“Oh?” Delight coils through me.
“Come on.” He ushers me out of my office.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
I grab my bag on the way out of the penthouse. In the garage, Maximo chooses one of his sports cars, a bright green Ferrari.We slide into the two seater and the engine purrs to life.
Maximo drives through the heavy city traffic. One thing I love about New York City is how one moment you’re in the middle of the urban jungle and the next you can be surrounded by trees and pulling into an… equestrian center?
I glance back as we zoom past the sign. “Did I read that right?”
Maximo’s only answer is a smirk.
I laugh. “Where are you taking me?”
He pulls into a parking spot and rounds the car to open my door. I slide my palm into his. He kisses my knuckles. We walk hand in hand through the parking lot to a huge rectangular building.
The scent of fresh cut grass, hay, and horse hits my nose. It’s a gorgeous early autumn day. I spot several people who are mounted on horses. Two ride side by side along a dusty trail. Another trots in an open arena. Giddiness erupts through me and I can’t keep the growing grin off my face.
“You didn’t,” I say in awe. “Did you?”
Maximo drags me along, as my chest swells with excitement.
We enter the building, which is a stable. Horse stalls occupy the space on either side of a wide concrete walkway.
Maximo lets go of my hand. “You’ll find your surprise in stall number four.”
With a delighted squee, I go off in search of my present. I pass a few stall doors, most of them empty on this fine day, as they’re outside enjoying the weather with their riders.
Number four comes into view and I can’t contain my excitement. Peeking over the split stall door, inside I find a massive black horse with a flowing mane. He whinnies.
I gasp. “Midnight? Is that you?”
Maximo catches up with me. “What do you think?”
“Is that Midnight?” I’m utterly astonished. How..?
“It is. You two seemed inseparable. Instantly bonded. I figured why look elsewhere when he’s already the perfect horse for you.”
I jump up and wrap my arms around Maximo’s neck. Peppering his face with kisses. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Midnight snorts. Coming to say hello, he stretches his neck over the door and nudges my shoulder.
“Hey there.” I pet him, patting his enormous cheek. “I can’t believe you’re mine.” He leans into my touch.
Maximo presses his chest to my back, wrapping his arms around my waist. “I figured you can come out here and ride him several days a week. You’re starting your riding lessons in… twenty minutes.”
I glance at him. “But I don’t have anything to wear. I can’t ride in these heels.”
“You didn’t think I’d forget about that detail, did you?” He chuckles, his breath teasing my hair. “There’s a bag in the trunk. I believe it has everything you need, including riding boots and a helmet.”
I melt back into him. “I love you.”
“I love you too,cara mia. With all my heart and soul.”
First Epilogue
