“Yes, you did. But Daisy, I told you it wasn’t your fault.” I stood up and walked over to her, leaning against the railing beside her. “That’s the truth. What happened is not your fault.”
“Okay.”
“Can I tell you something?”
“Yes.”
“Your dad did want to visit you more.”
“What?”
“I heard him and my dad talking. He told my dad that he wanted to go visit you again, but he wanted you to come home, and he didn’t know how to get you to do that.”
“Why does he want me here so badly?”
“Is it that bad being here?”
“This is where it all happened…all the pain. This place reminded me so much of my mom and being at the ranch with my dad; it just reminds me so much of her and what happened. I hate that feeling. I hate that pain. I left because I was struggling, and that’s why I never looked back.”
“Your dad was struggling, too.”
“I guess I’ve not been the best daughter. I just wish he had tried to talk to me. He left that all up to me.” We didn’t speak for a few minutes, just stood on the porch. I glanced at her a few times, then finally placed my hand on hers.
“Daisy, I know we have to keep this relationship between us hidden, but I can’t help how I feel about you. It feels so right.” I leaned toward her, eager to feel her touch. She leaned in, too.
“I feel the same way, cowboy, but you’re going to have to learn to keep your hands to yourself unless we are for sure alone.” She backed away, and that only made me want her more.
“Daisy?” She turned her head. “I promise that I am going to make this summer unforgettable.” She smiled, and that was like one huge green flag. It was my time to go. I moved in close to her, wrapping one hand around her waist and the other against her cheek. We stared into each other’s eyes, getting lost. I pushed her toward the wall of the house beside the front door.
“Colt…”
“Mm, mm.” She knew she only uses my real name when she is mad at me. I wanted her to say it again, but the right way this time.
“Cowboy…” I saw the teasing look on her face and I gave in.
My heart was racing, and my gaze was locked onto hers. There was such an intensity that shivers went down my spine. Holding her in place with one hand on each side of her, I moved my head and admired her whole body.
“I’ve wanted this for a while. My dad couldn’t go to bedsoon enough.” Her cheeks flushed.
I didn’t give her a chance to respond before I pressed my lips on hers. The kiss was electric, a fireigniting between us. I moved back only for a second to let her breathe before diving right back in. I moved my hands slowly down her body as I kissed her, feeling every inch of her. She was melting into me, her hands now fisting my hair.
I knew she wanted more, and I wasn’t about to stop just yet. I kept kissing her, this time agreeing to not stop until she used words to tell me she needed a breath. I could feel her soften beneath me. She was letting her guard down and I felt so privileged to be in her presence for this moment. I pulled her even closer to me, as if I were trying to make us one.
I lingered longer on her lips, taking in her taste and savoring every moment. I pulled back and searched for her eyes, asking for permission to continue. She nodded, and I planted kisses all the way down to her neck. I could feel her shiver as she leaned her head back. I now had perfect access to continue pleasing her. I pulled back again after continuing for a while longer and gave her a quick breath as I returned to her lips. The passion was as strong as ever. The world around us was gone, and all that mattered was the rhythm of our hearts beating in sync. The porch had now become our private sanctuary under the stars.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Daisy
Iwalked outside, seeing the sun peeking over the horizon and casting the beautiful golden tones across the ranch. The view was beautiful. The warmth from the summer sun only added to the warmth of last night’s rendezvous lingering on my lips.
Colt and I shared something electric and magnetic, drawing us to one another. I felt something between us all those years ago, but what I felt then could never compare to what I feel now.
There was a thirst only Colt could quench.
There was hunger only he could satisfy.
It was both thrilling and terrifying knowing we had to keep us a secret from everyone, including his dad.
