Chapter 25
I judged him wrong.
At least, I think I have, but there is a chance he’s just really good at playing people too. I hate that everything in me hesitates no matter what. That I can’t seem to let more than an ounce of trust take over before I make excuses why I shouldn’t.
As I stare at the horizon, I try to think of something else in my life that brings me the rush he talks about. If anything has ever made me feel like I’m on top of the world to the point it feels like it fills my lungs in ways air never could.
The waves gently lap at the shore, a soft hum from people having fun only a short distance away, and the chirping of crickets down in the tall grass all create an enchanting tune as I close my eyes, thinking about what he said.
I wish I could feel what he did.. Sadness engulfs my chest, my eyes remaining shut for the fear that he might see me hesitate, but not because I don’t like him. More so because I never let myself be that free. It’s like I’m always on edge, just in case.
I have tried new things and nothing ever lit up my world—no, changed my world, like riding does for him.
But maybe I just haven’t found it yet. That spark.
That passion. That rush or breath of fresh air.
Maybe I should take a page from Rhett’s book and pursue the things I love, finding joy and hope and inspiration in life instead of always waiting and expecting the other shoe to drop, the bad to set in.
Opening my eyes, I look beside me at a man whose personality fills an entire room, but his ego doesn’t.
His kindness is seen by all around him, even when he doesn’t speak a word to them.
He’s perfect, and something about that scares the shit out of me more than the men who pretend to be.
He returns his gaze to mine and I smile, releasing a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding.
And there it is, my breath of fresh air.
I immediately stand, not taking a moment to think and slip off my shorts and top, tossing them where I previously sat.
“Up for a swim, Cowboy?”
He wears a broad grin as he stands to remove his jeans and shirt, only to place his cowboy hat back over his dirty blond hair.
Of course, he would.
We wade out into the water until our bodies are both submerged.
“Only a matter of time before I got you out of your pants,” I laugh.
“Well I couldn’t come out here in clothes, sweetheart.”
“Sweetheart? What happened to Angel?” My tone is playful as I lean back into the water, floating on my back a moment before returning to my feet.
“Thought ya didn’t like that?” He raises his brow in question.
“It was starting to grow on me.” I glide my hands over my now wet hair, trying to smooth it out, and bite my lip.
His eyes follow the motion then meet my gaze.
“That’s not the only thing growin’,” he laughs as he reaches me, gliding his hands down my body before bringing one up to my cheek.
A smile brightens up his features and I can’t help but kiss him.
The taste of beer lingers on his breath, and for whatever reason, that makes me want him more.
He brings me into his embrace, cupping my ass with his hands. I can feel his length as I lean into him, making sure my hand grazes his cock. He lets out a faint huff of pleasure before I playfully push him away.
“Now, that ain’t fair,” he replies with a grin.
Water pools through my fingers as I glide them at the surface, splashing Rhett as he begins to circle me.
“The chase never is,” I jest.
He chuckles, “Now, that we disagree on.”
Swimming closer, he draws me into his warm embrace and lifts me up.
Laughter spills from my chest as I put both of my arms out, spreading them into the air and leaning my body back to take in the entire night sky.
The black canopy above twinkles, and I swear, I see a shooting star, so I close my eyes and make a wish.
Please, prove me wrong. Let Rhett not be like every other cowboy.
My eyes spring open, revealing a dark sky littered with twinkling lights, and when I look down, I’m greeted by the person who makes me feel like I have the ability to explore it.