19. Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Brynn
D ad kept my horse. A horse that wouldn't let anyone ride her, except Colt. This is mindboggling in so many ways. I can't believe how Honey is with Colt. Watching him lead her to the paddock was like watching magic. She followed after him like a lost puppy. I can't believe the bond they have.
"Crazy, right?" Whitney says as she pokes me in the ribs.
"Yeah. It kinda is," I say in awe.
"Maybe Honey is trying to tell you something," Whit says, her eyebrows dancing.
"Yeah, pretty sure she was just tired of being left in the stable alone," I scoff.
"Keep telling yourself that," she deadpans. "We all know that Colt is a good guy. You just have yet to see it. I don't know why you have so much hate toward the man. You don't even know him."
"I don't have to know him. I know his type. He may be charismatic on the outside, but that is just to hide the ugly on the inside," I state as if it is a proven scientific fact.
"I think you are wrong. I have never seen a side of Colt like you are imagining. Maybe you should give him a chance to prove you wrong."
"I don't need to give anyone a chance. I am leaving soon, I have a life to get back to."
"Do you?" Whitney questions, eyes on my face.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I ask, frustration coming through in my tone.
"Don't get all defensive. I am just asking if you are really living out there in the big city. Are you happy B?"
I stay quiet for a beat, trying to come up with an answer.
"That's what I thought. Ya know, Cedar Creek isn't all bad. Maybe you should try to remember that. There are good people here, people who love you."
I look toward the sun, letting it heat my skin. "I don't know Whit. I just. I'm not happy, but I'm not unhappy either."
"Are you still seeing your therapist?" Whitney asks quietly as we walk toward the pop-up tent.
"Yes. I haven't been in a couple of weeks, I need to do an online visit. These past couple of days have been a lot. "
"Here they come!" Blake hollers as we see three big yellow buses coming down the gravel drive. "Hope you guys are ready."
"C'mon, we are going to sit at the snack table," Whitney says as she grabs my hand and pulls me along behind her.
I sit down in an old, faded blue camping chair and watch the scene in front of me. Teachers are trying to round up all the kids to sit on the bleachers we provide so they can see the horse. Once the teachers finally manage to get the kids seated, they come to the front of the bleachers.
"One, two, three!" One teacher says loudly.
"Eyes on me!" The kids scream. I look over at Honey and she is not spooked at all. Colt is rubbing her neck, and I see his mouth moving like he is whispering what a good girl she is.
I feel my cheeks heat as I hear those words in his deep voice. Imagining him whispering dirty things in my ears while he plows into me. Betrayal . My body keeps betraying me with filthy thoughts about Colt.
"Not used to the heat? You are looking really flushed." Whitney hands me a bottle of water.
"I'm good," I squeak out. Her eyebrow raises as she stares me down. Shit. Shit. Shit . Here comes the inquisition.
"You big fat liar! I can see it written all over your face. That flush was not from the heat. You dirty bird. Over here thinking about sexual escapades in front of children. How dare you," Whitney admonishes.
"I was not," I say as I take a sip of water. I need the icy water to put out the fire that is currently blazing through my body. "I was just getting overheated."
"Yeah, in your panties." Whitney covers her mouth to keep the laughter somewhat quiet.
"Shh. These children are here to learn," I reprimand.
"And you are here, because?" She extends the last word as if waiting for me to answer.
"I am here to support my brother," I say, sitting up taller in my camping chair.
"You mean the brother standing behind you?"
I turn to see Blake standing behind us, arms crossed, with a scowl on his face. "What are you two doing?"
"Nothing," we say in unison.
"Likely story," Blake deadpans. "Let's see how Colt handles the presentation." He points to where Colt is pointing out different parts of the horse. He is loud so the kids can hear him, but Honey is not fazed.
"Now that we have learned all the most important parts to a horse, does anyone volunteer to help me brush Honey?" Colt asks as every kid raises their hand and shimmies in their seat .
"Teachers, can you please pick a student from each class to line up right behind this stool?" Colt asks as he points to the step stool on the ground beside him.
The three chosen kids come forward and stand where asked. They are fidgeting and loud, but Colt keeps Honey calm. "What is your name?" Colt asks the first little girl.
"Hannah." She beams, hearts for eyes.
"Okay Hannah, we are going to brush Honey just like this." He takes her little hand and places it on the brush and covers it with his own large hand.
It is the cutest thing I have ever seen. Hannah is more interested in Colt than actually brushing Honey. "Too cute. Look how she is just staring at him. Even kindergartners know what's up," Whitney says over a giggle.
I continue watching as Colt helps Hannah down off the stool and moves to the next kid. "What's your name?"
"Jacob. I'm five years old. How old are you?"
"Too old," Colt says, and Jacob laughs. He follows Colt's instructions and begins to brush Honey. Colt seems right at home with the boy, watching and helping when needed. It makes me wonder how he is so good with children.
My curiosity gets the best of me. "Does Colt have kids?" I ask to Blake and Whitney .
"Not that I am aware of. He is kind of a loner. Hasn't really opened up much about his life before he came to the ranch." Blake shrugs.
"He isn't exactly an open book. Kinda like some other people I know." Whitney nudges me in the leg with her boot.
Colt thanks Jacob for a job well done, and the next kiddo comes up to step on the stool. She slips and is about to fall when Colt catches her easily. "There ya go. Don't be trying to play in all that dirt now." Colt laughs as he sets the little girl on the stool. "What is your name?"
"My name is Samantha. I have horses at my house, but my daddy says I am too small to ride."
"Well, you will just have to continue to eat your vegetables so you can grow big and strong and get to ride horses then."
"Great answer," Whitney whispers in my ear. I can't help but to like this side of Colt. He isn't angry, scowling, or being a dick. He looks to be truly enjoying himself.
I watch as Colt helps Samantha brush Honey. Once they are finished, Colt stands in front of the kindergartners and asks if anyone has any questions. Hands go up all over the bleachers.
"Teachers, if you would be so kind to call on a couple of kiddos, I will answer their questions."
"Are you married?"
Colt laughs, "Questions about the horse."
"Does your wife have a horse?" The same kid asks .
"No." Colt answers, the corner of his lip tipping up.
"Do you own a car or just a horse?"
"I have a truck."
"What color is it?"
"Red. Any questions about the horse?"
"Do you have any kids?" The next kid asks.
Colt runs his palm down his face, "Nope."
"Okay kids, I think that is enough questions. Who is ready for a snack?" Blake asks as he walks over to stand beside Colt.
All the kids raise their hands. "It is our time to shine," Whitney says as she stands to start giving the kids that are lining up at the snack table a bottle of water and a snack bag.
Each bag contains a squeezable applesauce, cream filled cookies, and a bag of chips. We finish handing out the snack bags and everyone starts to load up on to the buses.
"Thanks again for everything and sharing your wisdom with the children," One young, blonde teacher says as she rubs her hand over Colt's bicep.
"Don't thank me. I think you want the man in charge." Colt motions to Blake.
"I think you took charge very nicely," she says in a breathy voice.
"Oh my god. Do you see her? She is trying to flirt with Colt," Whitney whispers in my ear .
Of course I freaking see her. "What? Oh, I hadn't noticed," I say, trying hard to shoot lasers out of my eyes in the teacher's direction.
"Yeah right. I guarantee you are shooting lasers at her in your head," Whit says with a smug look on her face.
"Oh, fuck off," I whisper hiss.
Whitney grabs the leftover snacks and heads over to Colt. "Here ya go, babe. Thought you might wanna snack to tide you over until lunch."
Colt's eyes widen, but he quickly looks thankful. "Thanks Whit," he says with a wink. He looks to the teacher, "If you'll excuse me, I have work to do." Colt walks over to Honey and starts to lead her back to the barn.
"Damn. How do you get any work done around here with him? I'd stare at that ass allll day long." The teacher starts to fan herself.
"You should see it naked," Whit says and walks off. The teacher blushes and quickly walks over to the bus.
"Oh my god!" I say as Whitney comes back to the table and sits down. "Have you seen Colt naked?" I ask curiously.
"Nope. Have you?" Whitney asks, eyebrow raised.
"Why would you ask that?"
"That was not an answer," she says with a pointed look.
"Let's get this mess cleaned up. I told Momma Ann I would help her with lunch." I start to tidy up the table and chairs .
"So, are you going to answer my question?"
"No."
"Is that your answer to seeing him naked orrrr?"
I laugh again. "Help me clean up, please."
We hear a car pull up and a long-legged brunette with cowboy boots and cut-off shorts gets out. She is stunning, her hair is curled and flowing around her like a curtain. "Excuse me, do you know where I can find Colt Wright?" She asks as she makes her way toward Whitney and me.
Whit and I exchange looks. I am about to speak when a little girl gets out of the car and comes up to her. One glance at the little girl and I notice her whiskey-colored eyes and recognize them as Colt's.
"Momma? Did you find him?" She asks, putting her hand in her mom's.
"I was just asking these nice ladies if I could find Colt here, baby." The model-esque woman says as she looks down at the little girl.
"I'm sorry, how do you know Colt?" I snap.
The brunette looks taken aback for a moment, and then she smiles. "You must be Brynn."
Whitney raises her eyebrows and looks between me and the woman. "And you are?"
"Where are my manners, here you guys probably think I'm some crazy girl out looking for a good time. I'm Callie. "
Whitney and I both exchange glances and Whitney shrugs like she has never heard of her before.
"I'm sorry. I still don't know who you are," I say.
"Well, that kinda stings," she jokes. "I'm Callie, Colt's little sister."
Whitney and I are both in shock. "Colt has a sister?" We both question at the same time.
Callie laughs again. "Obviously he still isn't one to share about his personal life. Yes, I am his only one. This is his niece, Millie."
"Wow. I'm sorry, let me radio to him," Whit pulls the radio from her back pocket. "Colt. Meet me at the main house. You have a visitor."
"If it's that teacher, tell her to go away. I'm not interested," Colt's gruff voice comes over the radio.
"Not the teacher. Promise," Whit replies.
"You better not be fucking with me, Whit. I got shit to do."
"Well, I see he hasn't changed at all," Callie laughs.
"Follow us, we can go to the main house where it is cool and there is food," I say as I take off walking in that direction.
"Thanks ladies, I appreciate it."
"No problem. We are all family," Whitney says as she hurries us along out of the sun .
I glance over my shoulder at Callie, and it looks like she is about to cry. She takes a deep breath and lets it out. "Thank you," she whispers.