“I thought you said you didn’t know anything about horses.” I looked for a place to tie up Iron Rocket.
“I said they wouldn’t want me helping in the stables. Riding is different.” Another thing I liked.
“I see. How about you come riding with me later tonight?” There wasn’t a spot to tie him up, so I just let his reins go. He was a good horse, and I knew he wouldn’t move.
“I have work to do.”
“All night?” I raised an eyebrow. “I’d ask about dinner, but you told me to stop asking you to eat.”
“What makes you think asking me about going for a ride is any better?” She faced me.
I shrugged. “You came to my class, and you can leave whenever you want.”
She blew out a long breath. “If I agree to this, will you stop asking me out completely?”
Saying yes was a risk, but I was hoping once I could show her I wasn’t whoever she thought I was, it wouldn’t matter. That she’d want to spend time more time with me. That maybe she might be the one to bring things up.
“Alright, but you have to be open to having a good time.” I told her. “No business talk. No schedules, or worries about employee relations, or anything else. Just two people who like each other having fun.”
“Fine.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up here at five.” My smile had to be taking up my entire face, and I didn’t care one bit.
“Six.” She corrected. “Thanks to your class I need to work late.”
“Six it is.”
I let a devilish smirk twist my lips. Before she could say another word, I leaned down and gave her a little peck on the lips.
“What the hell?” She jumped back. Her hand came up to cover her mouth. “Why did you do that?”
“Just being spontaneous, beautiful.” I replied. I jumped back up on my horse. “See you tonight.” I turned for the stables, already planning out the evening.
***
I went searching for Wes as soon as I got back to the stables, but he was busy. Thankfully, Wayne was available to help me out.
“I need another horse for the night.” It didn’t occur to me until I said it that maybe they didn’t take their horses out after a certain time. Shit, I wished I’d brought my other horse with me. Not that there would have been room, but at least I wouldn’t have to worry about upsetting this ranch’s system.
“Sure,” Wayne nodded. He didn’t seem to have a problem with it, but I’d run things past Wes or Carl just to double check.
“And I would really like her to be gentle.” I didn’t know how much experience Bria had in the saddle, but most riders could handle a horse that was used to trail riding.
“No problem.” He walked me over to one of the stalls where a gorgeous light gray mare stood. “Nebula should work just fine.”
“She’s a beauty.” I smiled. This was going to be good.
“And real gentle.” He nodded. “All the guests that ride her are pleased.”
“Perfect.” I replied. “Can you also show me where the saddles and everything are kept?” I didn’t know how late we would be, and I was going to have to put everything away when we got back.
“Of course.” He led me over to a side room that was filled with all their riding gear. “Did you need something specific?”
“No, just wanted to make sure I didn’t leave a mess or put something in the wrong spot.” I told him.
“Got ya.” He chuckled. “As long as you put your things in here, someone will make sure it’s in the right place.”
“Perfect.” I thanked him and made sure that the horse would be ready before six.
