Expired Regrets

by Megan C. Smith

  I haphazardly went to remove my saddle, but the pain in my wrist radiated up my arm and throbbed more. It seemed my wrist wanted to remind me I was hurting, despite the butterflies in my stomach and the mush my brain had turned into, thanks to Bryant’s kiss.

  “I’ll get that for you,” a husky voice, a voice I was perfectly attuned to now, said from behind. Bryant’s hands slid around my waist, moving me to the side easily. He reached up, slipped my saddle from CZ’s back effortlessly, and carried it off to put it away in the tack room.

  “Where is… oh my. I don’t even know your horse’s name. How horrible.” A nervous giggle slipped out from my embarrassment.

  “Brandi,” Bryant called as he came back from the tack room.

  “Ah — well, where is Brandi?”

  “She’s already turned out in the pasture. I got to ride back, thus giving me the upper hand on untacking,” he replied with a wink.

  I felt my blood heat as my cheeks flushed. Fanning my face, I attempted to cool myself down so I didn’t swoon like one of the women from my romance novels! Bryant’s smile and wink were a fatal combination to a girl’s heart.

  Bryant completed untacking CZ for me then went to turn him out.

  “Hold up, I’ll at least walk with you. He is my horse, after all. It’s not his fault I jumped off.”

  “If that was you jumping off, you should practice landing on your feet and not your ass a bit more.” He chuckled, taunting me.

  We walked out to the pasture in a comfortable silence, and I patted CZ on his shoulder before Bryant released him. CZ whinnied, running right over to Brandi to nuzzle her.

  “Gosh — the horse is getting more action that I am,” Bryant, mumbled under his breath, making me flush a brilliant shade of red.

  He reached down, took my uninjured hand, and led me back to the stables to sit. He delicately prodded my now-swollen wrist some more. It was showing signs of a definite bruise purpling my fair skin and was tender to even his gently touch.

  “Wait here,” he said before jogging off toward his truck. Moments later, he returned with an ace bandage that he used to swiftly wrap my wrist up. Once done, Bryant placed a gentle kiss to where he’d fastened the bandage close.

  I admired his wrapping job. “Well, looks like you’ve done this a time or two before.”

  “I’m in school to be a paramedic, so yes — once or twice. You should rest your wrist a few days. Be sure to ice it when you get home to help with the swelling. It is definitely sprained from your… jump,” he chided.

  We walked out to my truck, and Bryant moved in again and kissed me.

  This time I was ready for it, so I quickly accepted his lips against my own and immediately granted his tongue access. We leaned against the truck a while, making out, as he ran his hands up and down my body, careful of the wrist I was nursing. Bringing one hand to the back of my neck, Bryant held me against him while the other palmed my hip. His touch sent tingles to the very core of my body, his lips making me momentarily forget the throb in my wrist. Bryant skimmed his thumb inside the waist of my jeans, stroking my hipbone, causing my heartbeat to accelerate. I reached my uninjured hand to touch the nape of his neck where his hair faded to skin. Finishing our kiss, I finally got a chance to catch my breath. Bryant looked unaffected, whereas I felt like I’d just completed a marathon.

  “Who knew kissing was such a vigorous work out.” I panted.

  “Oh, Rose, if you only knew. There is a much more vigorous workout I’d love to do with you,” he seductively purred to me.

  I turned my head to blush, but he halted me from completely hiding my face.

  “You’re beautiful when you blush. It reminds me of your innocence and to keep myself in check.”

  “Bryant, I’m not innocent,” I said as a painful memory flashed in my mind. “And I really like kissing you. I do appreciate you keeping yourself in check, though.”

  Bryant’s eyes searched mine, and he leaned closer to my lips, almost making contact, when my phone buzzed inside my pocket between us. He gave me a quick peck as I removed it from my pocket to see my wonderful mother calling me. I declined the call and had my iPhone send a message I had saved on auto response just for her before tucking it back into my pocket.

  R: I’M OMW MOM.

  I huffed in frustration when Bryant opened my truck door and ushered me in. I pulled my phone out of my pocket, and Bryant took it from me. Typing a few buttons, he smirked when his own phone rang. After he handed it back to me, I smiled, realizing he’d just exchanged our phone numbers before tossing the phone in the cup holder.

  “Head home, little one, before SWAT or the Marines show up here searching for you.” He shut the door then headed back toward his truck.

  I smacked the steering wheel with my uninjured hand, cursing my mother for most likely undoing my entire evening’s progress with Bryant. After cranking up the truck, I headed home as my phone rang again with my mother’s face lighting up the screen. Glaring at it, I refused to answer. I would be home soon.

  When I pulled into the driveway, I shut off my truck, taking the time to collect my thoughts before stampeding in the house, kicking and screaming and winding up being grounded for being disrespectful.

  Getting her to ease up on calling was a losing battle due to the past. After my dad left, she’d fallen into a pit of despair, constantly needing me and trying to live vicariously through me. When Darren came along, my mom had thought he was the perfect boy for her daughter to date, not realizing the path she’d ultimately pointed me toward. When things between Darren and me were bad, my mom had told me how I could be better, what I should do to keep him. Essentially, how she felt she’d failed her marriage, causing my dad to cheat on her and leave us.

  After the night, that now haunted my dreams, she closed herself off and took to just checking in on me through my phone to ease her guilt. I pulled in a deep breath, shaking the memory before walking in the door and heading straight for the kitchen where I knew my mom would be fixing dinner.

  “Hey, honey, how was your ride? I called you twice. Texting is not sufficient. I’ve told you that I need to know you are okay.”

  “Hey, Mom. My ride was fine.” She turned toward me with a raised eyebrow as I ignored her scolding. Her eyes narrowed in on my wrapped wrist, and I could see her expression falter as worry and dread crept in.

  “What happened?” she asked in a high-pitched voice, filled with panic.

  “I fell,” I replied nonchalantly, hoping she’d calm down.

  She let go the breath of air she was holding as my words sank in. “Steve isn’t throwing you up on the new horses again, is he? He gives no thought to safety. He thinks you’re just a rodeo cowboy.”

  Cowgirl… but whatever.

  “Mom. Mom. Mom!” I interjected loudly to stop her rant. “I’m fine. I was doing a course on CZ and misjudged a turn. Hit my wrist on the pole is all. This new guy, Bryant, wrapped it up for me ‘cause it was swelling a little.”

  “Bryant? Bryant! Oh! Leslie mentioned a new cute boy at the barn when she called the other day. Is that him?” She kept looking toward the stove, and I knew her attention was moving back to dinner. “Well, that was nice of him to wrap it. I’ll call Dr. Reilly to have him take a look, make sure it isn’t broken.” She turned back toward the stove, effectively ending our conversation as she resumed cooking.

  I took my leave, turning to walk upstairs to take a shower before dinner. As I walked into the bathroom, I pulled my phone out and sent a text to Bryant.

  R: Thanks for wrapping up my wrist. You’re pretty good with the bandaging. My mom is making an appointment with the doctor to get it looked at just in case.

  My phone buzzed quickly after pressing send, and the smile on my face grew as I saw it was him, replying quickly.

  B: Tell your mom I’m a trained professional! I can handle any injury. You think I’m good with a bandage, you should see me with scissors.

  R: Scissors?

  I typed
the text back to him then turned on the shower to let the water warm up. Pulling my shirt off, I heard my phone buzz again.

  B: Yeah scissors, to cut your clothes off— Gotta get to the injuries quickly. Want me to come demonstrate?

  I looked into the dewed-covered mirror as the bathroom filled with steam and could see the smile growing on my face. Two can play that game.

  R: Oh! Well, I don’t think I’ll be needing those services. My clothes are already off. Ruining your wrapping job too, since I’m hopping in the shower. BRB!

  I climbed into the hot water, reveling in the warmth as it washed over my aching muscles. I leaned my head back and let the water wet my hair and run down my face. I heard my phone buzz again. The smile on my face was instantaneous. I knew I’d baited him with my last text and was eager to get out and see what he had replied. I touched my lips with my good hand as I relived Bryant’s and my kiss from earlier. God, he can kiss! I felt the tingles go through my body again as I dreamt about his hands on my body. After grabbing my shampoo and squirting some in my hand, I slowly massaged my scalp, washing away the exhaustion of the day. My loofah glided over my body as I breathed in the soothing smell of my lavender body wash. My phone buzzed again. Impatient much! I laughed, turning the water off so I could climb out and check its message.

  B: Don’t wear anything you love tomorrow! I’m off to a party with the guys. See you at the barn.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The next few days I just hung out at the barn. Since my wrist still hurt, I stayed out of the saddle. CZ, especially, seemed to enjoy the vacation he was getting due to my injury. Each day, I would head down to the arena as Bryant rode. When he took breaks from working Brandi, we would talk about school and argue about whether English or Western riding was more difficult. I would always tease Bryant that his saddle having a horn made western riding the inferior discipline. We developed a nice comfortable relationship, and for the first time in two years, I felt alive again. Everything was perfect, which was ironic, considering how the interactions had begun. Afterward, when it was time to head home, we would lean up against one of our trucks, locking lips and tangling tongues, until my mom’s call broke the spell each night.

  This weekend the annual Harvest Festival took place at the barn. The event was open to the public as a fundraiser. People came out to go on hayrides, eat some southern cooking, and enjoy an evening of country living. As riders, we were all expected to show up to work the festival, as well as spread the word to get people to come. Leslie and I had been assigned ticket sales, which kept us stuck at the front entrance.

  Bryant showed up late with three very attractive friends from school and left them with us to buy tickets.

  “Hey, guys. I’ll see you inside! These girls will get you tickets,” he called over his shoulder to them as he stalked off, gravel crunching beneath his boots.

  I assumed he was off to find Steve to get his job.

  I was hurt that Bryant hadn’t stopped to introduce me to them or even say hello, but I figured since he was running late, he was trying to get to his job before Steve realized he’d been missing. After the last week we spent together, I was disappointed that he could disregard me so easily. Looked like I was back to square one in this dosado with Bryant.

  His friends were definitely all older college guys. Each of them was muscular and attractive in his own way. In all honesty, if Bryant hadn’t already caught my eye, I might have been practicing the infamous Leslie-flirtation method. I kicked Leslie under the table, since she was currently on her phone, distracted by the tabloid and rag magazine’s celebrity gossip.

  “Ouch, Rose. Why did you…” She paused as her eyes checked out Bryant’s friends, one by one. I heard her swallow her words as she caught sight of each mouthwatering guys before us. “OH… hey, guys.”

  I laughed aloud as she straightened in her chair and batted her eyelashes. “It’s five bucks a person to get in, and then you can buy food in the tents over there.” I pointed in the general direction of the food tents as they dug for their wallets. While they were distracted, I took the opportunity to lean toward Leslie, whispering, “Bryant dropped his friends off and headed in.” I pouted a minute to convey my disappointment to her. “Anyway, figured you’d want to look up and enjoy the scenery.”

  Leslie reached up and rubbed my back, obviously knowing I’d want to vent my frustration ever more if I could.

  I brushed her off and winked at her as the tall redhead handed me his five dollars with a big smile, letting his fingers linger on mine as the money exchanged hands.

  “How much to get you girls on the hayride with us?” the dark-haired guy asked as he leaned in and gave Leslie a once-over.

  “We’ll be over there as soon as our slave driver releases us from our post,” Leslie replied, spotting Steve and sending an evil glare his direction.

  I took the dark-haired guy’s money and then turned toward the third guy to do the same. “Thanks, guys. Y’all have fun inside.”

  They started to walk past us, but the third guy kept his emerald green eyes locked on mine, stealing my breath away. He was a tall muscular guy with blond hair and a beach-bronzed tan.

  Flushing a brilliant shade of red, I became incapable of forming words with the newfound attention. My stomach clenched, and images of Bryant flashed in my mind, but this guy’s green eyes held me captivated. It was an instant connection. Unlike the passion and uncontrollable draw I felt toward Bryant, this guy was making me feel at ease and safe.

  “Jordan! Let’s go!” The dark-haired one hollered back, shaking us both from the trance we both seemed to be under.

  Giving his head a shake, Jordan’s face lit up with a smile. “Yeah, yeah, Grant, I’m coming. Shut up.” He leaned so close to my ear I felt his breath on me as he whispered, “See you on the hayride, Rose.”

  The way his tongue caressed my name had my palms sweating. I tried to attempt to appear unaffected by his charm. He jogged to catch up with the guys.

  As he got closer, I could hear them ragging on him about zoning out over a pretty girl, and they disappeared into the barn.

  “Ouch!” I glared at Leslie for kicking me in the shin as she mischievously smirked back.

  “Okay, what the hell, Rose? You go from no guys to three. Forget a love triangle. At this rate, you’re going to end up in a freaking love rhombus! Always get picked second, my ass. Besides the dark-haired one, Grant, they didn’t even look at me!” She pretended to pout for a minute.

  “Yeah well, Bryant’s role in it all is still to be determined. He literally walked right past me, not saying hi or even acknowledging me. It’s like I was some random stranger!”

  “Screw this. I’m off to find Steve. We’re done working. We got things to do, guys to flirt with. I intend to lock lips with that hottie, Grant, before the end of this night. And you… you will ignore Bryant and enjoy that Jordan guy. Make Bryant see what he is missing out on!”

  Within seconds, Leslie was back with Steve, smiling in victory.

  “Good job, girls. You’re free to go play. Try to behave, please. Leslie, this is a family-friendly event.”

  She winked, grabbing my hand and dragging me off the direction we’d seen the guys go.

  “Hey, boys, you ready for that hayride?” Leslie squeezed up, interlocking her arm with Grant’s.

  Grant flashed her a mega-watt smile, turning to head toward the loading area for the hayride.

  Jordan slowed his pace and fell back to walk with me, putting his arm casually over my shoulder. “Looks like you’re stuck with me, Rose.”

  I smiled back at him, getting lost in the intensity of his green eyes. Being with Jordan is so easy. I liked Bryant, but I was over chasing after him. We headed toward the hayride, and I resolved to enjoy my time with Jordan, Bryant be damned. I could feel a searing gaze on me.

  I looked up to meet eyes with Bryant, working the hayride and shooting daggers at Jordan and me. I slinked out from under Jordan’s arm, but he possessively
slid his hand into my own and took hold. Judging by Bryant’s grimace, it appeared Leslie’s grand scheme was working, and Jordan wasn’t hard on the eyes, so I decided to enjoy my night and see where it led me.

  “Hey, Bryant, can you tell the dude driving the tractor to take his time? I want to enjoy this hayride, thoroughly.” Grant winked at Leslie. He looked back at Jordan and me. My hand was still entrapped in his. Then he returned his attention to Bryant. “Looks like you’re pairing up with Eli since he’s the only free one. Try not to get too cozy with him, though!” With a hearty laugh, he climbed onto the trailer, toting Leslie behind him, before plopping them both onto a bale of hay tucked in the back.

  Jordan steered us around Bryant and helped me up the stairs. Apparently, he was oblivious to Bryant’s balling fist and glacial stare that was beating down on the spot where Jordan was holding me. Jordan seated us on a bale across from Grant and Leslie and pulled me into him, the masculine scent of his cologne enveloping me and making me turn into his embrace. Bryant stomped up the wooden stairs, boots hammering the wood with each step.

  “You all done working?” Leslie looked at him then winked at me, seeing her master plan unfold at my expense.

  “I make my own schedule. You girls get to quit, so do I,” Bryant growled out at us, visibly tense as he contemplated which side to sit on.

  Sitting beside Leslie, Bryant was directly across from Jordan and me. Cursing under his breath, he picked the straw from the bale and threw it at the ground in obvious frustration.

  Eli walked up, looking between the sides, finally choosing the seat next to Bryant.

  “I couldn’t decide if I wanted to be within your reach or not, but I figure if you’re going to attack, I’d rather be the opposite direction you’re heading,” Eli mumbled to Bryant.

  Bryant redirected his glare toward Eli, making him cringe before raising his hands up in surrender.