Page 20 of The Influencer and The Introvert
“That sounds like you’re a good team.”
“We are. How are things with the ranch? You must be excited about the busy season.”
“I am! Gunner and I are taking a last-minute booking on a ride tomorrow morning, actually. A group of twelve just passing through.”
“That’s great news! Do you think you’ll have time to visit before you get too booked up? It would be nice to see your face before you’re too busy for the summer.”
Uncle Albert laughs in that gentle way I know and love. He’s not laying on a guilt trip or anything. He misses me, and I’ve avoided visiting for the past few weeks because I know he’ll immediately pick up that something has changed. I’m not ready to talk about Ethan with him yet, and I need more time to figure out what it is I want to say.
“Yes, I was thinking about this weekend, actually. I can take you to that Chinese place you love.”
“Ohhhh, I’d love that, Colt.”
My lips form a smile as I imagine his eyes lighting up, thinking of the buffet. The man has always loved his food.
“Yeah, me too. I miss you.” My voice cracks, and Iclear my throat before he can comment. “I should probably get some sleep. The morning comes fast these days.”
“Okay, kiddo. I’ll see you Saturday. Lunchtime?”
“Yeah, lunchtime. I’ll spend the afternoon.”
“I’m looking forward to it. I miss you too, Colt. Have a good night.”
“Good night.”
After ending the call, I open the camera app on my phone and scroll through the photos of the horses I took earlier today. They aren’t great, but I’m getting better.
My finger swipes back to the start of my photos. Past the blurry horses and random photos of clouds, I stop at the photo that keeps me up at night. Staring at the screen, I exhale a shaky breath. I still hate my stupid smile, but it’s Ethan I can’t stop looking at.
His smile has a little smirk to it. Paired with his scruffy jaw and mischievous eyes, he’s honestly, devastatingly handsome. I feel a little weird staring at his photo, but it’s probably less creepy than staring at him in person.
With another sigh, I exit the photos and plug in my phone to charge before heading to bed.
“Thank you so much.We loved the ride, and you were exactly as described.”
The woman from the morning ride smiles and exchanges a look with her friend. After our trail ride, the group hung around for a while to ask questions and walk along the river that runs close to the ranch. The footbridge is a great photo opportunity, and it’s always popular with visitors.
“As described? I’m just a ranch hand.” I smile as I turn the last horse out from the ride. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“We certainly did. We might even be back. It was nice to meet you, Colt.”
They wave as they return to their vehicles, and I’m just happy they enjoyed the experience and want to come back. More revenue for the ranch is a good thing.
“You have a fan club,” Gunner announces as he strides over.
“No, I think they’re just being polite.”
Gunner’s lips tilt as he pulls out his phone. He frowns, then walks away from the barn and waves me over. “Sorry, I needed another bar of connection. Come see this.”
He holds out his phone to me and, after instantly recognizing the photo, I scan the words. “What is this?”
“It’s the ranch’s Instagram page. Before you say anything, it was suggested that I follow the accounts to comment and such. You should too.”
One photo has the back of me on horseback, but the rest of the photos are scenery. It’s the caption below that sets my heart racing.
Snow Creek Ranch not only provides breathtaking views and serenity to calm your thoughts. It also provides cowboys with gentle souls and soft smiles to make every outing feel like it’s your own curated cowboy dream. Colt is not only a capable guide but an informative host who just might make you wish Snow Creek were your home. Book your trail guide today!
“I think Ethan might be sweet on you, Colt.”
