Page 28 of Love You Already

“I'm not saying I don't ever want those things. I'm only asking you to give me some time. The summer maybe. At the end of your time here we can talk about how to move forward. Does that work for you?” I bite my lip as I wait for his response. I can't decide if I want him to back down to my wishes or if I want him to fight me and demand I go along with his plan. I've never been a fan of the caveman routine, but it feels different with Lachlan. It's sexy in ways I haven't ever experienced.

Lachlan takes a deep breath, then presses his forehead to mine. I'm completely enveloped in him. We're breathing the same air. Our bodies are molded together, touching every way we can. It's still not enough somehow.

“I'll slow down, Ace. I won't apologize for getting worked up over that guy, but I will pull back on the intensity.” He kisses my forehead as he eases me down. “I'm just going to head out now. Your night will probably be easier without me around causing trouble.”

He's gone before I have the chance to stop him. Before I can tell him that, he's easing me down and shuffling out the door. There's practically a smoke cloud behind him with how fast he moves.

I stand there for a full minute, my heart and mind warring over what to do next. Though I was honest with him about my feelings, there's still a part of me that feels guilty. His reaction spoke more than any words ever could.

I hurt him.

CHAPTER 14

YOU EVER RIDE A HORSE?

Lachlan

I avoid Rose for six full days before I decide it was best to put away my pride to talk to her about our last interaction. She has every right to tell me she isn't ready for all the things I want. I would never force her into anything she didn't want. And if I found out after the fact that she agreed to something she wasn't ready for simply to keep me happy... well, I'd be pissed at myself for making her think she needed to do that.

With my ego under control, I take off for Wright Way Ranch with purpose. I'm going to find her and apologize. Then I'm going to make things right between us by asking her out on a date officially. Then maybe after I can put the equipment that was delivered late last night to use.

I paid extra for the quick shipping, yet by the time it arrived, I was in too rough a mood to workout. I've never been the type to skip a workout to mope, yet last night that was exactly what I did.

The ranch is busy with activity when I drive up. There are people running all around waving their arms and calling out orders.

Parking the G-Wagon in front of the house again, I jog over to Rose's dad, Donald. He looks me up and down, then nods.

“Good thing you're dressed for work. You're partnering with Beckett. We've got work to do,” he says once I'm close enough.

I shake my head. “Excuse me, sir. Work? I don't know what you mean.”

“He means you're being put to good use,” Beckett tells me with a rough slap to the back. “And you're with me. We need to get moving. You ever ride a horse?”

I follow him as he moves toward the barn. “The first time I saw a horse was two days ago when your sister gave me a tour. I grew up in the city. Not a farm animal in sight.”

He chuckles. “We'll have to put you on the four-wheeler then. You can surely drive one of those, right?”

I nod as I run through the process Rose showed me the other day. It's quite similar to a motorcycle, which means I should be fine. I used to own one ages ago before I signed pro. The moment my name went on that line, I gave up the opportunity to ride such a death trap. Now I stick to four wheels — apparently of all types.

“This one is yours. I'll grab a horse and meet you around back.” He doesn't wait around to see if I can actually do as I said and start this four-wheeler.

There's only one way to know for sure.

I climb on the vehicle, then crack it from pretty much muscle memory. It's a miracle the damn thing starts at all. I drive it around the barn to wait for Beckett.

Despite the chaos of the morning, the view is beautiful beyond compare. I'd be a liar if I said I've ever seen a place more amazing than here. Wright Way Ranch has something special about it. I don't know if it's because I know Rose grew up here or if there's something more. I have a feeling it's a touch of both. I feel more connected to the earth here. More grounded in a way I haven't before.

What would it be like to wake up to this every day?

Beckett comes around the corner on a beautiful black horse. Watching the majestic creature make its way toward me is like something from a movie.

“You're not dead. Good. We're riding the fence line today. We had a few cattle break through the line. It needs to be repaired, and while the other hands are fixing that, we're going to check the rest of the ranch.” Beckett hops off the horse to grab some canisters behind me. “Supplies are on you. We'll call for more if the problem is worse than we suspect.”

“I’m not sure what to look for, but I'm here to help if you need me.” Though my original intent was to come see Rose, I can see now that a talk with her will need to wait. Whether this is some type of hazing thing into the family or not, I want to help these people. They've been nothing but kind to me since the moment they realized I wasn't out to hurt Rose.

I follow his lead as he takes off in a trot. Soon after, he shifts into a gallop just like the old western movies I used to watch as a kid. I trail behind him until we reach the fence line. From there, we ride the length at a slow enough pace to catch any possible breaks, but fast enough to where this won't be a month-long ordeal.

Given the nature of the work, we can't talk much. There's too much focus on ensuring everything is good to go. After a good bit of riding, he circles back to me.