10. Christian
christian
Whatever Sage was hiding, I knew it had to be serious if she didn’t want anyone to know she was here, not even her friends. I respected that. In fact, I felt this possessive need to protect her and her secrets, even from her friends and her brother.
My shoulders were tight as we rode across the field, my eyes continuously drifting to the back of her head as I tried to read her. To make sure she was okay. Arlo ran between us, but I kept a steady distance. General was still young and a little nervous about having a dog at his feet.
Sage slowed Zenith to a walk and I followed her lead.
“How’s the gallery coming?” I asked, wanting to find something neutral to talk about to break the silence.
I could tell she was on edge. Whatever it was, she was keeping to herself — something she’d hidden for years it would seem — was serious enough that I knew I needed to back off as soon as I recognized that fear in her eyes.
I may know how to push her buttons, but I also could read her and knew when enough was enough.
She seemed to relax, dropping her hands to rest on the saddle horn and let out a deep sigh. “It’s coming along, but I still have a lot of work to do. The drywall just went up this week, so I need to clean up before I can start painting.”
I nodded. “Well, if you need a hand, let me know.”
Her mouth tipped in a soft smile. “I appreciate that, but I’m good. It’s been nice to have a project to focus on that’s all mine.”
I didn’t think she even realized she emphasized the “all mine” — as if she’d never had something that she claimed as her own before, but it didn’t sneak past me.
Sage was a mystery in a lot of ways, but after three years of knowing her, observing her, obsessing over her, I felt like I was starting to figure her out.
“I get that. I feel the same about bull riding, something that’s been just for me.
Being the only son, Mom and Dad have more than subtly hinted they intended to give the farm to me, to take over the breeding programs so they can retire.
My sisters were the only ones who were ever interested in racing and the dogs, but they have their own lives and families now. ”
Sage nodded. “Maybe one day. I know you can’t ride bulls forever.”
“I figure I still have plenty of time to figure it out. My time isn’t up yet. I’ve set a goal for myself to win a buckle before I even considered retiring.”
Sage pinched her lips together as if she was holding back her opinions on that subject.
I knew she wasn’t a fan of bull riding. She’d never said it outright, but her remarks over the years told me that she thought it was reckless and dangerous.
But that only gave me some modicum of hope that she actually cared.
“I’m heading to Texas tomorrow for the last rodeo event of the year, then we have the NFR. Your brother or I are bound to win a buckle, or at least good money, at the end of the year.”
“That’s exciting,” she said, but her words were flat.
Yep, she was holding back. She wanted to tell me how much of an idiot I was.
I couldn’t help smiling. I only smiled broader when I noticed her eyes drop briefly to my lips.
Yep, she wanted me. She wanted me bad. She jerked her attention elsewhere.
But it didn’t get past me when her cheeks flushed, just as they had this morning in the kitchen. It was fucking adorable.
“Are you staying for Thanksgiving?” I asked, hoping this meant I’d get more quality time with my favorite girl.
Her eyes squinted as the sun started to burn through the clouds. “I’m not sure. Are your sisters and their families coming?”
“No, I think it's harder to divide holiday time once you get married and have kids. But you’ll meet them in Vegas.” I winked.
She shook her head with a husky laugh. “I’m still not coming with you to Vegas.”
I shrugged. “Well, the offer still stands if you change your mind.”
She laughed it off and I didn’t press her further.
Making her laugh was my utmost goal in life because every time it shot a thrill of pride through my chest and made me want to swoop her up and hold her in my arms. But for now, just watching her smile and knowing I was the one who caused it was enough.