Chapter 8

Austin

As I finish brushing my teeth, my mind wanders to my horses. Why do I even have them? It's too early in the morning to be pondering such thoughts. I quickly threw on a T-shirt and leggings, opting to skip the bra for now. I grab a flannel to ward off the chilly morning air and make my way downstairs.

As I step out onto the porch, I'm startled by a voice greeting me with "Good morning." It's Cortland, and I wasn't expecting anyone to be here. I look down at my sleeve, trying to fix the bunched-up fabric, and panic sets in as I realize I'm not wearing a bra.

My mind races as I try to figure out what to do. I can't wait to see what Austin looks like this morning, but I need to deal with this situation first.

"Haha, I can tell from your expression and lack of undergarments that you forgot I was dropping by," chuckles Cortland Carter.

I'm pretty sure Cortland's seen his fair share of breasts, so mine won't be anything to write home about.

"Seen one pair, seen 'em all," I quip back. My mama always taught me to be proud of my body and what the good Lord gave me, and let me tell you, he was very generous.

"True, but when they're attached to a stunning woman with that just-rolled-out-of-bed look? Now that goes straight to a man's nether regions," he counters with a playful tone.

My eyes unintentionally shifted to his lower body, and to my surprise, he seemed aroused. His jogging pants did little to conceal it. As I stood there, Cortland noticed and adjusted himself. I tried to ignore the situation and carried on towards the barn, though I couldn't help but feel a bit flustered…..sexually.

 He chuckled and followed me, helping with the feeding. I couldn't understand why he was being so kind, especially since he had stirred up all these new and confusing emotions within me. I couldn't help but think that once I was better, he would simply walk away as if nothing had ever happened.

As Cortland leaves, I begin my morning routine. Then begin my day. First on my agenda is grocery shopping for the next two nights. While my pre-made meals are convenient, they won't suffice for the upcoming dinners. I plan to make homemade lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and cheesecake for dessert. 

The drive to the store provides ample time for reflection, yet my thoughts are unfortunately consumed by Cortland. It's rare for me to be so affected by a man, but there's something about him that ignites a flame within me. I mentally chide myself for such thoughts, as I know I don't have time for a relationship. My focus should be on the two colts I plan on running in the futurities, not on a man who only brings distraction.

With my grocery shopping done and dusted, it's time for me to indulge in what I cherish the most - horse riding. However, I'm still struggling to fit my boot in, so I must settle for tennis shoes instead. To make up for the lack of grip, I decided to ride without stirrups. My trusty companion for today is Vanna - a well-trained mare that excels in barrel racing. While she's always eager and raring to go when I'm on her back, she transforms into a docile old mare when someone else takes the reins.

Ritchie, my trusty backup horse, has a more reserved disposition. To accommodate his temperament, I adjust my riding style by slowing my movements and reaction time. I give him the reins to feel in control of our ride.

Along with Ritchie, I also rode Kodi, a three-year-old destined to be next year's futurity horse. After our ride, I headed to the kitchen to whip up some dinner. The kitchen's double ovens come in handy as I cook garlic bread at a high temperature and keep it warm while preparing the lasagna. As the lasagna cooks, I tend to TinMan, ensuring he is well taken care of before calling it a day.

The behavior of TinMan, or Tin for short, can be quite unpredictable at times, often depending on whether he's in the mood to cooperate or not. As a two-year-old, he's still a work in progress and my hope for a successful futurity prospect in two years' time. So far, he's undergone around six months of training, primarily using my training method, and we've only just started practicing on the barrel pattern.

One thing I've noticed about Tin is that he's incredibly responsive to my cues, which can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it's easy to move his body in the direction I need it to go. On the other hand, he's quite flexible, which can lead to overbending during turns. To counteract this, I've had to adjust my approach and avoid reaching down too far when turning the barrel.

I've never owned a horse quite like Tin. He's got a real personality and he's not afraid to show it. When I'm around him, he likes to be close, but not in an overbearing way. He's attentive and always wants to know what's going on.

When it's time to saddle up, I bring Tin in from the pasture and take him to the grooming stall. Once he's been brushed and tacked up, we walk to the arena. Before I mount, I would like to do some groundwork to see how he's feeling that day. I check the saddle one more time and then we're off for our ride. It's always an adventure with Tin.

Before I start my riding routine, I take the time to properly prepare my horse for the workout ahead. This includes a series of warm-up exercises that focus on softening five key areas of his body - his head and neck, poll, shoulders, and hindquarters. Once he's limbered up, we move on to more challenging moves like trot serpentines, collection, and two-tracking. I make sure to practice these moves at all three gaits - walk, trot, and lope - so that my horse is ready for anything. Finally, we work on some more advanced maneuvers like backing and side passing, which require precision and skill. It may take several minutes to complete this warm-up routine, but it's worth it to ensure that my horse is properly prepared for our ride.

Before I start my riding routine, I take the time to properly prepare my horse for the workout ahead. This includes a series of warm-up exercises that focus on softening five key areas of his body - his head and neck, poll, shoulders, and hindquarters. Once he's limbered up, we move on to more challenging moves like trot serpentines, collection, and two-tracking. I make sure to practice these moves at all three gaits - walk, trot, and lope - so that my horse is ready for anything. Finally, we work on some more advanced maneuvers like backing and side passing, which require precision and skill. It may take several minutes to complete this warm-up routine, but it's worth it to ensure that my horse is properly prepared for our ride.

Amid my rigorous training, I am oblivious to Cortland's arrival. It's only when I complete my session and dismount that I notice him standing there, observing me intently. With a sense of satisfaction, I loosen my saddle and meticulously remove my sports medicine boots, securing them to my stirrups. As I prepare to leave, I'm surprised to see Cortland waiting for me. His mere presence fills me with joy, despite my efforts to conceal it.

"He looks like a promising barrel horse, Austin," Cortland observes. "With proper training and time, he could become exceptional."

"I appreciate that," I responded. "But I might be a little biased when it comes to Tin."

Cortland chuckles. "I doubt that. Your judgment is sound. By the way, I noticed that you're moving a bit better, but you're still having trouble with your boots. And... it looks like you're wearing a bra."

I roll my eyes. "You're always so observant, Cortland."

"No, seriously," he insists. "I couldn't stop thinking about your... assets all day. I had to take care of business just to make it through the morning."

As he eagerly awaits my reaction to his inappropriate behavior, I decide to make light of the situation. I reassure him that I'm not offended, but I'm determined to have some fun at his expense.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, but it doesn't seem like it's my problem to solve," I respond calmly, as we begin the process of untacking Tin.

He tries to tease me with a sly comment, but I refuse to engage in his crude banter. "You're a cold woman," he jokes, hoping to get a rise out of me. "Would it have been too much to ask for a little concern? Maybe a simple question about my wellbeing or who was on my mind when I was taking care of myself."

I simply smile and throw the ball back in his court. "Perhaps you were just thinking about my ample assets," I quip, enjoying the power shift in the conversation.

"Your personality has a certain charm to it, and it suits you well," Cortland remarks, moving closer and delicately tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. I catch him gazing at my lips, causing a stirring sensation to erupt within me. Our proximity heightens the intensity of the moment, but he abruptly coughs and steps away.

As I finish removing the tack from my horse, I shake my head in disbelief at the intense workout we just had. I reach for the cooling blanket and hose it down before carefully placing it on his back. It's an innovative piece of equipment - almost like ice boots but designed for the topline. I then proceed to wrap his legs with ice wraps, knowing that they will help reduce any inflammation. Later, I'll be back to remove them. It's all part of the post-workout routine, one that I take very seriously.

Cortland inquired about the blanket, "That's a pretty fancy blanket you've got there."

I replied, "It's a cooling blanket my favorite online tack store. Similar to icing the legs."

The idea of using a cooling blanket piqued Cortland's interest, and I mentioned that I follow a barrel racer on social media who sells them. "I can give you the website if you're interested in buying some for your barn."

Cortland chuckled, "Oh, helping out the competition now, are we?"

I laughed softly and replied, "Actually, I'm helping out the horses. You know, a well-known clinician once joked that Barrel Racers are crazy for all the therapies, they put their horses through - chiropractic, light therapy, icing, and so on. He's a practical man, and it was quite amusing. But the bottom line is, if it benefits the horse, I'm willing to give it a try."

"You care for your animals just as much as you do for people," I complimented her. "It's truly commendable."

Unsure of how to react to Cortland's praise, I decided to shift the topic instead.

"I put together a dinner of Lasagna, garlic bread, and salad, and decided to treat myself to a cheesecake for dessert since I didn't have time to make one myself. Full disclosure, I order my personal meals from Chef Mark's meal delivery service," I confessed to Cortland.

"That's a smart move. Mark is known for his quality meals. Plus, you're always on the go and it's tough to find time to cook," Cortland responded.

"I actually enjoy cooking, but it's rare for me to find the time. And with my workload increasing, it's only going to get harder," I added, feeling a little defeated.

After a long day of shopping, dinner prep and taking care of the horses, my work was far from over. I had to meticulously clean each stall, double-check that the automatic watering system was functioning properly, and ensure that the horses had enough hay and grain for the night. Exhausted and slightly sweaty, we made our way to the house for dinner. The aroma of garlic bread and Lasagna wafted through the air, making our stomachs growl in anticipation. I quickly set the salad and other dishes on the counter, eager to dig in after a hard day's work.

"I cast my gaze upon Cortland," I inquire, "Should we dine in the comfort of the dining room or the convenience of the island?"

Without hesitation, he responds, "The island suits me just fine."

With plates in hand, I inquire about his beverage of choice. "What would you like to drink? A refreshing soda, perhaps?"

He nods in agreement, and I proceed to fetch our desired drinks.

"Hey, sorry to bring this up so late after asking you out to dinner, but I'm curious - are you seeing anyone right now?" he inquires, his expression serious as though he's bracing himself for bad news. I can't bear to see him like that - he looks too adorable.

"No, there's no special someone in my life," I respond, wondering why he's so interested in my relationship status. I can't afford to let my guard down and risk getting attached, especially since he's only helping me while I'm injured. Soon enough, I'll have to go back to relying on myself.

"Mind if I ask why not?" he follows up, his friendly tone completely distinct from his earlier solemnity.

"I was always busy. As a teenager, I spent my days at school, looking after the horses, and making dinner for my family. At night, I studied and completed my homework. College was no different - I added a business to the mix and had even less time for a social life. So, no, I didn't have any boyfriends or dates. I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's the truth." I explained, feeling a sense of weariness from the years of non-stop productivity.

He raises an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? In college, guys must have been lining up to take you out."

I shake my head. "I guess I never really noticed. I was too focused on my own goals to pay attention to anyone else."

"Oh, I got asked out, I had to turn down those dates. You see, every weekend I have to attend a barrel race. And let me tell you, most fellas aren't too keen on being seen with me there. But the ones who do ask me out? Well, they're just hoping to add me to their collection of rodeo conquests. I politely declined all their advances, of course. It's not every day you come across a twenty-two-year-old nun in cowboy boots!"  I inform, shrugging like it doesn’t matter.

"Wait, forgive me for asking, but do I understand correctly that you've never been intimate with someone?" he inquires, setting his fork aside and gazing directly at me before taking a sip of his beverage.

"Peering into his gaze, I boldly declare, 'Listen up, buddy. The only peen that's ever touched my lady parts was during a wild night with Declan, my tech wiz. But hey, we quickly realized we were better off just being buds. And honestly, I was so blitzed out of my mind, I can't even confirm if we did the deed. All I know is we woke up in the buff the next morning. But hey, who needs a man when you've got trusty batteries as your beau?'"

"Whoa, dude! You totally caught me by surprise with that. I mean, my drink's just fine, but my mind is in the gutter now. I'll have to take an extra-long shower tonight to, uh, clear my head."  Cortland says, surprise coating his eyes. 

"Ha! That is your problem to handle, not mine to handle.”  Oh, and look at that, he's practicing his one-man band to the beat of my image. It's a strange kind of sexy, I might have to call upon my trusty sidekick later.

"I bet you're doing this just to mess with me," he chuckles.

"Oh, my goodness, I can't help but laugh! I think you might have mistaken my expression; I was just trying to process everything you were saying. No judgment here, I promise!"  I laughed at his statement.

"Wow, Austin, you're one in a million! Nowadays, it's so rare to come across a twenty-two-year-old who's still mostly inexperienced, but also a successful entrepreneur with a strong set of values guiding them to always do the right thing - even when it doesn't directly benefit them. You should be proud of yourself!"  Cortland's tone changes to serious.

"I'm afraid I don't have anything clever to say in response," I offer with a friendly smile.

Suddenly, he stands up and puts his hand behind my neck, pulling me towards him. I was taken aback but soon found myself giving in as our lips met. Our tongues danced in perfect harmony, making me feel like I was on cloud nine. It was my first real kiss, and I couldn't get enough. As we continued, I couldn't help but let out a little moan. The throbbing sensation between my legs was getting stronger and stronger. Great, looks like I'll have to take care of that later!

Our separation is merely a result of our need for oxygen, which can be quite frustrating at times. Cortland leans his forehead against mine and takes a deep breath. As we gaze into each other's eyes, I can sense his desire. Perhaps we could engage in some friendly physical activity together? Although that won’t be happening, the thought does cross my mind.

"I am struggling immensely to resist the urge to have sex with you. My lack of self-restraint is evident when I am in your presence." He speaks with a serious demeanor.

"Well, well, well, if you keep smooching me like that, I might just have to consider granting you permission," I quip with a playful grin.  Trying to lighten the sexual energy of the room.

As Cortland gazes in my direction, I sense his inner battle to keep his hormones in check. But hold up, he's not giving in that easily. He's giving me the power to decide how I feel about him. It's time to fix what our grandfathers broke and let love conquer all. No room for regret here!

As he sits back in his chair, he savors each bite of his meal.

"Wow, did you whip this up on your own?" he inquires.

"Yep, no fancy chef needed here!" I chuckled.

He eagerly takes another bite and exclaims, "This is seriously delicious!"

"Thanks so much, that means a lot to me," I graciously respond.

After we finished eating, Cortland offered to help with the dishes. I was pleasantly surprised by his kind gesture, and we quickly got to work scrubbing away. As we worked, he mentioned that he would be coming back tomorrow and suggested that I go braless. Smooth move, dude.

Although I appreciate the attention, I'm not really looking for any drama or complications right now. Plus, I'm not sure if my guest is just being friendly or if he's actually interested in me. Either way, I'm not too worried about it. He's just here to help me out while I recover, and I'm grateful for his assistance.