I woke up earlier than normal that morning. I hadn't rode Pretty Girl in a bit with how busy the ranch and lodge were keeping me. It wasn't a surprise, summer was definitely our busier season. But I wanted to get a ride in before I started my work for the day.

When I got to the barn, it was as though that beautiful horse of mine sensed she was going for a ride. She excitedly neighed and snorted, as if saying, "About time." I led her out of the stall and began to brush her down before saddling her. Placing my gun in its' holster on the saddle, I walked her out of the barn and mounted. Giving a slight kick, we took off.

I let her lead, and we rode at a steady pace through the woods until we came to a clearing. The open field was my favorite to ride in. You could ride for what seemed like miles without running into anything. There was a creek that started about half the ride in and led to a pond.

I whipped the reins, and she took off at full speed. We ran as though we were being chased; to me, we were. I was running away from something more often than I would like to admit. I had no other choice than to not slow down. God knows the thoughts would not.

I tugged at the reins when the creek started to open up into the pond. Pretty Girl came to a halt, her breathing ragged. I patted her neck and sat relaxed as I watched the water flow into something larger than itself. There were times I envied that creek and its' path.

I dismounted and led Pretty Girl to the water. She happily leaned down to drink while I leaned against her, taking in the idyllic sounds of nature. The bubbling creek, the flowing of water in the pond, the rustling of branches, the birds melodically singing--it was all a song for me.

You would think it would be noise that drowned out my demons. But it was the noise that drew them closer; noise was a reminder that brought back everything from that night, because the sounds from that night screamed the loudest in my head.

Only with the kind of tranquility nature brought, would serenity come close to invading me. I longed for those moments; the moments in between the running, where it was safe to slow down in the comfort of nature's melody.

The ride back went quicker. It seemed Pretty Girl was in a rush to get back for breakfast. I took her saddle off and brushed her sweat-stained coat down once more before leading her back into the stall and feeding her along with the rest of the horses. I had just finished with the feedings when my dad came into the barn.

"There you are. Good morning son."

"Morning pops. I'm just about to head to the pasture."

He shook his head. "That's what I'm out here for. Your mom called. She said she needs you to cover the desk this morning. Alice called in and she's shorthanded."

"She can't get someone else for that? We got a lot of work out here to do."

"I'll manage. I got a full staff of ranch hands today. We are going to get the haying started. You can help more tomorrow." He patted me on the shoulder before moving past me to grab a few tools.

I sighed knowing it was a losing battle, and I wasn't in the mood for an argument anyway. Work was work. I headed toward my black pickup truck and made the twenty-minute drive to the lodge.

As soon as I stepped inside, my mom rushed toward me looking entirely frazzled.

"Thank the good Lord you are here Colt. We have been busier than usual this morning. I need you to man the phones and check in or out any guest please."

"Where is Alice?" I stepped behind the counter and gave Mrs. Bookerman a wink as I handed her a daily cocktail voucher. She stayed at the lodge regularly and was notorious for being quite bibulous.

"Poor thing called in sick. Said she couldn't stop throwing up this morning."

"Really?" I asked, running my hand across my chin. "Ain't she been spending a lot of time with Travis here lately?"

"What's that got to do with anything Colt?" Her hands flew to her hips as she stood perplexed until understanding formed on her features.

"Colt! You are not suggesting what I think you are? You know what, nevermind. You mind your business boy. That poor girl doesn't need us gossiping." She pushed her finger at my chest, clearly ruffled.

I held my hands up in surrender and snickered.

"Ma, I'm just joshing. Take it easy."

"Well you are clearly out of practice when it comes to humor. You need to refine your joking skills. Now, please help your mom out and keep it polite and professional for at least the few hours I need you."

"Don't worry, I may not know what a joke is anymore, but I still remember what manners are. There's a lot of cussing and sexual innuendos involved right?"

"Colt!"

I chuckled and kissed her on the top of her head.

"Joking mom. See? I'm getting better at it already."

"I don't know what I am going to do with you." She said, her lips were pursed but the twinkle in her eyes said it all. She patted my hand and walked off.

Mom was not joking about the extra traffic that morning. There were numerous calls wanting to check availability or being curious to what the lodge had to offer. It wasn't too surprising though given the season. There were also plenty of current guests with their abundant questions on the activities lined up for that day.

I did not mind the hectic rhythm; in fact, the morning was going well. Until he showed up. The man whom I despised, and I didn't even know his name.

Shit, I didn't even know her name.

But I did know I didn't care for the way he treated her. It had nothing to do with her, and everything to do with those damn inner demons of mine. At least, that's what it mostly had to do with.

I had only seen two encounters between them, but it was enough to know he was a dirtbag who wasn't in love with her. What's worse, it was obvious to everyone with eyes but her. I think that's what pissed me off the most. Of course, there was always the possibility I was reading too much into things. Maybe he wasn't such a prick.

"Morning. I would like to speak with someone who is in charge." He placed his arms on the counter before retracting immediately and wiping the sleeves off of his, no doubt expensive, suede jacket.

"Is there a problem I can assist you with?" I asked, purposefully leaning my own arms against the counter.

"No. No problem. I would like to buy my lady a spa package. But there does not seem to be any information detailing the packages."

"The packages are listed at the spa itself, but I have this brochure here if you would like to take a look." I handed him one of the pamphlets we had from the spa.

"Well, I was hoping you could just do the booking here. It is a tad inconvenient for me to now walk there when I had to come down from my room in the first place, don't you think? There should probably be information in the rooms for your guests."

I forced a tight smile. "There is actually. It's possible you missed it. I can go ahead and call the spa for you to book though. Which package would she like?"

"Ah, I don't know. Just pick something for me, will you. I'm sure whatever will work for her. Just make sure it takes awhile, alright?"

"You don't know what she would like? Not the type of massage, or if she would want a facial? Anything?"

He cocked his eyebrow, glaring at me. "Do I look like I know any of that girly shit? Just put her down for something expensive but not too expensive. Just enough to cover the basis." He lifted his arm and checked the time on his Rolex.

"Sure. Can I have a name for the reservation?" I tightly gripped the pen and grabbed a notepad.

"Grace. Grace Campbell."

Grace. So, that's her name.

It suited her. The way she carried herself and the timidness in her when she was around him, spoke of a grace that must have been instilled in her as a child. The speak when spoken to kind of bullshit they feed kids, or the whole napkin in lap and pinkie finger out when drinking nonsense.

"What's the room number?"

"204. We done here? I have actual work to attend to."

I looked up at him to see him checking his watch yet again before shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Yeah. We're done." I simmered. He walked off without so much as a thank you.

Yep. I had definitely not been reading into things; he was undeniably a prick.

Hey lovely readers! I hope you're still having fun hanging out with me! I appreciate your notifications more than you know. If you're enjoying the story so far, please don't forget to hit that star! It helps out a bunch.

Soo....

what do we think about Mark...😬🤔 it's clear what Colt thinks of him 😂

As always, stay safe, stay kind, stay authentically you!

-Allie💕