Morgan paused in the doorway. “Looks like you’ve already got everything ready to go.”
“I didn’t want you to have to spend any more time out here than necessary.” I untied the reins then ran a hand over the mare’s neck.
Morgan’s eyes narrowed. “That’s so considerate of you.”
“Don’t get used to it.” I meant the comment as a joke, but the flash of hurt in her eyes made me think she didn’t take it that way.
Before I could say something to fix it, her shoulders squared and she stepped closer to the horse. “What’s his name?” she asked.
“He’s a she and her name is Lollipop.”
“Oh, sorry, girl,” she murmured as she tentatively ran her hand over the mare’s cheek.
I gave a gentle tug on the reins and guided Lollipop toward the mounting block. “All right. Here’s the part where you listen.”
“Got it,” she said.
“You have to listen with your whole body,” I said. “Not just that pretty head you keep trying to outthink me with.”
Her brows shot up. “Pretty head, huh?”
My mouth went dry before my brain caught up. I’d meant for it to come across as sarcastic, not a compliment. But the truth was, Morgan Carter was pretty. No, more than pretty. She was absolutely gorgeous. What the fuck was wrong with me? I almost apologized, then shook my head.
“Put your foot in the stirrup,” I said. “And swing yourself up. Don’t hesitate. That’s how you end up halfway on and all the way embarrassed.”
“I’m not embarrassed easily.”
“Good.” I held onto the reins and braced myself in case Morgan didn’t make it. “Now swing.”
She mounted on the first try. It wasn’t graceful, but it wasn’t a total disaster either. Her body tensed the moment she settled into the saddle like she was preparing herself to be thrown right back off again.
Lollipop stood patiently, like she’d been through worse. That’s why I’d picked her for Morgan’s first ride. She was still and sturdy and wouldn’t freak out if Morgan make a rookie mistake.
I stepped closer and adjusted the angle of Morgan’s boot in the stirrup. I’d guessed right and didn’t have to lower or raise it. She held still while I walked around to the other side and did the same.
“Relax your hips,” I said. “She’ll feel it every time you lock up.”
“I am relaxed,” she said through clenched teeth.
“No, you’re determined.” I looked up at her. “There’s a difference.”
Her jaw flexed. Then, slowly, she let out a breath. Her shoulders eased a fraction. Lollipop shifted, then settled again.
“That’s better,” I said.
Her gaze narrowed. “You sure seem to enjoy telling people what to do.”
“Only when they need it.”
The look she gave me made it clear she had opinions about that.
I grinned as I swung into the saddle of my favorite ranch horse, Snickers, and encouraged him to move forward. “Go on. Give her a little nudge with your heels.”
Morgan clicked her tongue, awkward at first, then steadier as the mare moved. She wasn’t a natural. But she wasn’t hopeless either. It actually pissed me off a little, how quickly she adapted. I could see it already… she’d show up, keep her spine straight through every sideways comment and suspicious glance until the town didn’t have a choice but to take her seriously. The same town that still treated her like a temporary inconvenience. The same town that would hate being proven wrong. I wasn’t sure I hated it more or less than I hated the fact I wanted to see her win.
We stayed in the pen long enough for her to understand how to stop, turn, and keep from holding the reins in a death grip. Once she’d found a rhythm, I paused by the gate.
“Looks like you’re ready to head out into the big, wide world. Do you want to give it a try?” I asked.
