Shaking his head, he lifts a shoulder in a half-shrug. “I was thinking maybe just a ride.”
“Yeah, that would be fun.”
“Okay. Perfect.” He pushes himself to his feet, shaking out his hands as Lila uses the opportunity to headbutt his calf. “Let me just get this menace fed.”
When Lila is fed and has fresh water, I follow Hunter to the horse barn. When we walk in, his shoulders lower. It seems just being here is enough for him to relax. I can’t say I blame him.
There really is something relaxing about being in here, about being around the horses.
Stepping in front of Molls, I hold a hand out, smiling when she presses her head against my palm. “Such a good girl.”
Her ears twitch, and she makes this strange little huffy noise.
“She likes you.”
I stare up at Molls for a second while she makes that sound again, then I turn to Hunter. “You say that about all the animals.”
“Can’t help it that it keeps being true,” he says, shrugging. I step back when he comes up to Molls. He gets her saddle and bridle on with impressive speed, then he turns to me. “Okay, helmet, mounting block. Same as before.”
I nod. “I remember.”
He smiles like that somehow pleases him, and my stomach swoops with excited nerves. I can’t believe I’m about to ride a horse again.
This time, when I get the helmet on and step onto the mounting block, then swing my leg over Molls, I don’t nearly fall.
Hunter shoots me an impressed grin. “Good job. Sit tight.”
He gets onto Lucky with practiced ease. He looks at home there, like it’s right where he belongs and like it’s somehow exactly what he needs. In some ways, it probably is. This is relaxing and… fun. It’s no wonder he enjoys it so much.
“You ready?” he asks, glancing at me.
I nod. “Ready.”
He clicks his tongue, and Lucky takes off with Molls following right behind. It makes me startle for a second, but then Hunter’s words from last time echo in my head. Relaxing my shoulders, I let my hips move with her. My hands are loose on the saddle horn, and as we make our way slowly across the yard, I stare down at Molls’s shoulders. Watch as they move, and let my body flow with her easy movements.
Fuck, this is so cool. “I can’t believe I’m riding a horse again.”
Hunter laughs. “You’re a natural. I knew you would be.”
“Can we go a little faster?”
“Feeling brave this morning?”
I nod. “Something like that.”
Or maybe I’m just deciding that some things are joy. And being here, riding with Hunter? Pure joy. I’m not focusing on my energy levels. Or how much this is going to cost me later.
I’m just focusing onthis.On the way that Molls’s solid body shifts under mine with each step, on the fresh, clean scent in the air. On the way the early morning sun is reflecting off Hunter’s hair and casting a golden glow on his skin.
Maybe later I’ll be more worried about my energy, but right now? I’m just going to use it for what I want. For enjoying this very moment.
Chapter 9
Hunter
Theoisspendingtheday with Luca while Austin works. It’s hard to believe he only has two full days left here. It’s even harder to believe that he’s only been here for five. He fits here. Which is a wild thought.
He’s a natural with the animals. They love him. There’s something gentle in his soul that they’re drawn to; it’s sweet. And he lights up around them. They let him put down some of the weight he’s carrying.
