likehome.
I finally showered, cleaning days’worth of filth off of me. Carter insisted on a surprise today.
God fucking help me.
His hand wraps around mine, tugging me straight into the barn. The scent of hay, leather, and that distinct musky horse smell smacks me in the face. I immediately dig my heels into the dirt like a stubborn mule.
“No,” I say firmly, crossing my arms. “I’m not cleaning up horse shit today.”
Carter chuckles under his breath, glancing over his shoulder at me with that annoying little smirk that makes my knees weak.
“Relax, baby,” he says, voice low and teasing. “You’re not shoveling anything today.”
I narrow my eyes, pouting as I trail after him reluctantly. He heads straight to one of the stalls, calmly grabbing the reins of a huge black horse that looks like it could murder me with a single kick.
“Absolutely not!” I yelp, “That thing is a death trap! A giant, muscular, four-legged death machine!”
Carter ignores me completely, saddling the horse, tightening the leather straps, and runs a soothing hand down its neck.
“His name’s Midnight,” he says casually, “and he’s harmless, unless you start screaming like a lunatic.”
“I make no promises!” I shout back, clutching the barn door like my life depends on it.
He laughs, a real throaty laugh, the sound is something so rare from him, and I cherish every second of that beautiful laugh.
“You trust me?” he asks again, cocking his head, holding his hand out.
I bite my lip. “No.”
“You’re safe with me, Catalina. Always.”
Damn him.
I stare at his outstretched hand for a moment, my heart hammering in my ears. I take a cautious step, grumbling under my breath and stomping over to him.
“You owe me,” I mutter.
He grins as he hauls me up with effortless strength, seating me right in front of him in the saddle. He pulls me back against him, arm sliding around my waist as I settle into the saddle. His chest presses to my back, close enough where I can feel the pattern of his breath. One hand rests near mine on the reins, the other stays at my waist, holding me tight.
The horse steps forward, its hooves trot through the grass with a muted thud. My body shifts with the movement, throwing me off balance. I grab the saddle horn, my fingers curling tight around the worn leather.
“Loosen up, baby,” he teases in my ear, “enjoy the ride.”
I snort, squeezing my thighs tighter around the saddle.
Carter takes me around his land, endless golden pastures, fences stretching far and wide, clusters of trees that dance with the breeze, and cattle graze lazily in the distance.
It’s truly breathtaking.
I can feel the tension I always carry leaving my body.The wind in my hair, Carter’s hand holding my waist like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Finally, after what feels like forever, he leads the horse through a break in the trees.
There it is—a lake, tucked away like a secret.
