“Oh, no. I’m committed now.” Audria squares her shoulders, sticking that angular chin in the air. “I’ve totally got this.”
“Go figure,” I mumble. “Are you sure?”
“Yep, I’m no chicken.”
“You don’t have to prove that to me. This is supposed to be enjoyable.”
“And it will be. I’ve always heard riding horses is therapeutic. It’s also important to mention that reverse psychology does wonders with me.” It’s like a switch is flipped, and her confidence roars in for the show.
With a chuckle, I scratch at my stubble. “I’ll have to remember that.”
“It’ll do you well, especially if I should expect more stunts like this.” She stretches, bending down into a crouch and popping her ass straight into the air. “I just need to get warmed up.”
Fucking dream girl, this one, but not meant for me. I widen my stance to hide any wayward bulges and get back on track. “Do you need a boost? Or should I get the ladder?”
“Which is easier? Can’t I just stick my foot in that thing?” She points at the stirrup.
I step back and cross my arms. “Sure, give it a go.”
She does, and the result is more comical than a rag doll trying to climb a tree. Audria scrambles, trying to reach the horn, bouncing up and down on her grounded leg. “This is extremely hard. You made it look easy. Is Trigger tall for a horse? He seems overgrown. What do they put in his oats?”
All I can do is laugh at her rambling. “Be thankful for the saddle. It’s more secure than going bareback. Easier to mount too.”
“Very true,” she agrees. “We wouldn’t want any unplanned surprises popping out in nine months.”
“The fact that you can joke during a moment like this proves you’re not that afraid.”
“Comedic relief is a defense mechanism, farmer.”
I jut my chin at the horn in her grip. “At least you have something to hold on to.”
“I’m sure I can find an alternative,” she wheezes.
“Just takes practice, babe.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard that before.” She’s still strung up by one foot. “A little help?”
I grip her waist and lift, guiding her other leg over Trigger’s rump. He remains completely motionless during the entire debacle. An overflowing bucket of treats waits with his name on it for making this process easier on her.
Audria straightens with a wobble and reaches for me. “Oh, Lord. I’m going to fall.”
“You won’t. Hold onto this.” I fist the rawhide stump that’s level with her belly button.
Her palm covers the western-saddle version of an oh-shit handle. “Now what?”
I give her a slow once-over. “Are you okay?”
“Well, yeah. We’re just standing here.” She sounds almost cocky, a little too casual considering her attitude five minutes ago.
“Feeling confident?”
She shrugs. “It’s not so bad.”
“Good. How about I walk you around the arena?” I untie the lead rope attached to his halter. “Or I can get on with you and do the steering from behind.”
Audria glances back at the designated space. “Is that a thing?”
I slip the bit into Trigger’s mouth before sliding the headstall over his ears. With a flick of my wrist, I get the reins settled on his neck. “Sure. We can go double.”
“Like training wheels,” she muses. “Why didn’t you say so sooner? Hop on, farmer.”
“As you wish.” I swing myself up, rescue-race style.
Trigger grunts at the added weight and shifts his stance. I give his butt a gentle pat.
“You could be in the circus with those moves.” Her posture relaxes as I get situated. She’s caged between the buffer of my arms.
With a cluck, I guide Trigger toward the open ring. “It bodes very well for me that basic farm skills impress you.”
“Very much so. All that brawn and brute strength.” She purrs and gnashes her teeth.
I steer the palomino to the outer edge. “Someone got over her fear.”
Audria rocks in the saddle, leather creaking with each forward motion. “You’re in charge. What’s there to be afraid of?”
“Absolutely nothing, as I mentioned.”
“Yeah, yeah. Nobody likes a weisenheimer.”
I choke on a laugh. “Wow, good burn.”
She sways to the horse’s smooth gait as her limbs loosen. “Right? The classics never fail. Dottie would probably appreciate that one.”
“Especially if you call her one.”
Her gasp cracks against the subtle breeze. “That might start a war.”
I guide Trigger into a tighter circle. “Or teach her a lesson.”
Audria hums. “I’m not interested in finding out, or ruining the moment.”
“Tell me what you want.” The demand grates out on a rasp.
“To appreciate the experience. This is incredible.” Her voice borders on a squeal.
I glance at our surroundings with a grin. Sunlight paints the grass in warm shades. Cattle roam across the landscape in small clusters. A burst of wind chases fallen leaves across the sand. The crisp scent of fresh air coats my lungs. These conditions are perfect for riding, or enjoying the outdoors in general. But it’s the woman in front of me who truly makes the day something special.
“It doesn’t get much better than this.”
“I’m so glad you encouraged me to try. If you hadn’t been so patient, I would’ve missed this.” She pets Trigger’s neck. “Sitting up here is so freeing.”
“You’re welcome to come ride whenever. Charlie’s always on the road, and the horses need exercise.”
“I’ll probably take you up on that. Conquering these seemingly terrifying fears is simple. With you, I might be able to try skydiving after all.”
I cough on my next inhale. “That’s a tad extreme.”
“Oh, is the brave man scared?”
I scoff. “No. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Convenient chivalry.”
I hear the smile in her voice.
“Thank you for doing this, farmer. Once again, you’ve proved me wrong.”
“How so?”
“My comfort zone is too bland and narrow. All of this horizon-expanding is making me more ambitious.”
Does our situation fit into that scenario? Perhaps I’m a notch on her country checklist. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that afternoons like this are numbered, and not due to winter knocking on autumn’s door. We’re fleeting,
