by Doporto, CM
He removed his arm but stayed close by her. “Have you called your doctor yet?”
She inhaled deeply and let out a long breath. She lowered her hand and glanced at him. “No. To be honest, I forgot about it. I haven’t had any more dizzy spells since last week, so it didn’t cross my mind. I guess I’ll call Monday.”
“Do you think it’s a good idea to go ridin’? I mean, we don’t have to go if you don’t feel well.”
Natalie thought about what he said. Despite the dizzy spell, she wanted to spend time with him and get to know him. “Let’s go inside for a while and see how I feel.”
“Okay.” He led her inside the house.
The old wooden floors creaked, indicating years of passing feet, shuffling in and out of the country-style home. She followed him into an airy and brightly sunlit room, filled with pictures on every wall. They all told a story of how his family had grown over the years. She noticed a few pictures of him and Sal when they were young.
“Are you and Sal related?”
“Yes, we are cousins. Our moms are sisters. I guess I forgot to mention that to you.”
“I actually see a resemblance between you two.” She pointed to one of the pictures on the wall. Then she looked at a family portrait. “Are these your parents?”
“Yes, that’s my mom, dad, my brother Lance and my sister, Ellen.”
“So, are you like half Mexican? I mean, not that it matters.” She hoped the question didn’t sound rude.
“Yeah, I am. My mom’s Mexican and my dad is White.” Ryan removed his hat and set it on a nearby end table. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his forehead. That explained his tawny skin tone and sandy brown hair and brown eyes.
“Me too! How wild is that? My mom is White and my dad is Mexican. Vega… obviously.”
“That is wild. I guess you get your blue eyes from your mom?” Ryan walked up behind her. She could still smell his manly scent, swirling around her and latching on to her.
“Actually, I get my eyes and hair from my dad. Spanish blood…descendants or something. My mom has light brown hair and brown eyes, kind of like you.” She had to take a few silent breaths to clear her airway from his intoxicating aroma that filled the room.
“That’s cool.”
Natalie glanced back him. “You look like both your mom and dad. Except you have more of a golden color to you.”
Ryan rubbed his forearm. “That’s from all the sun I get from being outside.”
“I guess I should get more sun.” She held out her arm in front of her, noticing how light she looked compared to him.
“Well, you have a nice olive skin color. But if you want more sun, it’ll be nice and sunny today, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”
A picture of Ryan with some of his friends caught her attention. She walked over to it and picked it up. “Are these your college friends?”
“Yes, from TCU.” He reached forward took the picture from her hand. By the way his eyes narrowed and the twitch in his mouth she knew it stirred up some memories. When he went to set it down a picture fell out from behind, landing on the wooden floor.
Natalie bent down and picked it up. Elegant handwriting embossed the back of it and when she turned it over she saw Jen, posing in a field of bluebonnets. She quickly lowered the picture, pretending not to notice.
“Here, I’ll put that back.” Ryan stuck out his hand, reaching for the picture. She held out the picture and when he saw Jen in the photo, his hand stopped. “What’s that doin’ in here?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged her shoulders, not knowing how to respond.
His body tensed and his jaw protruded as though he wanted to rip it apart with his teeth. He took the photo from Natalie’s hand. “I thought I burned everything from her. I bet my mom found this and stuck it behind the other picture.”
“My mom always does stuff like that too. She never throws anything away.” Natalie tried to sympathize and put him at ease.
He let out a slight smirk. “That’s my mom too.” He started to rip the picture in half but Natalie placed her hand on top of his, stopping him.
“You don’t have to do that because I’m here.”
He looked up at her, not saying a word. He released his death grip from the picture and she eased the photo from his hand. She turned the picture frame over and put Jen’s photo behind the other one.
“It will be here if you want to tear or burn it after I leave.” Gently she placed the picture frame back on the shelf.
Ryan’s eyes softened and his body relaxed. “You are the most admirable gal I have ever met. Most gals are jealous of the ex.”
Natalie smiled and shook her head. “I’m not like other girls and I’m sure you’ve met others who are more admirable, pretty, and outgoing than I am.”
“No, I haven’t.” Ryan reached down and took her hand in his. Her heart skipped a beat. The warmth of his touch felt good against her skin. She folded her fingers over his firm, thick hands and held on.
“Let’s sit down.” He led her over to the couch and she followed willingly.
He let go of her hand and rested his arms on the top of his legs. He leaned forward and brought his hands together, twiddling his thumbs. She remained silent, allowing him time to gather his thoughts.
He kept his eyes focused on his hands. “Natalie, you are like no one I’ve ever met before. Maybe that’s why I’m so attracted to you.”
Her body flushed with heat. She sat perched on the edge of the couch, unable to relax. The adrenaline pumping through her veins told her to run, to flee and never come back. Her heart told her to stay put. Her hands gripped the edge of the tapestry-covered sofa, holding on for dear life. Did she really want to have this talk with him?
She sensed him looking at her but couldn’t make eye contact. “You are so beautiful but it’s more than your beauty that attracts me. It’s your personality and the way you act. It’s everything that makes you who you are.”
Natalie sat frozen, unable to respond. Every word he spoke was everything she wanted and needed to hear. Her head reminded her that she had heard those words before. All of them had been lies that crushed her into a pit of agony. She would never fall for words like those again. She had to be smarter than that.
She took a deep breath. “Ryan, I’m flattered by your words but....” She turned her body in his direction and looked up at him. “I don’t think I…” Her eyes caught his gaze and her breath caught in her throat. Why did he make her forget about everything she promised not to do? This uncontrollable attraction was more than she could handle. She would not surrender to it. She didn’t want to take the chance of getting hurt again. The battle between her head and heart overwhelmed her. Then she heard that voice; her grandmother’s voice, reminding her to have faith. Isn’t that why she agreed to the date in the first place?
“I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?” His eyes cried out and she knew he searched for the right words he longed to hear from her.
Oh my God, why can’t I resist him? She turned away, trying to fight the feelings taking over her heart. Why was this so hard? No one had ever made her feel this way before. She couldn’t explain the connection or the relentless force that drove her soul straight to his.
She looked back at Ryan. The calling of his lips and the hunger in his eyes made it easy to break her rules. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that… I’m scared. I’m so scared of getting hurt again.”
He leaned in closer to her. “I’m scared too. We’ve both been hurt before and I don’t think either of us can handle going through that again. All I know is that there is somethin’ about you that drives me…” he breathed out slowly through his nose, “crazy.”
Not only could he not resist her either but he had the same fears as she did. One thing was for certain, he would have to earn her trust and that would take time. She would take the time and get to know him. She peered into his eyes. “So, I drive you crazy?”
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nbsp; He cracked a smile. “I don’t mean crazy, like that. I mean that I can’t stop thinkin’ about you and the way you make me feel.”
She pressed her lips together, contemplating if she should open up to him. He had definitely shown his vulnerability. She figured now it was her turn. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I can’t deny that there is something about the way you make me feel too.” Her hand drew to his arm. “It’s like… magnetic.”
His eyes lit up and he took her hands in his. “Then you do feel what I feel?”
A hum of energy encircled them. She looked down and saw how his hands cradled hers in the shape of a heart. His voice touched a part of her that made her want to surrender everything to him. It overwhelmed her and she struggled to contain her emotions.
She stared directly into his eyes. “Yes, I do and it’s amazing. Just please don’t hurt me.”
“I understand, Natalie. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt and I don’t want you to hurt me either.”
“I promise I won’t… but let’s take this slow. Get to know each other, okay?” She surrendered, laying all her emotions on the table.
“Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you guys.” A pregnant lady walked in holding a small boy’s hand.
Ryan let go of her hands and stood up. “Oh hey Steph, you’re not interrupting. Ummm, let me introduce you to my friend, Natalie Vega.”
Natalie immediately jumped to her feet and met her halfway. “Hi. Nice to meet you.”
“This is my sister-in-law Stephanie and my nephew Colt. Oh and my soon to be born niece, Emma.”
Natalie leaned over and rubbed the boy’s sun bleached hair. “Aren’t you cute?” He hugged his mother’s leg tightly, hiding behind it.
“Lance wanted to let you know that the horses are saddled and ready. He needs to finish mending a fence on the east side of the property so he’s about to drive over there.”
“Okay thanks, Steph. We were getting ready to head out.”
“Did you still want to ride?” Ryan turned to Natalie.
She wanted to ride with him now more than anything. Since there were no signs of dizziness she decided it would be safe. “Yes, I do.”
“I’m going to make some sandwiches for lunch. Nothing big,” Steph said rubbing her stomach. “Would you like to stay?”
Natalie turned to Ryan, waiting for him to ask her.
“Please stay. I’d like for ya to eat with us,” he replied.
She nodded at Steph. “Sure. I’d be happy to.”
“Great. See y’all in a little while.” She turned and walked into the kitchen.
Ryan put his arm around her and she knew without a doubt she had made the right decision to follow her heart. “C’mon let’s go for that ride.” He picked up his hat and led her outside.
“Have you ever ridden before?” Ryan asked as they stepped out the kitchen back door.
“Yes, but it’s been several years. I’m going to need a refresher and probably some guidance.” Natalie put her sunglasses back on, despite the slight haze in the air.
“Okay, no problem.” Ryan put his hat on and adjusted it, bringing it slightly forward where only his dazzling brown eyes showed.
They walked across the yard over to a cowboy holding the reins for two horses. “Natalie, this is my brother Lance. Lance, this is Natalie.”
She extended her hand and said, “Hello.”
He wiped his hand on his dingy jeans and then shook her hand. “Nice to meet ya.” He had a heavier twang than Ryan and they looked very much alike with the exception of Lance being slightly taller and leaner. “So are ya ready to show him how to ride?” He let out a smile and motioned with his head toward Ryan.
She giggled. “I’m sure he’ll be the one showing me.”
She approached the horse slowly and patted him on the nose. “What’s your name?” She stroked the horse’s head, allowing him to get to know her.
“This is Freedom.” Ryan took the reins from Lance. “Freedom, this is your master for today. Treat her well. Ya hear me.” The horse neighed and took a few steps back.
“So, do you remember what to do?” Ryan tugged on the saddle, making sure it was secured on the horse.
“Yeah, I think so. It’s all coming back to me.” Natalie ran her hand down the side of the American Paint horse. “Hi Freedom. You sure are a beautiful horse. I love your markings.” The horse nickered and neighed, giving her the sign to proceed. She prepared to mount the horse when Ryan stopped her.
“Wait a minute. You’re missin’ something.” He held his hand up and then dashed into the barn calling out, “I’ll be right back.”
Natalie checked the saddle but didn’t see anything missing. However, it had been a long time since she’d saddled up a horse.
He returned with a cowgirl hat in his hand. “You’re not complete without this.”
Natalie placed her hand on his, helping him fit the hat on her head. “Whose is this?”
“It’s my sister’s. Do ya mind?”
“No, as long as she doesn’t.” She winked.
“Nah, she won’t mind. Wow, you make a beautiful cowgirl.” Ryan winked backed at her. He knew how to make her smile and she had to admit that she loved being complimented by him. “Can I help you up?”
“Please.” Natalie placed her foot into the stirrup while he held on to the reins, keeping the horse steady.
“Ya good?”
“Yes.” She ensured she had a good grip on the reins and her feet were properly in place.
He walked over to his horse and got on with little effort.
“You guys be careful, ya hear. I’ll be on the east side of the property and will be back in an hour or so.” Lance stepped out of the way.
“Okay. We’ll be back shortly.” Ryan looked over at Natalie. “Let’s start out slow, okay?”
Natalie nodded. “Okay.”
She kept her horse in sync with Ryan’s, walking at a slow pace. The morning sun’s rays peaked over the tall oak trees, preparing to beat the ground with another day of record-breaking heat. They wouldn’t be able to stay out too long so she intended to enjoy every minute of it.
“How large is the ranch? Does it go all the way to the lake?” She raised her sunglasses to get a better view.
“It’s five hundred acres and no, it doesn’t go to the lake. We have a stream that goes through the property, which probably feeds off of the lake.”
“I bet that’s pretty. I’ve always wanted to live by the water. I guess that’s why I like going to my aunt’s condo in Austin. It overlooks Lady Bird Lake. It’s really gorgeous.”
“I bet it is. Have you ever been to Lake Travis?”
“No, I haven’t.” She shifted her weight, trying to get comfortable on the hard leather saddle.
“You’d like it. The water is really clear for a lake.”
“Then we should go sometime,” Natalie responded.
They rode side by side crossing the land, laughing and talking along the way. She found herself opening up more to him because he seemed understanding about many things. Even though she wasn’t ready to share everything, he gave her a sense of security that continued to build on the level of trust she needed from him.
The more they chatted, the more they discovered all the common interests they shared like going to the movies, the beach, swimming, and of course horseback riding. Never in a million years did she ever think he would be attracted to her. For one, she didn’t even seem like his type. He was more of a country guy where she was more of a science nerd. He loved to talk and socialize and she preferred to keep to herself. Regardless, the attraction between them electrified her soul and it made her want to know everything about him and more.
“Gee, everything is so dry.” Natalie observed the sparse layer of green grass they traveled through.
“I know. We need rain badly. My parents said it’s been really dry here. We’ve even lost some cattle. Based on the weather reports, I doubt
they’ll be lifting the watering ban anytime soon.”
“That’s horrible. I didn’t realize there were water restrictions in place. I guess I’ve been so busy with school, I haven’t paid much attention to what’s going on up here. Now that you mention it, my parent’s yard isn’t that green either.”
He led the way down a small hill. “This pond used to be bigger. It’s practically dried up now.”
“I guess this global warming is becoming more of a problem.” Natalie noticed the cracked mud where water once reached.
“Yeah, you haven’t seen the reports about it being a worldwide issue?”
“No, I haven’t. I know the news said Austin’s been dryer and hotter than usual and some crops had been affected. I didn’t realize it affected the whole world. Since I’m majoring in biomedical science and not environmental science, I haven’t kept up with the findings. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it concerns me.”
“Oh, I understand. I hope I didn’t insult your knowledge so please—”
“No, it’s okay. You’re just more in tune with it because of the ranch.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. My parents really wanted me to study agriculture so I could help my brother when they get older.”
“So why don’t you?”
“It’s not what I wanna do. Don’t get me wrong, I love the ranch but I’d rather be with people instead of animals.” He urged his horse to pick up the pace and so did she.
“I understand. So, what’s your major?”
Ryan lifted his cowboy hat and wiped his forehead again with a handkerchief. “I’m a business and marketing major”.
Her horse drifted closer to his, allowing her to watch his every move closely. “That’s cool. What department will you be interning at?”
He glanced over at her and she watched his eyes traveled up and down. He was definitely checking her out. She wondered what he thought about the way she dressed. She hoped the jeans and bedazzled t-shirt her mom picked out for her made her look cute instead of nerdy. As for the boots, her toes hurt and she wondered how much longer she could handle wearing them. She didn’t have enough money to buy new ones, so she wore an old pair that had to be at least a size too small.