“Yeah?” I lean closer to him.
I’m still leaning when Duchess suddenly bolts.
I have no choice but to grab onto the reins and hang on for dear life.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Jared
Shit.
Duchess just freakingtook offfrom a calm walk to a full-out gallop.
I’m by no means a skilled rider, but I don’t even think—I just urge Boo into a gallop, and we take off after Duchess.
But I’m swallowing my worry as I urge Boo onward.
Ashley is a decent rider, but she doesn’t know the ranch, and she’s not experienced on trails. And she hasn’t ridden in forever.
Duchess disappears over the hill, taking Ashley with her.
My pulse beats in my head.
I can’t lose her.
* * *
Ashley
Duchess flies across the prairie, and I call out to her to slow down.
She doesn’t slow, and for a few seconds, I can focus on nothing but the feeling of the wind blowing in my face and the sweet smell of cedar as we soar along the trail. The blood pounds in my ears, and I grip the saddle horn with one hand and the reins with the other.
“Duchess! Whoa, whoa, girl!”
We round another corner, and I see the stream up ahead, and Duchess slows down.
When I’m finally able to bring her back to a walk, Jared rides up next to me on Boo. I pull up to a halt and take a second to catch my breath.
Duchess’s unexpected run across the prairie—with me on her back—was exhilarating, but it was also terrifying.
“Ashley.” Jared’s voice is rough, and he’s out of breath.
As am I. I take a second to inhale and then let it out before I say, “Hi.”
“You okay?” he asks, and I hear the concern in his tone.
“I’m fine. You don’t have to…” I turn my head to face him. Something about his expression breaks my heart. My guard drops on the spot.
Jared’s eyes are filled with fear. Panic, really.
“Hey.” I reach out and take his hand, which is shaking. “I’m okay. I know how to ride, J.”
“I know you do. I also know it’s been a while. And she just took off on you. She got spooked.”
She’s not the only one. Jared looks like he’s seen a ghost.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I say gently. “I’m safe.”
