Chapter 18
Picking up her sketch pad and jute bag containing paints, brushes and pencils, Megan made her way, bleary-eyed, up the path. She’d decided to wear leggings as the best substitute for jodhpurs, along with her fitted navy-blue quilted jacket, which was about as horsy as she could muster. Deciding the bag was too heavy to carry on foot, she plonked everything on the back seat of the car. She once again admired the early morning sun and the dewy, moist air. What a difference from queuing in the town traffic smog. It really did feel a lifetime ago that she was working in the office. She shuddered at the thought and started up the car. Moments later she slowly drove up the gravel driveway of Treweham Hall and parked at the side of the stables.
Tobias was leading a horse out and waved her over. Megan gulped again as she approached Tobias, resplendent in his jodhpurs.
‘Meet Juke, he’s strong, but very amiable.’
Megan sized up the animal, who looked magnificent with his chestnut coat shimmering in the early sun. She patted him gingerly.
‘Don’t look so timid, Megan. He’ll not harm you. He has the gentlest nature of all our horses.’
‘He’s lovely.’ She touched him again, firmly this time, earning herself a neigh.
‘There you go, rule number one: always let your horse know who’s boss.’
Megan nodded. ‘Will do.’
Tobias narrowed his eyes and looked her up and down. Feeling a little unnerved, Megan frowned.
‘Just calculating how to adjust the stirrups. Here…’ He took the stirrup iron and, lifting her hand, placed it under her armpit and measured her arm. ‘The stirrups should hang at the same length as your arm,’ he explained. Tobias had a firm, warm grip, making Megan’s heart flutter uncontrollably.
‘Oh, I see,’ she answered feebly as he fiddled with the straps.
‘Right, ready to mount?’ he asked her, eyebrows raised. Was that a smirk playing round his lips?
‘Er…’ Megan glanced at the huge bulk next to her and swallowed. Sensing the hesitation, Tobias reassured her, putting his hand on her shoulder.
‘Here, just put your left foot into the stirrup, lift your right leg over and land softly.’
With a heave and sheer determination, she comfortably straddled Juke and sat upright, feeling quite pleased with herself. Tobias threaded the reins through her fingers, his touch sending little shivers down her spine. Willing herself to concentrate, she took a deep breath and watched him climb with ease onto his horse. The figure-hugging jodhpurs outlined the hard muscles of his thighs and his groin, making her blush slightly. He was born to do this. She considered her childhood, weaving her bike through the bustling streets. Whilst she had been whizzing through the mayhem of urban suburbs, he would have been cantering calmly through the tranquil grounds of the estate. What a difference.
‘OK?’ He looked puzzled, obviously wondering what she was thinking.
‘Yep, let’s go,’ she answered decisively, shoulders back.
‘To ask him to walk on, make a clucking sound and squeeze his sides slightly with both legs.’ He showed her and Megan copied. Soon they were gently walking side by side. Megan was surprised at how much she was enjoying herself.
‘Ready to trot?’
‘Let’s go.’
‘Squeeze with both legs again, then rise up slightly and stand in the stirrup for one step, and then go back down. Let the horse’s pace lift you, go with the flow.’
Megan concentrated hard and did as she was instructed. She soon got into the swing of it, softly swaying up and down. Tobias followed her closely and she was all too aware of his eyes burning into her back.
‘You’re doing really well, Megan!’ he called from behind, whilst admiring her pert bum bobbing up and down. He could feel himself getting aroused.
‘Thanks!’ She was beginning to feel exhilarated as the wind rushed past and the morning sun rested its warm rays on them.
‘Slow down!’ Tobias’ voice edged with concern as she lengthened the gap between them.
‘How?’ Megan called back, suddenly conscious of the distance she’d created.
‘Lean slightly back and say “Whoa!”’ Sure enough, the horse slowed down and gradually stopped. Tobias caught up with them. ‘You’re a natural in the saddle,’ he beamed.
‘Thank you,’ Megan gushed. ‘It’s so…’
‘Invigorating?’
