“Let me take a look at the stallion.If I can’t work with him, I’ll make a few calls.”
I leave the bunkhouse.An ornery stallion is not an urgent problem, but a horseman with a broken arm and a dislocated shoulder is a huge problem for a working ranch with a burgeoning horse business.With Rupert out of commission, I’ll have to hand off some StellaR Tech work to Declan while I double down on filling in at the stables.Most of my attention has been on the new filly, but I’ll have to do more than that.
First, I need to show the stallion who’s boss.I can’t let his last memory of a rider be the one he knocked senseless.I head back to the stables and find the stallion in the first stall.No one has dared to brush him, and he whinnies at me when I near.
“Sorry,” I tell him.“You’re not in charge.I know you think you are, but you’re shit out of luck.I’m the boss man here.”
He shakes his head and stomps the ground.He’s a beautiful piece of horseflesh.I wouldn’t mind keeping him at the ranch, but he’s earmarked for a prestigious stable in Virginia.His sale will help launch the ranch’s horse business, and there’s a deadline to get him fit for his new home.
I lead him out of the stall, and he behaves for the most part.When we get to the training ring, a groom helps me saddle him.I give the stallion the strong and silent treatment, sending him the message that there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll submit to me, and I’m not concerned at all that his legs are built of iron, and that he’s over a thousand pounds of muscle and power.
With a subtle physical cue, I let him know I’m about to mount him.And then I’m on.I’ve been riding since I was four years old, and I still swing myself on the back of a horse without touching a stirrup.Every time I ride, a happy wave of my childhood memories hits me.
I may be happy, but the stallion is not.He’s humiliated.His raging testosterone is offended.I don’t blame him, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let up.His irritation builds into violence, but I meet his violence with a gentle firmness.This is how I break a horse, by letting him know that no matter what he does, no matter how far he tries to push me, I will always remain constant.I am the dominant superpower in this relationship.You don’t change me.I change you.
Eventually, I stop.It’s enough for today.It’s enough for the stallion to think about until tomorrow.As I dismount, I catch Emma in the corner of my eye.She’s standing at a wary distance from the ring, and she’s watching me.How long has she been watching me?
I drop down to the ground and rub the stallion’s neck, despite his bullshit protestations.“Not bad, boss,” the groom says and takes the horse’s reins.
“Hose him down.And I think he deserves an apple today.”
“On it, boss.”
I turn toward Emma, who’s still watching me.She’s wearing jeans and a cute blouse the neckline of which has slipped past one of her shoulders.That small patch of exposed skin is driving me wild.It’s just a sweet, innocent strip of skin, not sexual at all, but a promise of so much.
I know Emma now.I know how she looks when I bring her to climax.I know how she looks at me right before, her eyes wide and full of wonder.And I know what she does to me.How she makes me feel, both physically and in my heart.
I’m so glad that I’m going to tell everyone about us.It’s the first step to strengthening and building on our relationship.At the thought, I feel the familiar tinge of guilt about Amy, but it’s not a sharp pain any longer.How can I deny what is between me and the woman standing in front of me?
How can I reject happiness?
I walk toward her, and she produces a weak smile.
Something’s wrong.
“What’s happened?Is Jasmine all right?”
“She’s fine.No worries.That was incredible.”
Emma holds some things very tight to the chest.It’s difficult for her to give me the whole picture.In fact, she refuses to.But the more time she spends with me, the less she can hide what’s going on in her mind.
Something’s upset her.
“I’ve never seen anything like it.That horse.He was huge.The groom was scared.I was scared.But you…”
I shrug.“I’ve been riding my whole life.Believe me, a two-year old stallion is nothing compared to an RPG in your face.Now,that’sscary.”
“What’s an RPG, and why did you have one in your face?”
I lean toward her and lower my voice.“I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.And I certainly don’t want to kill you.”
I wink at her.This is where she’d usually laugh.But she doesn’t.She stares at her fidgeting hands.
I want to kiss her right here, and maybe I should, but I think I need to get the family together at dinner tonight and tell them, and that has to be after I tell Jasmine.I’m planning on picking her up from school today and telling her.Since she’s crazy about Emma, I don’t anticipate anything but excitement, but I’ll take her for ice cream just to smooth over any worries she might have.
“I’d kiss you, but I smell like horse.”
“Do you?I didn’t notice.”
