21. Denton
DENTON
My heart shattered in a million pieces when Sorrel ran away from me.
I didn’t know what to do next so I just waited.
Part of me is frustrated with her for taking off and not letting me finish explaining everything.
But I also understand why. She’s scared.
I thought she might react this way, but the lovesick cowboy in me imagined it going a little better than this.
It’s been nearly an hour and she still isn’t back. I’m beginning to worry that something might've happened to her.
Right as I’m about to go get Whiskey from the barn she comes trotting toward me on the back of a stocky bay gelding that looks like he’s had some miles put on him.
He’s foamy from sweating and Sorrel's body is glistening with sweat too in the bright afternoon sunshine.
Her bright blonde waves cascade down her back into a tangled knot from not braiding it before taking off on her wild ride.
Her eyes are puffy and red. She wipes at her nose on the sleeve of her T-shirt as she trots closer to me.
I approach her slowly like a stray dog that might take off if you get too close too fast.
She dismounts the bay horse and I reach to take the reins from her. She lets me have them, but she doesn’t look me in the eyes.
“I’ll put him up for you.”
“Thanks… I—I’m sorry, Denton. I shouldn’t have taken off like that.”
“No, you shouldn't have,” I tell her.
She looks back at me, her lips turned down. I can understand her pain, her trauma, and having a guard up. I’ve been patient with her and let her work through all of it but I’m not a damned doormat she can walk all over.
She clears her throat. “Ever since you got to this ranch, I’ve been pushing you away and you’ve been nothing but patient and kind. More than anything you’ve been a good friend to me, Denton. You deserve more than I can give you.”
“No.”
“No?”
“No,” I say more sternly since she isn’t getting it.
“What do you mean no?”
“I mean no, you don’t get to pull that shit. You are enough for me, Sorrel. You’re more than I’ve ever dreamed of and I’m not letting you run away anymore. You’re gonna face it,” I say, pointing at her heart. “Face what you feel in there.”
Tears start to form in her eyes and she just nods and reaches for me. I take her into my arms and just hold her. I let her get it all out not caring that my gray T-shirt is soaked through with her tears.
If this is who she needs, I’ll be that person for her. If she needs me to be firm with her, I will. No more holding back for either of us.
“Sorrel,” I say softly, brushing her hair out of her face and wiping away her tears.
“I love you damnit,” I tell her, chuckling. A rush of relief surges through me for finally saying it.
“You do?” she squeaks.
“I’m still here, aren't I?”
“You’re still here,” she says, holding me tighter as if she’s making sure all of this is real.
I swoop her into my arms and point us in the direction of her cabin. She presses her mouth against mine, pulling my head in closer like she can’t get enough of my mouth on hers. I stumble up the stairs trying not to fall, but there’s no way I’m breaking contact with her right now.
We make it through the door, both of us panting and I head for her bedroom. I lay her down roughly on the bed and she gently tugs at the bottom of my curls. I can tell she wants more of me this time—rougher. I’m not worried like last time; her body is telling me everything I need to know.
“Off,” is all she says, gesturing to her jeans.
I do as she commands, undoing the button and then the zipper ripping her skin-tight jeans off her long tan legs. For being a cowgirl, she somehow has a great tan and her legs are tone from hours in the saddle every day.
She surprises me when she flips me over and climbs on top of me. I’m more than happy to be the bronc she rides today. Her breathing is heavy and hurried. She’s so fucking sexy.
She moves faster and faster and I can’t hold it back any longer and we both come apart together.
She flops down lying next to me, a lazy smile on her face.
Her smile is contagious and I flash an identical one back at her.
Everything about this moment is pure bliss and I don’t want to ruin it by bringing up the tour again but we have to finish our conversation.
“So, you won’t run away again when we talk about the tour, right?”
“No, that was stupid of me and I’m sorry, Denton.”
She lays her head on my chest now.
“I don’t want to keep doing that. I know it’s something I need to work on. I’ve always avoided confrontation and anytime I’ve had it in a relationship I automatically assumed it meant it was over. With Huck that’s always how it was—fight equals breakup. I see it’s a fucked-up pattern now.”
I tilt her face to look up at me.
“We’re gonna fight sometimes, Sorrel, that’s just part of it. But I need you to know, just because we don’t agree on something doesn't mean I’m gonna walk away.”
“God, I love how emotionally mature you are. It’s so hot.”
I laugh at that. “Well, I’ve got a few years on you and a little more life experience.”
“Oh yeah, old man?” she says, winking at me.
“Yeah, darlin’, I was on this earth for four years before you ever were. I learned a thing or two in my day.”
“Oh whatever. I’m about to be twenty-six and you're twenty-nine. It's not that big of a difference.”
“Just admit I, Denton Reed, know more than you, Sorrel Saxxon.”
“Never!” she says with a wicked grin as she creeps over, trying to tickle me.
We roll and wrestle and eventually start making out again, which leads to more mind-blowing love-making. I’m so in love with this wild cowgirl. I think she might be the one for me.