Prologue: Austin

15 years ago

“We’re going to need to head back inside soon, they’re going to miss us,” I say over to Colt, but I don’t really want to go anywhere. I want to stay right here.

“No one is going to miss us. They know you’re with me. We’re fine.”

I haven’t had the guts to tell Colt that I’m leaving early. He thinks I’m here for another week. But in less than two hours, I’m going to be gone. This is our last chance, for a while, that we’re going to be able to spend any time together. Now is the time to tell him that I have loved our summer together. That what I’m feeling for him is more than just friends.

“Is there anything that you want to do over the next week before you leave?” Colt asks me.

Well, having my first kiss with you , is the first thought that comes to mind. But, I have no idea if that’s something that Colt even wants, and this is a friendship that I don’t want to destroy. It’s probably best for me not to say anything.

“No, not really,” are the words that come out of my mouth.

“We can go for a few more rides, if I get the time,” Colt answers, giving me a little smile.

“Yeah.” But even I can tell that it’s a lame reply.

Colt is one of the local boys my grandparents took on, to help with their ranch over the summer, with the idea to keep him on part time once school starts. The idea came about when my dad announced that we were going to have to move at the end of the summer. Dad had been offered a great job, one that he couldn’t turn down. I had tried to argue that I could stay here, help with the ranch, but it had fallen on deaf ears. Mom and Dad believed that I would have more opportunities in a bigger city.

“You ready for school yet?” Colt asks, as he makes his way over to one of the horses in the stalls.

“Not really.” Which is an honest answer. I have no idea what my new school is like, and I hate the fact that I’m going to be the new boy on campus. My only hope is that the school has a good football team.

“Really? You’re normally really excited to get back to school, and the team.”

“Yeah, it’s just, you know…” and I shrug my shoulders.

“I know I’m not looking forward to it. School is just so boring. I love it here. Being on the ranch,” Colt replies.

“I know. The animals love you. Gran and Pops love you, too.”

“Your grandparents are lovely. So different compared to mine.” And I can hear the hint of sadness in his voice. I’ve met Colt’s grandparents once, and they were extremely strict. He had to be home by a certain time, and at fifteen, I even think he had a bedtime. Considering Colt and I went to school together, I don’t know much about his past, other than his parents died in a car accident a few years ago, and he had been living with his grandparents ever since.

“They love you,” I say over to him.

“I know, but it’s just, they don’t understand me. Don’t know me. I think they want me to become a doctor, or a lawyer, or something. But, that’s not me, and…” Colt trails off and looks over to me like there is something else he wants to say.

“They want you to be happy. But it’s been a long time since they’ve had to look after a teenager,” I say, hoping to make him feel better, but knowing that’s not going to work.

“Can I tell you a secret?” Colt says, turning back to face the horse.

“Are you asking me or the horse?” I say, walking over to join him.

“Both,” Colt replies, looking at me, and smiling. I swear it makes my heart skip a beat.

Rubbing the front of the horse's nose, I look back over to Colt, and give him a smile, hoping that it will encourage him to talk.

“I think I like boys,” Colt whispers, and if I hadn’t been standing next to him, I might have missed it.

“Boys,” I repeat.

“Please don’t say anything,” Colt says, rushed, and suddenly panicked.

“I won’t,” I confirm, “but why do you only ‘think’ you like boys?”

“I don’t know,” Colt replies, and I know he’s lying. I’m not going to push him, but I might be able to help him confirm it, and grant my wish, too.

Taking that small step closer to Colt, I watch as he pauses, and stares at me. Before he has a chance to question what I’m doing, I lean forward and connect my lips with his. They’re firm and rough against my own.

“That help?” I ask, stepping back.

“You kissed me,” Colt mutters, the shock in his eyes clear as day.

“I did.”

“But…” Colt adds, and I can’t help but smile at him. Seeing Colt lost for words is a fun sight to behold.

“Was that okay?” I ask, suddenly worried that he didn’t like the kiss.

“Are you fucking kidding? That was epic. I definitely like boys, but I wouldn’t mind double checking.”

“I think I can do that,” I say with a smile. But this time I run my hand in his hair at the back of his head and pull him to me, like I’ve seen in the movies, and connect our lips together. I gasp when I feel his tongue run along the seam of my lips, and all the blood rushes south as I open my mouth to him. Our tongues twist and dance together. As first kisses go, this has to go down in history as one of the best.

“Austin.” Hearing my mother’s voice, I jump back from Colt. The pair of us are breathing hard.

“Austin, it’s time to go,” my mom’s voice sounds again.

“Coming, Mom,” I shout back, but I never stop looking at Colt.

“You’re leaving early?” Colt asks.

“Yeah.”

“Well, that sucks. Can I at least see you at school?”

“Actually, I won’t be going back to school. We’re leaving the state. Dad got a new job. I didn’t know how to tell you.”

“Austin, come on, love,” Mom shouts.

“Bye, Colt.”

Turning, I run from the barn as quickly as I can. Never once looking back, so I don’t have to see the hurt on Colt's face.