Chapter 9

Darcy couldn't believe what she had just heard. There was no way that Eli felt that way about her. What was even more confusing was that she felt the same about him.

"Are you just going to stand there?" Eli let his shoulder droop when he realized that Darcy was not going to return his words.

"No, I'm coming across." Darcy climbed back up on her horse and guided it through the water to the opposite side where Eli was.

Eli climbed back on his horse and waited for Darcy to take the lead back to the stables. Eli nudged his horse forward until he was even with Darcy.

"I just want you to know that you can bring anyone here that you like." Eli said quietly to Darcy before kicking his horse on to gallop.

Darcy watched as he left. He really did have feelings for her and she had been so mean to him. She let herself give in and cry as she felt something in her chest break. This was all new to her. Everyone always loved Charlie, and Darcy couldn't blame them. Charlie was everything that Darcy wished she could be. But life isn't always fun and games; especially when your parents leave you and your brother at home while they go off around the world.

After a while Darcy had made it back to the stables and put her horse and gear away. Eli was nowhere to be found and Darcy didn't blame him. Why should he care about her anymore?

"Darcy, guess what?" Charlie came running around the end of the house.

Darcy didn't answer and she didn't have to.

"John and I are going on a date!" Charlie squealed and hugged Darcy so tight her back popped.

"That's great Charlie. I hope that you have a good time." Darcy tried to smile but it didn't turn out too well.

"Thanks! I have to go get ready. Do you mind if I leave you here? I will be right back and then you can have the SUV all to yourself." Charlie dashed off before Darcy had a chance to say a word.

"Great." Darcy muttered and went up to the door and knocked.

The door opened and a man stood there looking at Darcy.

"Hi, my name is Darcy Fitzwilliam." Darcy smiled and the man grunted.

"I'm the boys' father Mr. Bennett. Eli is upstairs. All the way at the end of the hall." Mr. Bennett moved away from the door and let Darcy inside.

Darcy went up the stairs and to the end of the hall and found Eli lying on his bed. Darcy tapped on the door and stepped in.

"Hi."

Eli looked at her and sat up on the bed.

"What can I help you with?"

"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for back at the river." Darcy fidgeted and Eli motioned for her to come and sit. Darcy hesitated for a moment then went and sat by him.

"I wasn't sure what I expected, but it wasn't that." Eli finally said.

"I know. I've never had anyone say that to me before." Darcy pushed some hair that had fallen out of the bun behind her ear.

"What do you mean? You are amazing. You can be a bit controlling at times but you are smart and athletic and beautiful." Eli stopped and waited for Darcy's reaction.

"You really think that I am beautiful?" Darcy whispered.

"Yes I do, and I know that you wouldn't have asked to bring someone here unless they were important to you." Eli took a chance and grabbed Darcy's hand.

"Yes, my younger brother. His name is George. He loves to ride horses and I thought that since you had horses that it might be ok." Darcy looked down at their hands. She didn't know how to understand this feeling that she was having but she knew that she liked it.

Eli watched Darcy as she thought about her brother.

"You can bring him over any time you would like." Eli smiled and Darcy returned it. "Actually w can go get him right now if you want."

"Really?" Darcy's eyes lit up.

"Let me get my keys." Eli got up but didn't let go of Darcy's hand.

And Darcy didn't want him to.