November 2016
"No fucking way. I didn't come all the way out here to see you just to die," I say, shaking my head in refusal.
"Come on, Beauty. Did you think the hat and boots I gave you would just be for playing dress up?" A deep laugh escapes him. "Although..." He looks me over from head to toe. "You do look damn good."
"I must say, the fact that they're both pink is a nice touch." I do a little twirl, kicking one foot behind me on the landing. "But, if you think I'm actually getting on that thing, you've lost your damn mind."
He places a hand over his chest before speaking, feigning offense."Hisname is Harry Trotter, and he is a horse. You do not refer to him as athing. You gotta talk about him with respect so you don't hurt his feelings, you crazy woman."
I snort. "You named your horseHarry Trotter?"The laughter that bellows from me fills the large barn, causing the horse to rattle a bit.
"I loved reading Harry Potter growing up. Now, stop diverting the conversation and hop your pretty little ass on up there. I have something I want to show you."
"I do have a pretty ass, thank you for noticing. But can this ‘something you want to show me’, not be walked on foot? Or maybe take the truck?"
"Iz." My name escapes his lips and comes out as a low growl.
Fuck, it's sexy.
"Jett," I counter, the sass in my voice in full effect as I put up a fight.
"Can you make anything simple?"
"Pshhh,that sounds fucking boring," I scoff, throwing him a very sarcastic glare.
He shakes his head and lets out a dark chuckle before staring me down and raising a brow.
"I'll tell you what... Either you hop up there on the oldest and slowest horse I own, or you can ride with me on Bullet. Bullet here has earned his name." He pats the massive black horse directly next to him. I gulp instinctively, knowing a challenge when I see one.
Ugh.
"FINE!" I shout. "You win. I'll ride the grandpa one. You can ride the deathtrap all by yourself."
Without another word spoken between us, he places his hands on my hips as he lifts me, helping me onto the horse.
I may be terrified, but if there's one thing I know after spending all this time with Jett, I can trust him with my life.Like it always does, that realization scares me more than it comforts me.
Jett takes his time, talking me through where to grab, how to sit, how to steer, and everything else I need to know to feel comfortable up here. It helps—a little.
Once he's finished his very thorough demonstration of Horse Riding 101 for Dummies, he turns and heads toward the horse, who I now know is named Bullet. Bullet looks fucking evil, like he's ready to mess shit up just for joy. Looking him over, I begin to gain an appreciation for good old Harry Trotter, who is letting me sit on his back without so much as flinching.
"Okay, Grandpa. Let's do this," I whisper to the horse, nervously reaching a hand outward and rubbing his head. He makes some weird ass grunting noise in appreciation.
I look at Jett as he puts one foot in the stirrup and effortlessly swings the other leg over.
Damn, why is that so sexy?
"Because it's me doing it, that's why." He chuckles with a smug grin painted over his face.
Oops, I guess I said that out loud.
"Yeah, that's enough of that. Come on, just lead me to my death already. " Sarcasm coats my tone, rolling my eyes and motioning out to the trails ahead with my hands.
Jett chuckles and shakes his head. "Okay, let's go. Remember, to get him to go, you just—"
"Got it," I say, annoyed.
I gently squeeze my legs on the horse's sides, giving a soft kick. Before I know it, old man Harry Trotter slowly begins to move forward. Poor guy—every step is a chore. My butt wiggles in the saddle while he gradually picks up speed.
