A Taste of Country Page 8

  “So, I really love your place here. You’ve got a lot of land. I can’t wait to see it all.” Trevor finally breaks the tension or at least I hope so. He’s a pretty friendly guy to most.

  “Thanks. Yeah, been in my family for years. So what all do you know about animals? Had any trainin’?” Colby asks, and I’m a bit relieved that he’s at least talking.

  “Well, uh. I worked on my family’s farm growin’ up. Learned how to train horses and gave tons of people ridin’ lessons. I hope to get my own farm, some day. I can milk a cow, gather eggs, fix just about any building and can rope and ride. Actually won some tournaments but it’s been several years ago.” I tense, remembering how he told me he had fallen in his last tournament, broke his leg in so many places it took several days and surgeries to put it back together. He still walks with a slight limp but most people can’t tell.

  I place the eggs on each of their plates, grabbing the bacon from the other skillet and some toast from the toaster and walk over setting them in front of them. “Uh, how’d you know he likes his eggs over easy, Shiloh? Don’t remember hearin’ you ask him.” I turn and stop cold. Colby’s right, I forgot to ask Trevor. Shit! I’m gonna mess this up! I turn around and look at Colby then at Trevor and start to lean over to take his plate.

  I grab his plate and start to pull it back. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking. Most people I know eat them over easy but I can make them however you’d like.” Trevor clasps his hand around my wrist gently and smiles.

  “No, that’s no necessary. I actually like mine this way. Thank you kindly,” he responds and releases my hand as I set the plate back down. I start to walk back to the counter when Colby’s voice stops me.

  “Shiloh here’s a gem in the kitchen.” I grab my plate and walk back over, sitting in the chair between them. I feel a little ill and hope I can eat. I look up at him and smile. “I think she has some mindreading powers. I’ve seen it before. Or maybe she’s just really intuitive.” Colby’s eyes sear into mine. Shit! This is going all wrong.

  “Well, can’t say I know but maybe she has figured out that most country folk eat them this way.” I see Trevor’s smile from the corner of my eye but can’t take my eyes away from Colby. He’s looking at me like he knows something or trying to figure out what he thinks he knows. This is gonna be one long day. I just hope for his sake he doesn’t figure it out. Damn. It’s hard work protecting people.

  Chapter Six

  Colby

  What is wrong with me? First off, I see this new guy outside with her and shit if he ain’t a good lookin’ fella. Then she acts like she knows what he likes, how he takes his eggs. Is there somethin’ goin’ on that I’m just too blind to see? Or am I just feelin’ jealous? Maybe it’s a combination? Shit. I dunno. I’m startin’ to feel like all those lovesick girls in them romance books I’ve read, well, with the exception of the Deadly Sins series. There’s no lovesick girl in that one, quite the opposite. Those are the most intense books I’ve ever read, and I’ve read a lot. I still have a hunch that Shiloh’s connected to those books somehow. I just can’t seem to figure out how, yet. But I will.

  Breakfast was…. interesting. We all ate in an uncomfortable silence. I felt weird, like I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to shake her and ask her what the hell is going on. But I know that will only scare her. I’m really trying to be patient and be her friend. Damn, that’s hard when all I want to do is hug her, tell her everythin’s gonna be okay. She says she’s gonna clean up the dishes so Trevor and I head outside. I have to stop and get my coat ‘cos it’s freezin’. Winter’s definitely about to show its ugly side. But then, it’ll be fun to watch Ditto playin’ out in the snow.

  We walk to the barn and after openin’ the door we head inside. I watch as he immediately walks over to Sable, pettin’ her nose. She normally doesn’t take to strangers but she whinny’s a little and then nuzzles him. Hmm. Maybe he does have a way with horses. “She’s been actin’ kind of strange lately. Not sure what’s goin’ on. I am about to get Doc Winn out here to take a look at her.” I stand back as he looks her over.

  “Hmmm, might need to do that but….” He rubs over her side then down underneath and back up again.” He turns his head and smiles. “I think she may be expectin’.” He stands, grabbin’ a cloth from his coat pocket and wipes his hands. “I’m no vet and it would be good to be checked by one but I’m pretty sure you’re gonna have a foal at some point.” He walks over to me, turns, and leans back against the wall.

  I run my fingers through my hair. “Well, I’ll be dammed.” No wonder she’s been actin’ weird. I lean against the wall and look at him. “So, what kind of farm are ya thinkin’ of gettin’?”

  He takes out a baseball cap from another pocket and places it on his head, flippin’ it around backwards. “Well, I always wanted a little bit of land, not too many acres, and have a horse boardin’ place for people who don’t have a farm or a place to keep ‘em. Maybe even give ridin’ lessons.” I nod. He does seem like a nice guy. An idea hits and I stand up.

  “Ya know. There’s a small farm for sale about ten miles from here. Plenty of folks that live close to town don’t own farms. I bet you’d do good business out here. If you’re interested that is.” He stands up and we start walkin’ out of the barn. He looks around. Was fairly dark when he got here but now everythin’s bright since the suns out.

  “Man, sure is pretty here.” He looks at me and gives me a grin. “I’d love to go take a look at that land.” He pats my back. “Don’t worry. I ain’t leavin’ ya just yet though.” I laugh, and it feels good to trust someone that I just met. I sure hope I don’t regret it.

  “Okay, sounds good. How about for today you can go inside and pick out which bedroom you’d like and get settled. If you get energetic, you can come back out and help me with some chores.” He smiles and walks towards the house. I start to turn around when I hear Ditto barkin’. I look over my shoulder and see Shiloh walkin’ down the steps behind him. She walks up to Trevor and they start talkin’. I can’t help but be a little nosy, starin’ at them. I’m taken aback as I watch her smile and laugh. She looks so comfortable around him. How can that be? She’s made it very clear that she doesn’t trust anyone, even though I think she’s startin’ to trust Sadie. But then he shows up and she seems so relaxed. I don’t get it.

  She looks over and sees me, says somethin’ else to him and then starts walkin’ towards me. I cross my arms over my chest as I wait for her to get closer. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I feel irritated, envious maybe? Jealous? “Hey, you about ready for some lunch?” Her smile still takes my breath away. Makin’ my heart skip a beat. I nod, keepin’ my arms squeeze tight around me. She tilts her head, her smile turnin’ into a frown. “You okay? Did something happen with you and Trevor?” I hate hearin’ his name fall from her lips but seein’ the sadness on her face makes my mood change. I uncross my arms and start walkin’ to her.

  “Nah. It’s good.” She walks beside me as we head to the house. “So, you seem kinda comfortable around him. Seems sorta odd knowin’ you don’t trust easily.”

  Her eyes shift to mine, and she starts biting the inside of her cheek, somethin’ I figured out she does when nervous or frustrated. Then she stops chewin’ and gives me her sweet smile. “I’m trying to learn how to trust.” She stops and turns, puttin’ her hand on my arm. Some kind of tingles start from where her hand is, movin’ down my arm. Feelin’s I’ve only read about in romance books and thought it was only make believe. But they’re there, travelin’ down and into my hand. My eyes widen as I watch hers soften. She doesn’t pull back her hand as our eyes search each other’s. All animosity is forgotten as she steps closer until her luscious lips are only a breath away. I know I shouldn’t. I know it could cause somethin’ to change between us, but I can’t seem to stop myself.

  She lifts her other hand, placing it on the side of my face. Her thumb sweeps across my cheek tenderly, her eyes searchin’ mine. Like in
slow motion, we both move together, getting even closer until our mouths cover each other’s. My arms instinctively move around her, pullin’ her body into me. I feel her warmth. Her full breasts pressed against my chest, through the barrier of our coats. Her lips are cool from the brisk air but warm up quickly as our kiss becomes heated. Her hand is still on my face. Her other one moves around my waist. I don’t know how long we stand here but my tongue sweeps across her lower lip and when hers part, it wastes no time movin’ into her mouth and tanglin’ with hers. A soft moan travels into my mouth and down to my already hard cock, makin’ it strain against my jeans. Finally, I release her mouth, not really wantin’ to but needin’ some air. I press my forehead against hers, and we both smile.

  “That was very nice,” I whisper, breathlessly.

  Her smile grows. “Just…. Nice?” Her voice comes out just as breathless.

  I lean down, kissin’ her swollen lips and smile against them. “More than nice. It was amazin’.” We stand there, lookin’ into each other’s eyes, smilin’ like we’re teenagers. “I’ve wanted to do that since you first came here, when I first saw you at the lake. But I didn’t know how you felt and didn’t want to do anythin’ that would make you want to run.” She nods in understandin’.

  “I’ve wished you would do that too. You don’t know how much I’ve wished for it but I appreciate you waiting until I felt more comfortable.” Her eyebrows lower and her face turns sad, somethin’ I hope I didn’t cause. It breaks my heart. “Colby. There’s so much I wish I could tell you. So much….” I bring my finger up to her lips, stoppin’ her from continuin’.

  She smiles against my fingers, but I feel so serious. “Shhhh. Only in your time, darlin’. I don’t want you to feel rushed about anythin’ with us.” Her eyebrows raise in playfulness. I smile. “I want there to be an “us”, Shiloh.” I move my finger from her lips and stroke down her cute nose. “Ya know. There’s things about me you don’t know either. I want you to. There’s….” She places a finger against my lips, and I kiss it, still smilin’.

  “All in time, Colby. All in good time and right now, for the first time in a long time, I feel like I have time, thanks to you.” She sighs. She removes her finger but not before I kiss it again. “I love it here. It’s so beautiful, peaceful. I need peace.” Her eyes search mine again, so light and sparklin’ in the sun’s bright light. “I do want to tell you things.” Her smile evaporates and turns into a frown again. “Things that you may not like about me, Colby. I’m afraid I could lose you before I even have you.” I look into her eyes and see tears formin’.

  I place my hands on either side of her face, my eyes sear into her wet ones. “Look. I know we’re just gettin’ to know each other but I like what I see, what I know. No one’s perfect, Shiloh. Hell, I have a past too, one I’m not proud of but if we truly want to try this -- be together -- then any good relationship is based off of trust, respect, and learnin’ about each other’s faults and yes, pasts. If we can overcome the bad things then it makes us even stronger together. Right?” She nods and her frown slowly turns back into a smile. I remove my hands and put an arm around her. “Come on. Let’s go get lunch. Do you wanna take Trevor in town and eat lunch there for a change? Winter’s gonna be settlin’ in, only had a couple of small bouts of snow so far before you came, and we may not be able to get there for a bit soon. Maybe we can also load up on some groceries while we’re there.”

  “Sounds great! Can we stop in at the coffee shop?” Her smile widens, the whiteness of her teeth showin’. I love when she’s happy and not so stressed or worried about whatever she’s dealin’ with.

  I look down. “Sure. That’s a great idea. I can introduce him to Sadie and Tina while we’re there. Oh! That’s right. You haven’t met Tina yet. She’s a hoot. You’ll like her.” She nods, and we start to walk to the house. This is gonna be interestin’ with Trevor comin’ along. I do like him, so far, and felt the pangs of jealousy, but I feel better after what just happened with Shiloh and me. Much better, like there’s some glimmer of hope for us.

  Shiloh

  God, I’m so stupid sometimes. Being too friendly to Trevor almost caused the whole thing to blow up. I guess I just couldn’t stop myself, seeing him after so long, feeling his brotherly arms around me. He and Mandy are the only family I have, and I was so excited to see him. But then, afterwards, being in Colby’s strong arms, feeling his lips against mine…. I can’t even describe the feelings that flowed through me. Exhilarating, loved, cherished are a few that come to mind. Those butterflies in the pit of my stomach not only returned but multiplied quickly as our tongues wrapped around each other’s. Feeling his length pressing against me told me how much he wanted me. I felt the same but could only show him with my kiss. And what a kiss I received in return. Made my toes curl and those feelings hit me with such a force. I could fall so easily for him. That excites me and terrifies me at the same time. But unlike my life, this could be a great thing, one I desperately need, want and have longed for. The only thing that stops me from wanting it more is the fact that I’m still hiding, still trying to stay alive. I’m putting him in danger by being here, but I feel so safe. I’m so selfish. I guess its survival instinct that keeps me here and with him. Would it be better for him to know everything so he can be on guard? Or would it make him want me to leave, end what we’ve started? Shit! I don’t know what to do.

  I’ve decided to try to have fun, for now, trying to keep my fears at bay being away from the house and out in public. We laugh on the way there in Colby’s truck, him sharing funny stories about his friend, Tina. She does sound like a lot of fun. According to him, she and Sadie have been best friends all of their lives. Because of that, I know I’ll like her. He pulls into a parking space in front of the coffee shop. I turn my head and look at Trevor, who’s taking it all in, then I look at Colby, who’s watching my every move, especially when it comes to Trevor. Then, it hits me. He thinks I have feelings for Trevor. Oh, my God! Why didn’t I see that before? Here I’ve been so worried that he’d think we knew each other but all this time he’s been jealous? Maybe. At least I hope that’s what it is.

  Colby opens the shop door for me and I smile as I walk up to the counter. There’s another girl there who I’m thinking is probably Tina. “Colby, so nice to see you! It’s been awhile.” She looks at me and smiles then when she looks at Trevor behind us, she stands up straight and fixes her hair. “Oh, and just who do we have here?” I cover my mouth, trying to hold in my laugh. Trevor always has this kind of response anywhere he goes. Hell, it’s no wonder, he looks like a freaking movie star. I had a crush on him a long time ago when we first met. But the first time we kissed was our last. I remember us laughing our asses off, both of us having the feelings that we were more like brother and sister and could never like each other any other way.

  “Trevor Mackay, darlin’,” his voice sweeps past me as he walks up to the counter. He extends his hand, and she begins to shake it. He quickly turns it over and brings it up to his mouth, kissing it gently. Yep, that’s Trevor. Hopeless romantic. He’s always told me I should write a “normal” romance with him as the main character. I did consider it, but I have to finish this series first. Or maybe not because the ending may not allow me to.

  “Tina. This is Shiloh,” Colby’s voice breaks me free from my thoughts.

  “Hi, Tina. Nice to meet you.” I smile. Unfortunately she doesn’t really notice me. She’s nodding her head still mesmerized by Trevor. I turn my head, having to try to hold in my laugh, again.

  “Tina! Let the poor man’s hand go and finish making those amazing pastries.” I turn my head at Sadie’s voice. Tina pulls her hand back slowly, still smiling at him, then looks at all of us quickly. She looks at Sadie, gives her a smirk, and then turns and walks past her and out of sight. Sadie turns to us and smiles. “Well, how’s everyone?” She looks at Trevor unfazed and reaches out her hand. “Hi! And you must be?”

  Trevor shakes her hand, noticing the
ring on her finger and smiles as he pulls his hand back. “Trevor MacKay, ma’am. Pleasure.”

  Her eyebrows raise, they move from him to me. “Nice,” she mouths at me.

  Colby clears his throat. “I hired him. He’s wantin’ to buy some land to board horses and train them. Thought I’d help him out.” She looks at Colby and so do I.

  “Well, that’s nice of you. I’m sure the people around here would love it. If you have a flyer made with the specifics, I’ll hang it up in here. As packed as we normally are, it’ll get noticed,” she says proudly.

  “I could make one!” I burst out.

  Colby turns to me, confusion on his face. “You can do that? Do you have a computer? ‘Cos you can use mi….”

  “No. Thank you. I have a laptop.” I look at Sadie and smile. “I’ll get it made and we’ll bring it to you or I could email it to you if you want to give me your information.” I try not to look at him, but I can feel him staring at me.

  “That would be great. Here I’ll write it down for you.” Sadie takes a napkin and a pen from a cup on the counter, writes down her information then hands it to me. She looks at Colby, then Trevor and smiles. “Oh! What can I get everyone?”

  I still feel Colby staring at me as we give her our orders and walk over to a booth. Colby sits next to me as I slide into the booth and Trevor sits across from us. I take a peek from the corner of my eye, and he’s still looking. Finally, I turn my head. “What? I can have a laptop.” My lower lip pushes out like a child, but I don’t care. What’s the big deal?

  His face softens as he smiles. “No big deal. I just didn’t know you brought one. You never mentioned it.” Shit. Did I screw up again? No. This isn’t a big deal. Lots of people have laptops. I’m being silly and paranoid again. This is gonna be harder than I thought. I actually want to be with him, feel comfortable, but I won’t as long as I keep lying to him, keeping things from him. Ugh, decisions!