Readers: There is a steamy scene in this chapter, but it's nothing too steamy. Just an FYI for those who may not feel comfortable reading scenes like this. Also, I got inspiration for this chapter from Lady Gaga's song, "Hold My Hand". Listening to the song, I felt it described how Amanda was scared to love again, unwilling to open her heart, which led Lee to reach out and show her how much he loves her. I'll include the lyrics of this song at the end of this chapter.

Chapter 4 – Finally Letting Go

Lee and Amanda arrived at Lee's apartment and packed up his suitcases for his six-month relocation for work back where Amanda lived. Lee didn't have much stuff to pack. He was used to having to pack for his job since he traveled around the state a lot at various times.

Lee gave directions to Amanda on where to go to load up his horses. Since he rented a small apartment, he had to find another place to board his horses. The farm he boarded them at was located about 10-15 minutes from his apartment.

Lee left Amanda in the truck and strode into the barn, grabbing the items he knew he needed and decided to leave the items behind that he was sure Amanda had for her horses.

Lee placed the reins on his brown quarter horse, Ruby, and allowed her to become comfortable for a few moments before he led her out of the barn and into the horse trailer. He led Ruby outside the barn and in front of the back of the horse trailer, moving her up to the side of the trailer.

Amanda got out of her truck and stood off to the side to allow Lee to take all the time he needed to get his horses in the trailer. She knew how persistent horses could be to get into a horse trailer.

Lee led Ruby up to the side of the horse trailer and allowed the horse to smell the trailer, taking in the new sights and smells. Since there had been other horses in the horse trailer, he knew she may be a bit uneasy.

Lee led Ruby into the large horse trailer, rewarded the horse for being calm, and walked the horse back out of the trailer. Lee led the horse back into the trailer and allowed the horse to become comfortable with its surroundings. Before long, Ruby was loaded and secured into the horse trailer.

Lee looked over at Amanda and gave her a thumbs up as he proceeded back into the barn to grab Freckles, his Appaloosa. Amanda grinned at Lee; happy everything went effortlessly for the first horse.

Lee did the same thing with Freckles. He placed the reins on the horse and allowed it to become comfortable before he took him out of the barn. He led Freckles outside to the horse trailer, allowing him to sniff and take in the sights and smells like Ruby did beforehand.

Freckles was hesitant and Lee knew how easily he spooked. He continued petting and talking into Freckles' ears, calming him before Lee tried to lead him into the horse trailer.

Freckles took a few steps towards the side of the horse trailer to be steered inside and halted. He reared up and snorted, neighing loudly. Lee held on and began to calm him down.

"Hey! It's okay! You're okay, boy."

Freckles continued rearing up and neighing loudly, clearly stressed out.

"It's okay! You're fine!"

Lee was trying all he could to calm Freckles down. He knew he could be stubborn. He proceeded to lead him away from the horse trailer to try to calm him down and try it again after he was calm.

Any time you have a horse that rears up and freaks out on you, you must be extra cautious. Amanda understood this and allowed Lee to continue to soothe his horse down. She didn't want to exceed her boundaries and take control of his horse. Lee knew his horse better than she did.

After a few moments, Lee gave Freckles space and allowed him to calm down before he led him back towards the side of the horse trailer. Again, Freckles was spooked and reared up.

"Hey! You're fine! Calm down! It's okay!"

Freckles continued raising himself up, coming close to hitting Lee with his hoofs.

"Lee, be careful!"

Amanda held her breath for what seemed like indefinitely before she saw Lee calm the horse down and direct him back away from the horse trailer. She had seen several times growing up around horses of people being kicked and severely injured by their horse rearing up or being frightened.

After a little while, Freckles calmed down and Lee continued to pet him to calm him down. Lee tried again at leading him through the side door of the horse trailer, giving Freckles treats as he led him back out of the back of the horse trailer a few minutes later.

Lee led the horse back into the trailer and allowed the horse to become comfortable with its surroundings. Finally, Freckles was loaded and secured into the horse trailer.

As Lee shut the back door to the horse trailer and secured it, he let out the breath he was holding and turned and saw Amanda walking towards him.

"Good job." Amanda reached out and held his left arm, smiling at him as he smiled back.

"Shew, I wasn't quite sure he'd calm down. You ready to head home?"

Amanda nodded, making sure to examine everything on the horse trailer before she took off down the road. Seeing that everything was fastened and locked in place, she opened the door of her truck, got in, turned on the ignition, programmed her cell phone for directions back home, peeked over at Lee, and put the truck in drive. She gradually pulled out of the lot and back onto the main road. It was a lengthy two-and-a-half-hour drive ahead of her.

They were almost halfway home when Amanda asked Lee if they wanted to stop off at a gas station and fill up the truck and grab something quick to eat. Lee agreed and they turned off the interstate into a Buc-ees gas station.

Amanda got out of the truck and loosened the gas lid. She placed the diesel fuel hose into her truck and started fueling the truck up for the last leg of the trip. She leaned up against her truck as she observed the numbers on the screen flash quickly.

Lee walked around the side of the truck and asked Amanda what he could get her to eat. She chose a chicken wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing. She also asked him to grab her a large, sweet tea.

As Lee began to walk away, Amanda grabbed his attention.

"Lee… Can you grab me a bag of their white cheddar popcorn?"

Lee nodded and began walking again.

"Oh, wait!"

Lee stopped, turned around and raised his eyebrows at Amanda.

"Can you also get me some peanut butter fudge?"

Amanda smirked widely and gestured for Lee to continue walking.

He waited, making sure she didn't want anything else.

"Anything else?"

Amanda scrunched her nose up and shook her head.

"Nah, I'm good."

"You sure?"

Amanda chuckled and shook her head.

"I'm sure."

Lee nodded and began walking again. He hadn't got 10 or 15 feet away from the truck when he heard Amanda call his name.

"Lee!"

Lee stopped, dropped his head down towards the ground, and turned around.

"Now what?"

Amanda was trying to hold her laugh in as she caught sight of his displeasure.

"I was just going to say thanks."

Lee nodded again and raised his hand up to his eyebrow, like he was doing a military salute. He saluted Amanda.

Amanda tried all she could to hold in her laughter but lost it and turned back towards the gas pump. Lee shook his head and chuckled, turning back around to go inside to grab their food.

While Lee was gone, Amanda continued observing the gas pump, walked around the truck to check the tires, and examined both horses in the horse trailer.

Moments later, Lee made his way back to the truck, where Amanda was already sitting inside with the truck running, waiting on Lee.

Lee opened the passenger door and hopped in the truck with all the items he had. His arms and hands were completely full.

Lee handed Amanda her sweet tea and a small plastic bag that had everything of hers in it. He extended his arm out and shut the door, buckling himself in as he relaxed in for the rest of the trip.

Amanda opened the plastic bag, placed the sweet tea in the cup holder, and thanked Lee for getting everything she requested.

As Amanda put the truck in drive and headed back towards the interstate, she asked Lee another question.

"Did you grab napkins, Lee?"

"A-man-da!"

Amanda began laughing and shaking her head. There was him expressing her name like she adored. Lee chuckled and watched out the truck window at the open fields around them, showcasing the beautiful golden sunset, as they continued down the interstate towards Amanda's home.

Just about two hours later, just as it was nearing dark time, Amanda hauled her truck back into her driveway, making her way towards the large red barn. She swung the horse trailer around and began backing it up where it was before. She kept examining her mirrors and making sure everything went effortlessly.

"You're pretty good at this."

Amanda smiled, not breaking her concentration.

"You get used to it when you've done it since you were 12."

"12?"

"After my father died, my mother couldn't handle the horses and the unloading/loading, so she hired some of the hired hands that I keep on staff here today. One of the guys showed me how to do it when I turned 12 and it stuck with me. It gets easier each time, but I keep my guard up. You never know when one of the horses may shift in the trailer or something unexpected may happen."

"It's nice you had someone to train you how to do it. I know some guys who can't even turn a horse trailer around."

"Well, to be honest, it was challenging at first. I mean, I learned how to drive a horse trailer years before I learned to drive. But I'm thankful for it. I don't have to rely on anyone's help and it's something I know I can do."

With that, Amanda got out of the truck and examined the trailer before continuing with permitting Lee to unload his horses. Lee got out of the truck as well. Amanda gave him the all-clear and he began to unload Ruby and Freckles.

While Lee was unloading his two horses, Amanda went into the barn to get their stalls ready. She made sure to pick two stalls that were already cleaned and ready to be used. She threw some fresh hay and some clean water in the stall and waited on Lee to bring the horses down one by one.

Freckles was first since he spooked easily. Thankfully, the unloading went well, and nothing happened. Lee led Freckles into the stall, undid his reins, and petted him on the head, giving him a treat before he left.

Next was Ruby. Again, the unloading went well and with no concerns. Lee led Ruby into the stall, undid her reins, and petted her on the head, giving her a treat as well.

While Amanda was waiting on Lee, she checked on her other horses for the night, topping off their hay and water before she locked up the barn for the night.

As Lee walked up to Amanda to make sure everything was good to go for the night, she smiled and held her arm out for him to stand right beside her. Instead, he pulled her into his chest, and they strode out of the barn, turning the lights off, and headed into the house for the night. It had been a long day for both of them.

Amanda pulled her key out and unlocked the front door, turning on the lights as she went in. Lee followed behind, shutting the door as he came in.

Amanda proceeded on to the kitchen, turning the light on, and throwing her items from the truck onto the island. She sat down in one of the chairs and took her hands and rubbed her eyes, trying to find the energy to get ready for bed.

Lee walked up behind her and began to massage her back. He knew she was drained, both physically and emotionally. She'd had a challenging day.

Amanda rested on Lee as he stood beside her, shutting her eyes, as exhaustion began to set in.

"I need to go get my stuff out of your truck. I'll be right back."

Amanda moved off Lee and rested her arms on the counter in front of her, laying her head on her arms.

"Do you need any help?" Since her face was in her arms, her voice was muffled.

Lee laughed quickly and told her to stay inside, he'd be finished in a few minutes.

Lee made his way back out the front door and to the truck, removing the suitcases he had placed in the back of the cab. He brought the suitcases inside the entryway foyer and locked the truck behind him. He then turned, shut the door, and bolted the deadbolt as he made his way back towards the kitchen.

As he walked up to Amanda, he saw she had fallen asleep. He nudged her to wake up, trying not to startle her.

"Hey, it's late. I know you're exhausted. What do you say we go to bed?"

Amanda stretched and looked back at Lee. As she stood up to head towards her master bedroom, she quickly realized she didn't show Lee where he would be sleeping.

Amanda stopped and Lee almost ran into her.

"What is it?"

Turning around, Amanda told Lee she hadn't got a bedroom ready for him to sleep in.

"It's fine. Just point me to a bedroom and I'll just go right to sleep."

Amanda was so tired, she didn't argue. She turned around and slowly scaled the stairs, heading to bed.

As she made her way down the hallway towards her bedroom, she pointed Lee in the direction of one of the spare bedrooms that was right beside of her bedroom.

Amanda bid him goodnight and left Lee in the hallway to prepare for bed. He walked into the bedroom and looked around. He sees the walls are a dark green color, there's a king size bed, a dresser, some light fixtures, a closet, and a separate bathroom. He checked the bathroom, noticing it's not quite elaborate as Amanda's, but it's perfect for him. He headed back downstairs to get his suitcases.

Amanda, on the other hand, walked into her bedroom and straight to her closet to change into her pajamas. As she turns the light out in the closet, she hears a loud banging coming up the stairs. Unsure of the sound, she opens her bedroom door, staring down the hallway, and doesn't see anything. Thinking it is her exhaustion, she shrugs her shoulders, shuts the door, and gets in her bed.

Before she can even throw the cover over her, she hears the banging again. Alert and more awake, she quickly jumps out of bed and throws open her door. In front of her, coming up the stairs, is Lee with his back to her and yanking on his suitcase that is hitting the wooden stairs with each step he takes.

"What are you doing?"

Lee jumps, turning around, clearly frightened at Amanda scaring him. His suitcase falls down a few steps, coming to a halt about halfway down the stairs.

"Jeez, wha… Amanda! I thought you were asleep?"

"I almost was before I heard that loud thumping noise! Can you be less noisy?"

"Sorry, I didn't realize it was that loud. I'll be quieter. Just go back to bed."

With that, Amanda waved her hand, dismissing Lee, and shut her door, going back to bed.

Lee walked halfway down the steps, picking up his suitcase, trying easily to bring it upstairs. The first two steps, the suitcase hits the edge, making two loud bang noises again. Lee cringes, pauses, and looks up to Amanda's door. He was waiting for her to come out of her bedroom again. Nothing.

Taking a deep breath, he continues until he's able to get the last suitcase up the steps. He turns and shuts the door to his bedroom and heads to the bathroom to get ready for bed. He brushes his teeth, changes into his pajamas, and then turns out the light. He walks to the bedroom, throwing the comforter off and lays down. Sleep reaches him quickly and he dozes off in the pitch darkness.

Through the night, a severe thunderstorm came up and developed in the area with high winds, heavy rains, lightning, and piercing thunder.

Between the thunder, the high winds, and the forceful rain hitting the roof, Amanda wakes up. She sits up in bed and looks around, wondering what is going on. She realizes a serious thunderstorm has hit and she leaps out of bed. She stands, grabbing her cell phone, as she pulls up the weather app on her phone to check the radar. The radar shows a large red cell currently going over. She checked the time – 2:42 AM.

Running into her closet, she turns on the light, grabbing clothes and changing swiftly. She turns the light off and grabs her cell phone, opening her bedroom door and running rapidly down the stairs. Before she throws open the front door, she grabs a set of keys on the key rack by the front door. She shuts the front door and takes off sprinting, the heavy rain hitting her in the face and eyes.

Lee jolts awake. He thought he had heard a noise but wasn't too certain. He realizes there's a thunderstorm passing over and he makes his way out to the hallway. Glancing towards Amanda's bedroom, he sees her bedroom door is shut. He makes his way up to the door, knocking softly. Hearing nothing, he opens the door slowly, calling out her name in the darkness. He notices she's not in bed and he turns around, looking towards the steps. He runs back into his bedroom, changes his clothes and shoes, and runs down the steps two by two.

Making his way quickly to the front door, he runs outside onto the porch and looks off towards the barn. He sees a flashlight in the distance on one of the sides of the barn. He runs out in the pouring rain towards the light.

As he runs up to the light in the drenching rain, he sees Amanda. She's trying, with all her strength and power, to shut the shutters on the windows of the barn. Even though she's trying, the wind and rain are making it much more challenging and she's having trouble closing them.

As Amanda is trying with all her might to push the shutter closed against the wind and the rain, she feels a sudden lift and the shutter slams shut against the barn wall. Looking behind her, she sees Lee standing there, soaked from the rain, staring at her.

As the rain continues to pour down and the lighting flashes, they stand like this for a few seconds before Lee tries to talk to her over the noise of the wind and the rain.

"What are you doing out here?!"

"I have to get these shutters closed!"

Amanda begins walking towards the next shutter on the barn, but Lee stops her, grabbing her arm and pulling her back towards him.

"It's not safe out here, Amanda! We need to get out of this storm!"

"Lee! I have to close these shutters! The horses!"

"The horses are fine! We won't be if we don't get out of this thunderstorm! Come on!"

Amanda and Lee were soaked to the bone from the pouring rain, and she stood there, unmoving. Lee stared her down, unwilling to move as well. The lightning flashed, igniting the entire sky in a white quick light around them. Still, they remained unmoved.

Lee looked deep in her brown eyes. He saw the dark anger mixed in with the flecks of brown.

Lee continued to hold her arm, not letting her go. Amanda began to walk away, jerking her arm away from him.

"Amanda!"

She took off running again, away from Lee. He ran after her, trying to catch up to her. As the rain poured around them, it was like everything was happening in slow motion. Amanda's foot stumbled over a loose log on the ground, and she fell. Before she could hit the ground though, Lee lunged out and caught her.

Their faces were inches from each other. Lee, again, looked closer into her brown eyes. Her eyes were wide, full of fury. He also saw tenderness mixed with panic.

He held her down on the drenched ground, staring into her eyes. Their breathing was hurried and rough. The rain continued to come down around them, but it was like they were lost in their own moment.

Their eyes darted from each other's eyes and their lips. Before they knew it, they were swept up in an enraged kiss, unwilling to break the hold each other had.

Lee's teeth tugged at her lower lip, his tongue sweeping into her mouth. She didn't have to coax him. The hunger was there already, waiting to devour both, leaving them breathless.

As Lee pulled away, allowing her a single ragged breath before his mouth found hers again, there was no pretending now of what was unmistakable between them. She could still feel the surge of their bodies pressing together. His hands sought her, making her shudder. They both craved more.

Breaking their hold and breathing heavily, Lee stared into her brown eyes again. He smiled slightly as what was evident in her eyes from earlier was now gone and replaced with passion, willingness, and excitement.

As the rain continued to fall around them, the thunder rumbled and the lightning crashed, Lee helped her up, reluctant to look away from her eyes.

Before giving Lee any chance, she pressed her lips to his, pushing him back with all her strength against the barn wall. She felt his body stiffen as she gripped the sides of his belt, pulling herself against him. She wasn't patient with her kiss. It was wanting and forceful. She slid her tongue against his lip to draw it between her teeth, liking the small, surprised moan it lured from him. His arms were soon around her, drifting down her back, all uncertainty fading from his touch.

As they desired more, they broke their hold with each other, unwilling to let go.

Much to Amanda's surprise, Lee lifted her up, not breaking his stare at her, and began to carry her against his chest, back towards the house.

As they got to the front porch, Lee placed Amanda down and opened the door, quickly picking her back up and caressing her closely. Lost in the passion, Lee kicked the door with his foot and made their way to the stairs. He climbed the stairs, continuing to keep his eyes secured on Amanda's.

As they came to her bedroom, water dripped off them from the rain and fell on the hardwood floor below them, both unconcerned about it right now.

Lee led her to her bed, placing her carefully down on her bed, and stood before her. He broke his hold off her and held his finger up to her.

"Stay right here." Lee whispered as he backed up, keeping his gaze locked on her, and hurriedly darted into her bathroom.

Amanda glanced down at herself standing alone in her bedroom. Her clothes were soaked, her skin and hair were drenched, she was covered in wet mud, grass, and pieces of hay. She giggled quickly at her appearance.

Amanda heard him turn the shower on and saw him walk back out to her, taking her hand in his and pulling her towards the bathroom.

Lee was also in the same shape as Amanda was in terms of his appearance. His clothes and hair were soaking wet and he was coated in mud, grass, and hay.

As they resumed their kisses, both quickly undressed, ready to explore each other's bodies and express their love for one another.

Lee took a step back and admired Amanda's exquisite, toned, sun-tanned body. Everything about her was flawless.

Amanda, somewhat reserved at Lee's gaze, pushed Lee into the shower, instantly placing her lips to his and grabbing his hips, forcing them towards her body.

The hot water from the shower heads above cascaded down on them, rinsing the dirt and grime from the mud and rain on them from their earlier desire-filled encounter outside.

As their breathing became ragged in between their embraces, they began to slow down to take their time and enjoy the time between each other.

Lee pulled away from Amanda, observing her dark brown eyes.

"Are you sure about this?" Lee whispered as he held Amanda in front of him.

Amanda pressed the corner of her lip with her teeth, much to Lee's enjoyment. He placed another peck on her lips.

Amanda tried hiding the smile that came across her face, but she was unable to.

"I'm sure."

With her statement, Lee turned the shower off, picking up Amanda and placing her outside the shower. He handed her a towel to dry off as he dried off as well.

Once they had dried off, Lee took her towel and his and threw them over in the corner. He quickly picked Amanda up and took her to bed.

As he laid her gently on the bed, he stared down at her before taking his lips to hers and showing her how much he loved her. Sure, they'd only known each other for two days but there was something so captivating about Amanda that he swore to love her with every fiber of his being.

As Amanda enjoyed Lee's embrace, her mind thought to how much she loved this man. They had only met two days ago, but deep down, she was prepared and willing to show how eager she was to love him and experience everything new with him.

Lee woke up to the sun shining through the windows on his face, squinting as his eyes tried to adjust to the intense light. As his eyes became accustomed to the room he was in, he realized he was lying in Amanda's bed, naked.

As he turned his head to the left, he saw Amanda lying close beside him, covered in a white sheet, still sleeping. The sun was radiating on her face, showing her beautiful, tanned skin. Lee reached his hand up and ran his thumb over her skin, down the corner of her chin.

At his touch, Amanda stretched in bed, keeping her eyes closed.

Lee leaned in and placed a light kiss on her lips. At his caress, Amanda's eyes flickered open and she turned her head over towards Lee, giving him a modest smile.

"Good morning."

"Good morning."

"Sleep well?"

Amanda's cheeks blushed slightly, and she grinned largely at Lee.

"I guess you could say I slept exceptionally well."

"Yeah, about that…"

Amanda's grin faded, unsure of Lee's comment.

"What, you regret it?"

Lee could see the anger forming in her brown eyes.

"No! That's not what I was going to say at all. I was just going to say that I agree 100% with you on sleeping exceptionally well."

With his comment, Lee winked and turned over, facing towards the ceiling, watching the ceiling fan spin.

Amanda swatted Lee's bare shoulder and pulled herself closer to Lee.

"Well, mister, we need to get a move on. It's already 7:15 and I'm two hours behind on my chores for today."

Lee turned his head back to Amanda, studying her carefully.

"Sorry for making you late."

Amanda chuckled again before she spoke.

"Trust me, it was well worth it."

Amanda quickly jumped out of bed, running towards the shower, leaving Lee in bed watching as her tanned skin was a blur across the room.

He laughed and laid back down in bed, looking back at the ceiling fan. His mind thought back to the night before, just hours ago, where he and Amanda had shared an intimate moment with each other, displaying their love, pushing their relationship closer than before. He understood how significant of a moment it was between them. Deep down, he was happy and content with his life at this moment. He was in love with a woman who was incredibly stunning, he had a job that he valued, and he didn't want anything else in his life. What more could he ask for?

As Amanda stepped into the shower, her mind raced back to the fiery, passionate moment shared with Lee during the early morning hours just moments ago. Her cheeks blushed at how loving and gentle he was with her; unlike anything she had experienced before. She quickly grasped she was falling fast for Lee, and she didn't want to think of him not being in her life.

Included below are the lyrics to Lady Gaga's, "Hold My Hand".

Tell me you need me

Hold my hand, everything will be okay
I heard from the heavens that clouds have been grey
Pull me close, wrap me in your aching arms
I see that you're hurtin', why'd you take so long

To tell me you need me? I see that you're bleeding
You don't need to show me again
But if you decide to, I'll ride in this life with you
I won't let go 'til the end

So cry tonight
But don't you let go of my hand
You can cry every last tear
I won't leave 'til I understand
Promise me, just hold my hand

Raise your head, look into my wishful eyes
That fear that's inside you will lift, give it time
I can see everything you're blind to now
Your prayers will be answered, let God whisper how

To tell me you need me, I see that you're bleeding
You don't need to show me again
But if you decide to, I'll ride in this life with you
I won't let go 'til the end

So cry tonight
But don't you let go of my hand
You can cry every last tear
I won't leave 'til I understand
Promise you'll just hold my hand

Hold my hand, hold my
Hold my hand, my hand
I'll be right here, hold my hand
Hold my hand, hold my
Hold my hand, my hand
I'll be right here, hold my hand

I know you're scared and your pain is imperfect
But don't you give up on yourself
I've heard a story, a girl, she once told me
That I would be happy again

Hold my hand
Hold my hand
Hold my hand, hold my hand
Hold my hand, hold my hand
Hold my hand
I heard from the heavens