“Like my sandal did.”
“Yes.” He rubbed his forehead. “I almost called off the ride at that point.”
“I saw you frown in disgust.”
“Fear. I frowned in fear at the most cattywampus mounting I’ve ever witnessed.”
She laughed at his description. “Cringeworthy!”
“Yeah.” He chuckled and then sobered. “Last, once your left foot is in the stirrup, grab the cantle. Give yourself a little hop on your right foot and swing that right leg over the saddle.”
“Where’s the cantle?”
“It’s the back of the saddle seat,” he said and touched it.
“Got it.” She nodded.
“Awright, now let’s see you seat yourself in that saddle like you own it.” Chase stayed close to make sure it went well. Jade mounted the horse just like he’d instructed and smiled from ear to ear. “You did that like a pro.”
“Thanks to you for the lesson and boots.”
Chase shrugged. “Thanks for spending your jubilee birthday with us.”
Patting the mare’s mane and not looking at him, Jade said, “Nowhere else I’d rather be.”
“Ready for a good ride, buttercup?”
“Trusting it will be, cowboy.”
Explaining riding techniques as they traveled, they took the same back road. He told her to press her knees to the mare, and they practiced a quicker trot than he’d risked on the first ride. When that went well, he let the horses gallop once. Then, a second time, even faster. The look of excitement and success on Jade’s face gave him a whole new sense of enjoyment on a trip he’d made countless times. As they neared his ranch, Chase spotted Bob out front of the house in the horseshoe driveway talking to a couple of workers standing next to a home security van.
“I forgot they were coming for the six months’ maintenance check today until Bob called and reminded me while we were at Cash’s.” Chase rarely missed appointments. Then again, he was with one helluva rare woman. “Do you mind if we stop here on the way back to Chloe’s?”
“Not at all.”
“Thanks. Come on. I’ll introduce you to Bob.” Chase headed Valor toward the front of the house, and Jade kept up on Jubilee.
“Hey, Mr. Cooper!” one of the workers called. “Everything checked out.”
“State-of-the-art security,” the second man said. “Good choice, sir.”
Chase motioned for Jade to stay in the saddle, then dismounted. As he thanked the men, he noticed their second glances at Jade. He could relate. The men shook hands with Chase and Bob and, with a last look at Jade, departed in their van.
“Bob, thanks for meeting them in my place,” Chase said.
“No problem. Same guys who installed it. They know their stuff.”
“There’s someone I want you to meet,” Chase said and smiled at Jade. He would have let her slip into his arms, but she was dismounting on her own. This time, the toe of her left boot caught on the stirrup, and she plopped onto the driveway before he could get to her. Her hat slipped backward, and she took it off before it hit the ground too. A few strides, and he was at her side. Extending his hand, she grasped it, and he tugged her to her feet. Thumbing his own hat back on his head and trying not to laugh, he gently touched his forehead to hers.
“So close,” Chase said and stood back. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. It was a good ride.” Jade laughed. “I just have to work on my dismount.”
“I knew those white jeans weren’t gonna make it.” Chase’s instinct was to dust the dirt off her fanny, but he kept his hands to himself. “Bob Ellis, this is Jade Taylor,” he said as Bob walked to them. “Jade is staying at Chloe’s for the Memorial Day weekend.”
“You make a memorable entrance, Jade,” Bob said with a warm smile. “I’ve already heard great things about you from Chloe and Rachel.”
“Thank you, Bob,” Jade said as they shook hands. “I’ve heard great things about you and Teresa too. Next time, I’ll try to make a more forgettable arrival.”
