I thought he was extremely sexy the first time I met him and the attraction only intensified until it evolved into a solid bond between us. So, yes. It might be hard and fast, but it’s real and something I haven’t experienced before. And the way he takes care of me and goes through great lengths to make sure I’m okay and safe, I know we’re equal in our relationship; it’s where our strength lies.
I take a deep breath and let my gaze lock on our home as I voice the words, “I love you more, though.”
A soft chuckle rings out and I feel him pat my leg. “I sure as fuck would hope so.”
He didn’t say it back is the first thing flowing through my head.
But then he stops the horse and says, “Come here, doll.”
He curls his finger, demanding I lean over to close the distance. And when I do, he places his hand on the back of my neck and gives a tender squeeze before he takes my lips in a rough and demanding kiss.
He pulls back and tells me, “I’m pretty sure I love you more.”
Colt is already taking the reign and leads Chucky around the cabin toward the stable while all I can do is stare at the man I know is mine in every way. It’s still hard to believe–to accept–our future has only just blown wide open for us to explore and enjoy.
Cavier starts to neigh and Chucky gives a response. Colt chuckles. “In a moment, boys, you get to play.”
“She’s a girl,” I scold, and Colt simply chuckles again as I dismount.
A few minutes later Chucky is in the paddock and both horses are running and making sharp turns to follow one another.
Leaning on the fence, I sigh and say, “I could watch them for hours.”
“Cavier has been alone for a long time, but it seems he enjoys the company of a pretty lady.”
A smile spreads across my face and when I turn my head, I realize Colt is watching me instead of the two horses.
“I guess he’s the same as his owner.” I step closer and lean my head on his shoulder.
His arm sneaks around my waist and pulls me closer. “You’ve brightened my life for sure, doll. I guess time has come for the both of us to shift gears and hit the throttle for better things.”
“Is that why you’ve invited people here? I know you’re normally the other way, keeping people away from this place.”
I feel his body tighten and a grunt leaves his throat.
Lifting my head, I need to know. “What’s wrong?”
A deep sigh slips over his lips as he steps away and points at the veggie garden. “Let’s grab some tomatoes and get things started for our guests. They will be here soon enough.”
I’m staring at his back as he heads for the tomatoes but my anger is suddenly rising; I know he’s keeping something from me. It’s the same reaction he gave when I questioned his grim face when he received a text right before we headed for the cabin. He simply said Garrett would be joining us for dinner later.
“Okay, buddy. Start talking. I know you won’t lie but I also know you shutting down and not telling me shit means something is up and you refuse to let me get involved. Newsflash, asshole. We’re together and this means we share. Good and bad. I thought this whole shitstorm we went through these past few weeks made that very clear.”
“Shitstorms have aftereffects. True survival means balancing to keep your head above water and not letting anything scare you, not even fear itself. But I’ve also never had something clawing at my chest, and I know for fucking sure it’s because I’ve never had an old lady. Something completing my life and losing it means the end of life as I love and now know what it was meant to be. So, precaution is what I’m going for. Eyes open, ears sharp, doll. Hence the visitors to soothe my worries and have some added bodies around us just in case.”
I know he’s right. And I might have been swooning over the fact my life changed for the better and how bad times are behind us, but I also know very well things can turn to shit in the blink of an eye.
And a cautious person is stronger than a careless one. And I also know not to let anything consume you and I trust Colt to handle this part for the both of us. It’s been only a few hours since my brother accepted my future and I’m sure he needs to inform some of his guys who weren’t at the meeting he just had with Weston.
And with Cannon forcing himself upon me a few times, it’s not hard to realize how he will react when my brother tells him I’m never going to be his. This has to be the aftereffect of the shitstorm Colt just mentioned.
Letting my rambling thoughts go, I try to shift topics and ask, “So, we’re getting married, huh?”
“I plan to knock you up, hopefully before we’re married. Everything between us is a done deal, Kadence. Signing papers and make things official is just ticking another box off the list I have in my mind to make sure you’re taken care of. If something happens to me…everything you see will be yours.”
Crap. Here I thought to make light of things while I get some hard chunks of emotion thrown back. And it should warm my heart but I feel conflicted. Not to mention he’s acting like he’s going to expel his last breath sometime soon.
“What else is on that list of yours? Next to starting a family, getting hitched, and dying?”
Colt spins around to face me. “You’re pissed.”
A statement, not a question. Jeez, he’s a real winner. I should give him a beer to toast his words of success.
“I plan, Kadence.” There isn’t a hint of anger in his voice, but a hint of vulnerability instead. “I’m not a young foal darting around on this fucked-up planet. I know what I want and how it needs to be in some form of timeframe because when I want something, I crave to follow through. And with you I want everything. Except for the dying part, that for sure as fuck isn’t on my list.”
Clearly, we’re still exploring one another and more of our quirks and character traits will rise as we move forward. I know Colt has held off about us being together because of the eight-year age gap. But there’s more to life than the little more than a handful of years in between us.
Yes, he might be more of a planner, something I never once tried or thought about. But it doesn’t mean I won’t follow his lead. He might be the one taking the next step forward but it’s made with determination and absorbed with the thoughts for the both of us.
“Make sure it stays off the damn list and we will get along just fine,” I mutter and try to stalk past him but he grabs my waist and drags me against his body.
My back is plastered against his front while his head falls to the crook of my neck to nuzzle my skin.
“Always ready to fight, but so fucking cute with acceptance. Your whole appearance and background screams recklessness. Yet, you have your eyes wide open, and one hell of a brain that’s always crackling before settling. You’re a brilliant woman I’m proud to call mine, doll. Just know everything I do will always be done for your safety and well-being.”
I should swoon but his words make my skin prickle with awareness. Safety and well-being. Is there still danger I’m not aware of besides Cannon? I’m about to question him but the kisses along the line of my neck are very distracting.
“Screw dinner preparations,” Colt says, his voice husky and laced with desire.