Authors Note

Sorry for the wait… again. The end of the summer was surprisingly busy… and then there was school. But I have a week off for Thanksgiving so expect several updates soon! And I'll try to make them nice long chapters too.

And this chapter was going to be from Ty's POV but I decided to fit it in for next chapter (I THINK). I like writing him but keeping him a mystery is just so much fun too! But a Ty POV is coming up soon. You're warned.

Enjoy this chapter and keep the reviews coming!!

Steph

Disclaimer: yupppp :)

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RODEO STONER

Chapter 10: Just Friends

AMYPOV

Saturday

There were few things in the world that I hated more than a trail ride. I mean, come on. I was a bit more then proficient on horseback. So why would anyone feel the need to stick me on some broken down horse that wouldn't even flinch if a bomb went off next to it? And for two hours no less?

Well, the answer to the 'who' would be my mom and dad. And the answer to the why would be because it "is a great experience to see some of the beauty of the southwest." Well of course that was it.

So as soon as I was awake—a routine I hated more and more everyday—dad informed me that right after breakfast he, Lou and I were going to be going off on a trail riding adventure. Apparently we couldn't let such a gorgeous day go to waste.

"This is ridiculous," I grumbled, throwing the blankets over my head.

I could hear Lou as she dug through her suitcase on the floor.

"Let's go girls!" Dad called from the main room. "Meet us up at breakfast!" His exit was signaled by the slamming of the door.

I moaned and threw the blankets off of my head. I stared up at ceiling, only aware of Lou moving around the room.

"Come on, Amy, just get ready," Lou said as she headed into the bathroom with an armful of clothes.

I sat up slowly. "Lou, you know I don't do trail rides."

Lou rolled her eyes but laughed at my dramatics. "Yes, Amy, I know. But daddy wants to do it and it's really pretty out here so it might not be that bad."

I narrowed my eyes. "You're just happy because Adam will be there."

Lou laughed again. "Get dressed," she said and then she was gone into the bathroom.

I stared at the wall for another minute before letting out a loud groan and throwing the covers to the foot of the bed. I slumped in front of my open suitcase and just stared at the clothes inside until Lou came out of the bathroom.

"Oh lighten up, Amy," she said as she sat down to lace up her sneakers. "It won't be that bad."

I folded a pair of jeans next to me on the floor. "Uh huh."

"You might have fun too," Lou said, her voice full on implications.

I shot her a look. "What is that supposed to mean?"

She stood up and pulled down her shirt. She grinned at me. "You went out walking again last night."

"Yeah…" I said slowly, not seeing—or liking—where she was going.

"Yeah, so I'm just saying," she said before walking out of the room. "Meet me outside when you're dressed. I'll wait for you to go up."

As was becoming my usual routine, I rushed through dressing. It was amazing I managed to look like a real person anymore. I was just glad that I was able to pick out a matching outfit and get my shoes on the right feet. I quickly shoved my legs into a pair of nicely faded jeans and put a dark gray t-shirt on over the sports bra I had worn the night before. I quickly tied up my black converse and ran a brush through my hair. I glanced in the mirror quickly and for the first time in my life I was glad that my hair didn't require any great amount of attention to get it to lie flat.

I stared at my reflection critically. I was too plain, too straight edge. It really was no great wonder that Ty wasn't…

Wait… what? Did I just… whoa.

I shook my head. Of course Ty wasn't interested in me like that. He was gorgeous for one thing, and just so… so not me. He was basically my opposite in every way, shape and form. But all of this was completely irrelevant. I wasn't even interested in Ty! He was just… adding excitement to an otherwise tedious vacation. And I was sure that he felt the same thing about me. All I was to him was entertainment. After all, what other self respecting girl would allow a guy to tie her up? But then, of course, why did he…

My stomach flipped. My hand flew to my stomach at the sensation and, through the mirror, I watched my eyes widen.

It was completely implausible. All I had done was think about…

You thought about how he touched your foot.

My heart hammered in my chest.

But of course that didn't mean anything… because I barely even liked the guy so… it must just be a stomach bug, I thought. Maybe I could get out of the trail ride now.

I spun away from the mirror before I could think anymore and flew out of the cabin like a bat out of hell. I nearly collided with Lou when I made it to the porch. She had her back turned to me, and was talking to a young couple that was seated on rocking chairs outside of the cabin next to ours. As it was, I managed to mostly avoid Lou, though I did clip her with my hip and sent her flying into the railing. I went flying down the three stairs that led to the gravel driveway.

All was silent for a moment.

I lay on my back and stared up at the clear blue sky. I groaned at the rocks that dug into my back but couldn't bring myself to move, much less get up.

"And that would be my sister Amy," Lou said. I assumed she was addressing the couple she had previously been talking with.

There was silence again. "Is she alright?" a worried female voice finally said.

Lou snorted. "She's fine," she said offhandedly. "She just likes to be dramatic."

"Shut up, Lou," I groaned, still not moving.

Lou laughed. "Well I'll talk to you guys again later; I need to go get my sister up to breakfast. It was nice meeting you!"

"You too," the man said.

I heard Lou jumping down the stairs, and then she was standing over me with her hands on her hips and her lips pressed tightly together to suppress her smile.

"Having fun?"

"Shut up," I groaned and closed my eyes.

Lou tittered above me. "Well maybe if you actually got some sleep at night you wouldn't have to rush in the mornings."

"Just go away, Lou."

"I wonder what it is that could possibly have you so on edge this morning," Lou mused. I groaned again.

"As you said, I'm just tired."

"And you thought that the driveway would be a good place to take a nap?" she laughed.

"Just go away," I tried again to get her to leave me in peace.

Of course she wouldn't though. "As comfortable as I'm sure the driveway is, we have to get to breakfast."

"I'll stay here, thanks."

Lou sighed. "Fine, if you really want. At least move your legs or something so I know your back isn't broken or anything." I picked up my leg and kicked out in the direction I thought she was in. I felt my muscles protest at the movement and let my leg drop back to the ground. Of course I missed Lou. My fall down the stairs combined with the activities of the previous night was just too much.

"Well alright then," Lou said. She stood over me for another moment before she walked off, laughing the whole time. I sighed deeply once her footsteps and laughter had disappeared.

I let the warm sun relax my muscles and crossed my hands over my stomach. With the sun on my body, this was easily the most relaxed I'd felt all morning. Disregarding the gravel pressed into my back of course, but that was easy enough to block out.

I felt like I was well on my way to drifting off when a loud "Ahem" sounded over me as someone cleared their throat.

I opened one eye and was immediately met with the piercing emerald eyes of the man that had practically caused my flight down the stairs. I stared for a moment before his lips parted in a grin. I groaned and closed my eyes again.

It was quiet for a minute and I fought the urge to open my eyes to check if he was still there. I was still debating it when the toe of his sneaker nudged me in the shoulder.

I opened my eyes fully this time and attempted to glare up at him, though I'm not sure of the overall affect. "Is something the matter?"

Ty's emerald eyes glinted in the sunlight. "I feel like it would be more appropriate to be asking you the same thing."

"I'm fine… obviously."

"Yes that's what I thought too when I saw you just lying in the driveway," he smirked down at me. "You know, this view of you is starting to look familiar."

I opened my mouth to retort but nothing came out. I probably looked like a fish out of water the way I was lying there and staring up at him. I couldn't bring myself to stop staring though. I knew I should, but I couldn't. I tried to stop, but I just couldn't take my eyes off him. If I had said he was gorgeous… well that was clearly an understatement. Especially from where I was looking. The sun sent a light glow over his dark hair and the angles of his face were brightly defined. His legs, clad in dark and well fitting jeans, were spread slightly apart and, looking up at him, his shoulders looked even wider. His black t-shirt was stretched across his chest. As large as his chest was, his waist was slim and his jeans hung low on his hips. I was probably drooling, but I just couldn't—

The spell was broken as he dropped down to sit cross-legged on the ground next to me.

"Can I help you with something?" I managed to somehow get the words out.

He rested his chin in his palm and just stared at me. "Again, I feel like I should be asking you that."

"Can you just leave me alone please?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Well I saw you just lying here and I wanted to see if you were still alive." He grinned and I rolled my eyes.

"Well I'm alive… thanks for checking."

"Great. Now my Good Samaritan deed of the day is done."

If I had expected him to leave, then I was surprised. But I wasn't surprised. Nothing this man did could surprise me anymore. However, despite this, I was still slightly surprised when instead of leaving he lay down next to me in the gravel and dirt. I tilted my head to the side and stared at him as he folded his arms behind his head.

He turned his head to look at me. "You know," he said, "this is really quite uncomfortable."

"It's not so bad once you get used to it," I surprised myself by saying.

He didn't comment on it again. Instead, we both just lay there, enough room between our bodies so that we weren't touching in any way at while. I would be a terrible liar if I said that having Ty lying next to me didn't make my heart beat faster, or my body temperature to rise. He was of course, just plainly gorgeous. Any gorgeous guy would have had this affect on me… not that I was very experienced in the matter, however.

He finally broke the silence. "So… can I ask you what you're doing lying in the driveway?"

"I fell," I said simply.

Ty laughed, his back lifting slightly off the ground as his shoulders shook. "You do that a lot, you know."

"I know," I sighed.

I expected him to tease me about this fact, but again I was surprised. We just lapsed back into comfortable silence. I was starting to worry that I had actually fallen asleep. The conversation I was having with Ty was altogether out of character… or it would have been before last night. Did something change in the arena last night? It hardly seemed plausible that the way to melt some of this man's icy exterior was by letting him treat you like cattle. But, then again, I wasn't exactly an expert of men. Though I was fairly certain that everything about this relationship was entirely unorthodox. Not that there was much of a relationship here anyway…

I'm not sure how much time had passed, but the sound of car tires crunching over the gravel somewhere nearby broke through my reverie. I glanced over at Ty and his eyes were closed, his face titled up into the sun. I wondered if he was sleeping… and if he was, whether I was brave enough to wake him or if I would be safer just leaving him there.

I forced myself rather ungracefully into a sitting position. My back protested against the movement and I stretched my arms forward to touch my toes to try and ease the knots in my muscles. I gave a groan of frustration before letting myself flop back down to the ground. I was already falling when I realized that falling back onto the sharp gravel would surely not help my sore body. I squeezed my eyes shut and prepared myself for the impact… the sharp, jarring impact that I expected never came though.

Somehow my body must have shifted its angle when I was sitting, because what I fell on was most certainly not the gravel driveway. Well, not unless the driveway had become significantly more solid and comfortable and let out a great "Oof" of air as my body crashed into it.

Everything was quiet for a moment. My mind was racing as fast as my heart was hammering and my face heated up into flames.

Oh no, oh no, oh no! Please tell me that I didn't just—

"Well that was a new one… even for you," Ty's deep voice said from under me.

"Oh my god!" I exclaimed in mortification as I turned around to face him.

Oh please, please, please… I thought desperately. But no. It was definitely Ty that I had landed on… and was still lying on.

"I am so sorry," I said in a rush as I attempted to push myself off of him. I managed to rise to my knees, my hands bracing themselves on Ty's shoulders, when I felt myself tipping forwards again. Ty's hands grabbed my hips and stopped me from falling completely on him again.

With his hands still on my waist, and my own hands still on his shoulders, I stared at him for a long moment. And he stared right back. I couldn't, not with everything I had in me, tear my eyes away from his. The green was hypnotic as it held me frozen in place.

Finally, a door slammed on one of the cabins and the spell was broken. I let out a heavy breath of air as I flicked my eyes down the line of cabins. There was a family slowly making their way out of them.

Ty's hands shifted on my waist and, with a start, I realized that I was still on top of Ty.

Oh god.

Beyond embarrassed, I rolled off of Ty. His hands slipped away from my waist as I hit the ground. I rolled over again onto my stomach to put some distance between us. I brought my arms up and under my head and hid my face in them.

"I am so sorry," I said again, my voice muffled in my arms.

I don't know what I expected from him—a harsh word, a kick in the leg… a rock thrown at the head? I don't know. But whatever it was, it certainly wasn't what I got.

"I don't think I've ever seen you move quite that fast," he finally said, his voice casual.

Well that was… I don't know exactly what that was. Was it supposed to be mocking? It didn't really sound mocking… but with Ty you never really knew.

"Sorry… I'm such a klutz."

He laughed. "You could say that again." This man surprised me more and more with everything he said today. I thought I'd lost the ability to be surprised by anything he said or did… obviously I was wrong.

"I think I'm going to go now…" I mumbled as I pushed myself to my knees. I kept my gaze firmly away from Ty, who was still just lying there on his back. "We're going on a trail ride and all."

"Oh yeah, the Fleming Family Trail Ride," he said.

I looked over at him. He was now sitting up as well.

"I'm going to be one of your enthusiastically peppy guides," he said, his voice completely serious.

I stared at him as I remembered the last time I had seen him go out on the trails. He had certainly seemed less than enthused about it. "Should I be worried?"

He barked out a short laugh before looking at me thoughtfully. "I'm sure you'll be alright… I need to keep you around for a little longer I think. Who else would let me practice roping on them?" he grinned wickedly at me.

"Of course," I rolled my eyes before getting to my feet. I brushed off the dust from the gravel that was no doubt staining my back.

Ty stood up next to me and together we started to walk down the driveway towards the barn and corrals. As we neared, I could see four horses tethered to the outside of the corral and Adam tacking them up. I groaned.

"No offense or anything," I said to Ty as we got ever closer to Adam, "but I hate trail rides."

"Where is the offense in that?"

"Well… I just…" I didn't really have an answer. I knew he didn't enjoy the trail rides either but…

"I hate them too," he said simply.

"Oh, right."

"I may have a way to get out of it… if you're interested of course."

"Tell me," I said eagerly.

We had reached Adam by now. Ty kept walking, not stopping to help Adam with the three other horses that still needed tack. I avoided looking at Adam and followed Ty towards the small corral that held Blue and Red.

Ty leaned his back against the corral and stared at me. Red and Blue came up behind each of his shoulders and looked at me as well. It was unnerving, having three sets of eyes focused on me. I scuffed my feet through the dirt and waited for him to say something. I peeked back up at him just as Red nipped his shoulder. Ty looked up at his horse, ruffled his forelock, and the connection was broken.

"So… what's this big plan?" I asked eventually.

Ty glanced back at me and shrugged. "It's quite simple really. You say you're feeling a little sick and we ditch the ride."

I was confused. "All right… but how does saying that I'm sick get you out of the ride as well?"

Ty folded his arms across his chest. I tired not stare at the way his biceps flexed and stretched his thin t-shirt. "You'll have to go on the trails for a bit. And since I'm a guide, I'll offer to make sure you get safely back to the ranch."

I grinned. "That's genius."

Ty shrugged again, a smirk crossing over his lips. "I've been known to have my moments. And when we ditch the trail ride, we can go back down to the arena for some more training."

I paled. I didn't quite think I was up for that… yet.

Ty laughed at the expression I'm sure crossed over my face. "Maybe not then," he snickered. "I'll show you a good trail ride," he said.

I groaned. "Why escape one trail ride just to go on another?"

Ty pursed his lips. "I know where to go… and you won't be confined to a walk the entire time."

I nodded. Well that at least sounded promising. I glanced over at the horses Adam was tacking up. There was one of the big, bay drafts, a chestnut, a black and one with a tan coat that looked suspiciously like a mule. I frowned. Could any of those horses actually stand a chance at keeping up Red or Blue? Of course they couldn't.

I looked back at Ty. "And which of those horses—" I gestured towards Adam— "can actually go faster than a walk? The mule?"

Ty laughed as he surveyed the horses. Then he looked back at me. He looked as though he were debating something internally. I kicked up a cloud of dust and waited for him to stop staring at me so intensely.

"You can ride Blue," he finally said.

My eyes jerked back up to his face then over to Blue. The beautiful horse was resting his chin on Ty's shoulder. My eyes darted back to Ty. "Okay…" I said slowly. I distinctly remember Ty, as well as Adam, assuring me that no one rode Red or Blue besides their owner. Though I had already ridden Blue so perhaps I had passed some sort of test.

I was broken from my thoughts when I heard Ty laughing. My eyes snapped away from the ground and to his face. He just shook his head and walked away towards the barn, his shoulders still shaking slightly. I stared after him. Had I… done something wrong? I didn't think I had…

Oh god. I was suddenly terrified. Was I thinking out loud again? Oh god, Amy, what did you say?

I was still panicking internally when Ty looked over his shoulder at me and called, "If you want to ride with a saddle I suggest you follow me." Then he disappeared into the barn.

I scurried after him and had almost made it to the barn when Adam stopped me.

"Hey, Amy, I've got Chester all saddled up for you if you want to get on now and try him out."

I froze and slowly turned around. Adam was standing by the neck of the mule.

Oh crap. Chester.

Adam smiled at me and reached up to stroke one of the mule's—Chester's?—ears. I cringed. He had to have heard Ty telling me to come and get tack… so why would he…? Probably because he hated Ty. It was like battle of the cowboys around here… except only one cowboy was in the battle, and he was getting soundly beaten by the rebel. Go figure.

Still though, I didn't know exactly what to say to Adam. I settled with the classic "thanks but no thanks"… or I tried to anyway, I don't think it came out just right. "Thank you?" was as far as I got out. I rubbed the back of my neck as I heard it come out as a question.

Adam just grinned at me. "No problem," he said. He pulled the reins over the mule's head. "Do you need a leg up?"

"Um… actually, Adam…" I started, taking a step back from the approaching Adam and… Chester.

"She doesn't need your mule," Ty said as he swept back out of the barn with his arms full of tack. "Here, take this," he said to me as he dumped the tack into my arms with no warning. I was lucky I caught it all, though I did stagger back a few more steps under the weight. How could a horse hold this thing? My English saddle back home suddenly seemed a lot more humane.

Adam's face turned a little red as he stared down Ty. "I just tacked up all the horses for the ride— thanks for helping by the way. And since I did all the work, I get to chose who rides which horse." I almost laughed at his ridiculousness but instead just straightened the tack in my arms.

Ty, to his credit I suppose, didn't burst out laughing either… he just snickered. I wasn't sure if that was better or worse than just laughing full out at poor Adam.

"She's riding Blue," he said simply before he disappeared back into the barn.

"I… what?" Adam looked at me and glared. I shrugged my shoulders as best I could under the weight of the saddle. "I tacked up all the horses!" he exclaimed in apparent outrage.

"She's still riding Blue," Ty said as he exited the barn, a load of tack now in his arms.

Adam's face was getting redder and redder. I couldn't believe the poor guy was getting so worked up over this. "I've never even seen anyone ride that horse. How do I know he's trail safe?"

Ty looked over his shoulder at me. His emerald eyes were glinting with laughter. "Do you trust Blue?"

"Yeah."

"Great. Well there ya go."

"I still don't think it's wise to put a guest on a horse that hasn't even been on the trails. Chester here is sturdy and surefooted and can handle the trails." I half expected Adam to stomp his foot as he whined like a child.

"I assure you that my horse can handle the trails… as difficult as that may be," Ty assured Adam, though his voice was patronizing and very far from reassuring.

"Rick wouldn't allow this!"

Ty only laughed and started walking back towards Blue and Red's corral. I followed behind him and set my tack on the ground besides his once he had dropped his. Ty opened the corral and stepped inside. I hung back at the gate, unsure of what to do. He clipped a lead rope to Blue's halter and handed it silently to me. Blue followed quietly behind me as I led him out and looped the lead rope over the corral post. Ty tied Red up next to me.

"And I tacked up all the horses already!" Adam continued to huff. I could hear his heavy footfalls—complete with the jingling of his spurs—getting closer to us.

"So I've heard," Ty said harshly as he swung the saddle up on Red's back. I mimicked him and placed—well, more like heaved I suppose—Blue's saddle up on top of his black saddle pad. I huffed with the effort of lifting such a large weight but finally managed to get it up.

"If you had bothered to ask me about the horses we needed for the ride, I would've told you only to tack up three," Ty continued, his voice muffled as reached under Red for the cinch. "So therefore, the extra work was entirely your fault," Ty reasoned. I shook my head and bit my lip as I fastened the cinch on Blue's saddle… or tried to. There were numerous straps hanging down from the saddle and I had no idea which attached to what part of the saddle. I tried for a minute but, in fear of totally destroying Ty's saddle, quickly gave up.

"Ummm… a little help here please?" I stood on tiptoe to look over Blue's back at the two boys still staring each other down.

Adam practically ran towards me. I watched with raised eyebrows as Ty walked towards me as well.

"Do not touch my horse," he said in an absolute lethal voice as Adam reached out a hand to touch Blue's rump. Adam pulled his hand away quickly and faced Ty once more.

"Look," Ty said, "just make it easy on yourself and un-tack one of the damn horses."

Adam looked over at me, his arms crossed over his very plaid chest. "You want to ride that horse?" he asked me again.

I couldn't resist the dramatic eye roll. "Yup," I said simply. "Anyway, Lou is more partial towards mules than I am." I smiled at him.

Adam pulled his cowboy hat down lower over his eyes and stomped back to his horses. To my surprise, he went about un-tacking the draft. I grinned, Lou would just love Chester.

I was still watching Adam—and wondering how it was even possible for him to get that saddle down from the drafts back—when Ty shoved me lightly to the side. The cinch slid from my hands in surprise as I regained my balance. Ty quickly did up the cinch, making it look entirely too easy.

"There," he said, patting Blue's side. Blue swung his head around and nipped at Ty's shoulder. Ty lightly batted the horse on his noise and Blue swung his head up in the air, his mane flopping in the air before settling neatly back on his neck. Ty leaned against Blue's shoulder, crossed his arms over his chest and faced me. "Are you sure you feel safe with Blue?" he asked, the corners of his lips twitching.

I rolled my eyes. "Pretty sure, thanks though."

Ty laughed. "Adam is such a fuck," he said. I nodded my head, unable to help but to agree with him. "I have no idea how I haven't just killed him yet," he grumbled as he fastened up Blue's bridle. He unclipped the rope and handed Blue's reins to me.

"I have no idea what time we're leaving but you might as well just get on now," he said as he walked back to Red to put on his bridle.

I rubbed my hand over the white star on Blue's forehead. I laughed softly as Blue pushed his head into my hand. I ran my fingers through his forelock and smiled. How could Adam even have asked me if I wanted to ride the mule over this incredible horse?

I slipped the stirrups down and easily swung myself up into the saddle. I had just gotten the stirrups fixed for my much shorter legs when Ty said, "Here take Red, I've got to get something." I looked up just in time to lunge for the reins that were flying towards me. I managed to catch them as Ty walked off.

"Yeah sure, of course," I muttered as he disappeared around the back of the barn. I felt like we were making progress and gaining on that distant land called 'friendship', but I just wasn't sure. I wanted to be friends with him, I now knew. But I also wanted—

Oh dear god, Amy. Don't go there again! You just want to be his friend. Just friends. That's all.

I laughed softly at my ridiculousness and shook my head to clear my thoughts. I pressed my heels down in the stirrups and looked up at the clear blue sky. Red pressed his muzzle against my leg and I reached down to pat his head. I ran my hand over one of his perked ears and smiled as he rested his great, two-toned head on Blue's withers.

"Amy!"

I looked up to see Lou marching down the driveway that led up to the farmhouse. I lifted a hand in greeting.

"Mom's pissed you didn't come up for breakfast," she huffed as she neared me. "I told her you were—wait. What the hell are doing?"

I blinked blankly in confusion. "What?"

"That horse," she said, pointing at Blue. "What are you doing on that horse?"

I rolled my eyes and smiled brightly down at her like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Getting ready to go on a trail ride, of course. I think Adam has a mule waiting for you."

Lou stared up at me with accusing blue eyes. "How did you manage to get on that horse? I thought—"

"Thanks for holding Red for me," Ty interrupted Lou as he appeared back by Red's side. He vaulted easily into the saddle and quickly pulled on a black, gray and white plaid, long-sleeved, hooded button up. He buttoned about half the buttons before reaching out for Red's reins. I reached over Red's head and placed the end in Ty's hand. "Great," he said. He saw Lou standing by Blue's neck and nodded at her before turning Red away from us and walking slowly down the driveway.

"Oh my god," Lou hissed at up at me. "What the hell was that?"

"Nothing, Lou. Gosh. Don't go all dramatic on me please."

She narrowed her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. "Tell me how you got him to let you ride his horse!"

I sighed. "He just let me, okay?"

"What did you have to do?" she asked suggestively.

"Jeez, Lou," I hissed, my cheeks flushing slightly. "I didn't do anything. I'm just waiting to go on a trail ride."

Lou eyed me critically for another moment. "Fine, but you will tell me about this later."

"Yeah sure. Whatever, Lou. Just go get your horse or something."

She walked off towards Adam then, calling out an enthusiastic greeting as he waved at her. I smirked. In ways, Adam was just too perfect for my sister.

With a sigh, I picked up Blue's reins and nudged him into an easy walk. I walked him up the driveway towards the bottom of the hill that led up to the farmhouse before turning back and walking the other direction, towards the cabins. I easily settled into Blue's easy, smooth walk, letting the gentle rocking relax me.

"Don't fall asleep on my horse."

I jerked my head up to see Ty riding towards me.

"Nice shirt," I fired back. I regretted the words as soon as I said them, but it was the first thing I had thought of.

"Thanks, I'm quite partial to plaid as well."

I rolled my eyes. The shirt looked quite nice on him, emphasizing his chest and shoulders even more. In fact, it was almost drool worthy. I don't think I'd ever seen a plaid shirt look so good on anyone… but of course I wasn't about to say any of this Ty. Ever.

"Why are you wearing it then?" I asked instead as I halted Blue in front of Ty and Red.

"It's part of the trail guides uniform," Ty said grudgingly. I snorted. He glared at me. "I'm serious. It was one of Kara's brilliant ideas. Apparently it gives a better western atmosphere to the ride… makes us look authentic, or some other bull. A hat is part of it too."

My stomach flopped. Ty in that shirt and a Stetson… now that was a drool worthy image.

"Where's your hat then?" I asked, fiddling with Blue's dark mane.

Ty pulled the hood on his plaid shirt over his head. His dark eyes glared out from under the bottom of it.

"I told you she wouldn't be too difficult about going for a ride," my dad's voice drifted up behind me.

"I'm surprised," my mom said. I turned around in my saddle to see mom, dad and Abbey approaching. "I was beginning to think you were sick when you missed breakfast, Amy," she said to me, disapproval clearly lacing her voice. My mom was very big on breakfast.

I shrugged. "Sorry, mom, I was just so excited about going on this trail ride." I winced at the blatant lie I had just told to the one person who would clearly know I was lying.

"Oh I'm sure," mom said, picking Abbey up into her arms.

"We're going swimming," Abbey informed me happily.

I smiled at my little sister. "Sounds like fun. I'll join you later, okay?"

Abbey nodded. "Pretty horsey," she said, reaching out a hand towards Blue.

"Yes, he's very pretty, honey," mom said to her. Ty and Red walked passed me back down the driveway and I turned Blue around to face my mother.

"Well have fun on the ride," mom said to me, raising an eye brow at me. "Drink lots of water."

Once they had gone back to the cabins I pushed Blue forwards to follow after Red and Ty. I stopped next to them in the patch of shade they were under.

"So when should I say I'm feeling sick?" I asked.

"I'll give you a sign," Ty said rather cryptically as he turned Red's reins around in his hands. "I ride last; you should ride just in front of me."

I nodded. "Sounds good."

The silence fell between us again.

Ty stared off over the corrals and the barn. And I couldn't help but stare at him. For a second I thought about how unfair it was that a girl like me would never have a guy as beautiful as him. I mentally ran through the faces of every guy in my school back in Virginia. None of them even came close to Ty. But at least I had half a shot with those guys. Ty was just so… unattainable. I didn't even want him to be attainable. Not for me at least. And I wasn't even his kind of girl. Besides, a relationship with Ty seemed like a lot of work to me, and I wasn't even—

Ty turned towards me and I was instantly caught up in his hypnotizing emerald gaze once more.

My heart stuttered and I felt completely ridiculous just staring at him like this but I couldn't stop. And besides, he was staring right back at me… wasn't he? That had to mean something…

God dammit, Amy! What are you doing? Look away… look away!

But I couldn't.

a/n: phew. Finished. Long enough for you? The trail ride will be next—it'll be fun! It was supposed to be this chapter but I got a little carried away and I'll never be finished writing this chapter if I keep going. I'll get it up soon though. Hope you enjoyed and please review!! -Steph