Element, Part 1 (9 page)

“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?”

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.”