CH 3

She was being stalked as she slept and didn’t even know it. It was well past 9:00 and Georgie was still asleep. Her bed was so comfortable. When she finally opened her eyes, she shrieked slightly as her eyes handed on a pair of black eyes.

“Sadie.” She breathed as she said up. A smile slowly curled at her lips and she sat up.

“Come here you.” She beckoned. The Border collie immediately responded, wagging her tail as she ran up to her and greeted her.

“How are you sweetie?” Georgie wasn’t expecting an answer, but her grandmother’s dog was so smart, that she almost expected her to talk back to her. After a thorough reacquainting where Georgie lavished affection onto the dog, she got up.

“I guess I should get dressed huh girl?” she looked down at the dog who panted in response.

 “Yeah.” Georgie nodded softly in agreement. She went to her closet and let out a scream as something stumbled out at her.

“Georgie.” Felicia came rushing in. Georgie started to laugh and Felicia joined in. “Who’s this?” Georgie turned to her mother.

“That is Sparky, the only puppy we kept.” She answered. Georgie couldn’t help but gush as she bent down and greeted the little fluff ball.

“He’s so cute.” She smiled as the puppy licked her hand.

“Come on get ready for our ride. You already slept in, let’s get going.” Felicia put her arm around her shoulders. Georgie suddenly looked up at her, her mother’s touch was something she hadn’t realized she missed. She fought back tears.

“I love you mom. I’ve missed you.” She smiled softly. Felicia was clearly touched, having felt that change in her daughter the minute she saw her that made her doubt the strength of their relationship. ”I love you too sweetie.” She kissed her cheek.

She was being stalked again, this time it was not by a black and white dog waiting to see her much missed friend. This time it was by someone who had been thinking about her ever since they met. He couldn’t get her off his mind, her light brown hair, her soft brown eyes and her cute delicate nose.

 “Stop it Dillon.” He scolded himself as he looked away from her. He quietly continued to brush the horse in front of him. He heard a bark and his heart jumped. He turned to see the dog he had grown to adore come running up to him.

“Who’s back there?” Georgie slowly approached.

“Just me.” Dillon stepped out and greeted Sadie, trying to hide his fear of being caught.

“Are you stalking me?” Georgie had her arms crossed over her chest as she walked up to him.

“No.” His quick answer caused her to look at him suspiciously.

“Look I think we got off to a bad start, what do you say we start over again?” Dillon moved closer to her. She looked hesitant but slowly nodded her head.

“Georgie Jones.” She stuck her hand out.

A wide grin spread across his face and Georgie couldn’t help but smile back at him. “Dillon Quartermaine.” He shook her hand.

Georgie was shocked when she felt funny inside at the feel of his surprisingly gentle handshake. She quickly removed her hand from his.

“So I have your mom’s horse all saddled up for her, Daisy’s good to go.” He grabbed the horse’s rein and walked her forward.

“Juliet’s just about ready.” Georgie informed him. He came up next to her and tied Daisy up, approaching Juliet.

“Here let me help.” He took the leather strap she had picked up and slipped it through the buckle.

“So where are you guys riding to?” he asked as he tightened the saddle.

“I have no idea, probably just somewhere close though, not too far.” Dillon stepped back from the horse.

“All set.”

“Thank you Dillon.” Georgie smiled warmly at him.

He let out a quick breath as he smiled back at her. “Sure.” He nodded his head.

“So uh…” he stepped away and looked down at Sadie. “Are you taking Sadie with you?” he looked up at her, it was a lame attempt at a conversation topic.

“She comes with us on all of our rides.” Georgie nodded her head. They looked over and saw the little ball of fluff approach them, it had taken him this long just to get to the barn.

“I think you’re going to have to stay here with me Sparky Spark.” He walked over and picked him up. Georgie smiled at his nickname for the puppy, walking up and petting his fluffy fur as Dillon held him.

“Well I better take the horses out to my mom.” She stepped away from him. Dillon untied Daisy with one hand and handed Georgie the reins.

“Have fun.” He smiled at her as he shifted the puppy in his arms a little.

Georgie turned her head to hide her blushing cheeks. “Thanks.” She mumbled before taking the horses out to her mother.