“If I can hold a pan of water, I can handle the reins. My leg gets better by the day. It barely hurts anymore. I control the horse with my thighs. I rarely used my reins with Sir Richard. On a ranch, it’s easier to have your hands free.”
“Who taught you to ride like that?” he asked, impressed by her skills.
“We hired a Native American cowboy. He helped me break Sir Richard and taught me to ride without a saddle, using the pressure of my knees to move him. I taught him how to cook in exchange. I haven’t worked with Storm. I don’t know how she’ll respond. Maybe we can put them in the paddock and try them out before riding them?”
“Definitely,” he agreed. “Why don’t I try her first?”
Riley narrowed her eyes at him. “I may walk clumsily, but I assure you I know how to ride. In fact, I recall you telling me I did a good job only last night.”
Garrett grinned. “Yes, Baby Girl, you sure did.”
“Why do you call me that? You never did before?” she asked as they entered the barn.
“Because when I see your vulnerability, it reminds me there’s a little girl who grew up taking on the responsibilities of the world because someone failed her. She grew into the feisty, fierce woman you show everyone today. I call you Baby Girl because it’s an endearment, letting you know I see you, all of you. Does it bother you?”
Riley smiled slightly and gazed at him. “From anyone else, yeah. But from you, no.”
Garrett grinned and planted his lips on hers. For long moments, they shared a kiss with his hands cupping her bottom, and hers gripping his shirt.
When he raised his lips, she grinned, “You promised me a horse ride and not one like last night.”
Throwing his head back, he laughed, “Yes, ma’am.”
Garrett saddled the horses and led them into the paddock. “Your ride awaits. I’ll carry you,” he called, coming toward her. Instead of hearing, ‘You’re not the boss of me,’ Riley threw her arms around his neck when he picked her up.
“I don’t like not kissing you when I come home,” he murmured as he carried her to the horse.
“I want to keep things between us for now. You read and see people who parade multiple partners in front of their kids, and then the child gets messed up. Tara will want to start dating soon. I want to set a good example. It doesn’t mean I don’t want you to kiss me,” she said as he lowered her to the ground.
Garrett cradled her head as he traced her bottom lip with his tongue and gently nipped it. She moaned and pressed herself against him as his tongue explored hers.
“I thought you wanted to go riding,” he teased as he spread kisses down her neck.
“Oh, I dooo,” she cooed. “I like how you teach.”
“How sore are you?” he asked, gazing into her eyes.
“I barely noticed it this morning. I even managed to walk straight,” she said cheekily. “How about you?”
Garrett laughed out loud. “Besides feeling tired because someone wanted to explore my body, I’m walking just fine.”
“Good to know,” she said as he pulled back and lifted her on Storm. The horse barely moved while Riley shifted on the saddle.
“We’ll walk her in a circle first,” Garrett instructed as Riley rolled her eyes. She gave the horse a gentle kick and Storm walked in a circle. After the third pass, she set the horse to gallop. The two of them seemed made for each other as Riley leaned down and patted Storm’s neck, whispering to her.
Ensuring Riley handled Storm, Garrett mounted Brutus. They took their time getting to know the animals. When he felt comfortable with her riding ability, he opened the paddock, and they rode beside each other.
“I’ve missed this,” she said, smiling at Garrett. “Thank you for letting me ride her.”
“You’re welcome. She’s an incredible horse. You did a good job picking her out,” he complimented her.
“Oh, yeah? Then why did you put her last on your list? She deserved the number two spot at the very least. If you bought those other horses, you wouldn’t have given her another thought.”
Garrett glanced at her as she patted Storm and spoke to her. Seeing how much she loved the horse already, Garrett didn’t bother to explain he purchased it for her. Or the factif he wanted to buy the whole damn barn of horses, he could have.
The clouds grew darker grey, and he turned to Riley. “Let’s head back. It’s about to storm.”
Riley grinned, and her eyes sparkled as she sent Storm running. Garrett turned Brutus, yelling, “Riley, stop.”
