To Tame her Heart

Getting a little peace

Zoe got her camera and a jacket and went back to the stables. She thought she could remember how to saddle one of the horses. She located the one she rode earlier in the day and was pleasantly surprised to find out that she did in fact remember. She made sure to grab a walkie and headed out. She had no real path in mind and just aimlessly rode around until she found a spot that seemed perfect for talking a few candid shots with her camera. Zoe liked the alone time . It was quiet and gave her inner peace. It also gave her time to take some truly spectacular photos for her portfolio.she wouldn't have been able to get them otherwise if she were with the crew. She got a picture of a cow with two calves playing in circles around her. One of a family of deer drinking blissfully from one of the many ponds that were spread out on the Ranch. And lastly , her favorite because she figured it came out the best. Zoe managed to capture a picture of the sun setting over a hillside of a small mountain range that rested on the far side of the ranch property. 

It was so peaceful she never heard Xander sneak up on midnight. He dismounted and let her roam a short distance away to graze. Watching Zoe he thought to himself.  " Why am I so drawn to her when she clearly isn't interested in me? Why am I interested in her when I haven't been interested in anyone in over five years?" Before Xander could answer himself she spotted hatching her. Both of them were silent for a few minutes in thought.

Zoe spoke first " I'm sorry, I didn't mean for anyone to have to come looking for me. I just wanted some alone time . I needed some inner peace ya know? What time is it?"

Naw you're good. I get it , I need that sometimes as well. I was just out riding when I came across you. I wanted to check and see if you needed anything. It's almost dinner time by the way." Xander replied . 

They stood there in silence, neither of them really knowing what to say to the other. They were both kind of doing their own thing but in the same general space. Zoe took more pictures for her portfolio and Xander surveyed the wildlife and their proximity to the ranches main buildings. 

Zoe Pov

" Why is he so close to me? I wanted some chill time. Nobody really likes the outdoors like I do. My group of friends don't really understand my connection to nature. They don't connect, not like me. But then again none of them know my secret."Zoes mind seemed to wander on and on.  

She took a few more pictures while watching Xander. He definitely was going to be trouble. She caught herself checking him out. Then scolded herself for doing so. He was probably way older and not interested. Not that she was either." I never let anyone get close "thought zoe. 

" Then you don't get hurt." Zoe decided that it was better if she does continue taking pictures.

Avoiding Xander I continued about picture taking. I  got several more that I thought were worthy of printing and decided to head back. When it came time for me to get the horse I rode on it was nowhere to be found. Not wanting to look lame I started walking. Not too long after I  heard the unmistakable sound of hoofbeats behind me.   Xander approached from the side on midnight looking like a scene right out of a movie. He was coming to my rescue like some cowboy knight in shining armor. And oh my lord the view. He had the reins of my horse in his one hand and the other one was reaching down to help me up. Lost in thought I stood there a minute. 

" are you needing a ride ? I thought you could use your horse." Xander said. Not wanting to seem weak I ignored his hand and climbed up the other side of the horse. It was a lot harder than I thought. I stumbled a few times and he chuckled. "you are a stubborn little thing aren't you?"  He said reaching over and pulling me up with very little effort. 

After that we rode in silence . It seemed like we were both lost in thought or maybe he was just respecting my wish for peace and quiet. After a while of the picturesque trail we were on xander leaned over breaking the silence and asking me " you're not like the rest of your group are you? You actually like the outdoors and nature."

I was shocked by his question, he seemed to somehow pick up on stuff my friends didn't . Did he somehow guess my secret? I had been careful. I didn't make it obvious for anyone  .

" I guess you could say that . I've always found nature beautiful and truly breathtaking. I dont really share that side of myself with any of my friends. I don't share that with anyone." He seemed shocked by my answer . Even if he was, he didn't say anything we just rode. It was nice. 

Third person Pov

They rode back and things were peaceful. Neither one of them really wanted to let the other in. But both of them needed something from the other. When they reached the barn the tension between them was heightened. You could feel how awkward things had gotten. They both went back to their respective cabins. 

Xander made himself dinner and then checked on the animals before turning in for the night. He tossed and turned , sleep did not come easy. 

Zoe and her friends caught up on their days adventures. She sat in the back of the campfire and thought about the day.  Everything had been amazing and yet things were somehow off. She couldn't put her finger in it. Zoe had always known that she really didn't fit in anywhere. But today she had. Not that it mattered Xander was just doing his job.  As the day came to a close Zoe felt more relaxed than she had in a long time. She pulled Drake aside and thanked him with a hug for making her come on this trip. She didn't know just how much she needed it.