I'm excited to finally get some alone time with Tessa, even if Mallory is tagging along. I don't what Tessa has been through, the lengths she would go to protect her daughter, maybe I'll never understand it. But I do that sense meeting them, I'd do anything for Tessa and Mallory.

I have this fire inside of me that Tessa started, and it feels like she's the only one who could put it out. The moment I laid my eyes on her, I felt this sudden urge to protect her, to care for her. Every second I spend with Tessa, that desire keeps spreading. I know I'm falling for her, and I know that she feels it too. If only she wasn't leaving in four days, then maybe we could be something more.

I finish saddling up the horses as Mallory and Tessa walks over to the stables. Mallory has an oversized cowboy hat and a happy grin. "Where did you get that from?"

"Asher gave it to me; he said I could have it."

"Well, that's nice of him." I bet she tricked him into handing the hat over, it's one of his favorites.

I look at Tessa, who is still avoiding eye contact with me. I thought we were past this, maybe what happened back in the kitchen was too much for her. "Horses are good to go, are you ready?"

"Yes! I want to ride the big one."

"Sure thing." I carefully showed her how to get on the saddle, she struggled at first but then got it eventually.

Tessa was petting a horse and admiring its beauty. "What's this one's name?"

"Bella."

"She's beautiful."

"So are you," I whisper.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, do you need help, or do you got it?"

"I think I can handle it," Tessa says and hops on the saddle.

"Alright then," I say and get on one of the horses as we ride out.

The riding trial looks beautiful this time of day, I thought Tessa should see it. Purple flowers peek out from the bushes that surround us. The sky is clear, painted with pink and orange colors. The stars and barely out, and a wind is blowing through the trees. It's relaxing and calm...but the most stunning thing here is her.

Tessa looks around us in awe. "This view is stunning; I wish I had my camera."

I remember that she threw it away the other day, cracking the lens. So, I got her a new one. "About that," I say and hand her the brand-new camera.

"Matt, you didn't have to do this."

"Think of it as an early parting gift."

She sighed, "Right."

"The sun is about to set, maybe I could take a picture of you and Mallory?" I say as we all hop off the horses and walk over to a shimmering lake, caused by the dim sunlight.

"You want to take our picture?"

"Why not?"

She hands me the camera. "Don't break it."

"I know what I'm doing," I say and gesture for Mallory and Tessa to scoot next to each other. "Alright on the count of the three....one, two, three!"

"Cheese!" Mallory says with a goofy grin.

Tessa laughs and smiles when I show her the photo. "Thanks, for...everything. The past few days have meant a lot to me."

"Maybe you could extend your stay, stick out here for another week or so?" I ask her.

"I have to leave Matt, you know that."

"You want to stay though...don't you?"

"I.... yes, Mallory is happy here and so am I. This has honestly been one of the best weeks of my life-"

"But?"

"But we're also sitting ducks here. I don't know if it's safe for us to stay this long in one place." She puts her hand on my shoulder, "I won't let my past disrupt the future of you and your family."

"I wish you didn't feel that way, Tessa." I sigh and we all get back on the horses, riding the trail back. We head over to the stables and Mallory goes inside the farmhouse.

"Look," Tessa says. "I'm sorry for putting a damper on the mood earlier. I love it here, and I do wish we could stay longer. I don't know what's going to happen when we leave...but I do know that I'm going this place...and you."

I almost smile when she says that. "You're really going to miss me?"

"Yep, it's like you said, it's going to be hard to forget all this charm." Tessa teases and points at me.

I chuckle, "Let's head back in...before we almost kiss each other again."

"You wish."

We go into the farmhouse and walk up the stairs, Tessa stands by the door of the guest bedroom. "I have to admit, I have a lot of fun today."

"Me too." I know I should savor these moments and enjoy the time we have spent together but I can't help myself when it comes to her. "Hey, we're throwing a bonfire tomorrow night to celebrate Asher's win at the rodeo, it's a family tradition. You could join us and bring Mallory with you...if you want."

"A bonfire huh? Well, that sounds like a date."

"More like a friendly outing."

"I'll think about it."

I'm about to leave when Tessa catches my arm. "Hey...about earlier...in the kitchen."

"Tessa...it's already forgotten. I got your message loud and clear. We're just friends and nothing will ever happen between us-" She pulls by the collar and presses her sweet lips against mine. At first, I was completely shocked. For someone who wants to be friends, she sure doesn't kiss like one.

Tessa pulls away, trying to end it here, but I won't let that happen. I got a taste of her, and I'm not done yet. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I pull her closer and slam my lips against hers. Tessa's running her hands through my hair, our tongues collide, and our teeth crash. It's utterly chaotic and filled with passion.

We both take a break, needing to catch our breaths. She stares at me with a mix of uncertainty and lust. "Well...goodnight, Matt." I'm surprised when she goes into the guest bedroom and closes the door behind her.

I stand there in the hallway asking myself.... was that real?