Page 16 of Rust and Stardust

“Now, grab the horn of the saddle with your left hand, and the back of the saddle with your right,” I instructed, my voice a little hoarse. “Then, push off with your right foot and swing your leg over.”

Lucas nodded, his tongue darting out to wet his lips as he concentrated. He gripped the saddle horn tightly, his knuckles turning white. As he attempted to hoist himself up, his foot slipped from the stirrup, and he fell backward, his head rocketing toward the corner post of the barn.

Without thinking, I reached out and caught him, my arms wrapping around his waist. For a moment, we stood frozen, our bodies pressed together. I could feel the heat radiating off him, smell the faint scent of his cologne mingling with sweat. My heartpounded in my chest, and I was sure he could feel it against his back.

“Whoa there, city boy,” I said, placing him back on the ground.

But when I tried to let him go, I realized he was gripping my arm tightly still, his hand shaking.

“It’s alright,” I cooed, patting his side. “You’re okay. I gotcha.”

Lucas turned to face me, his green eyes wide with a mix of fear and gratitude. “Thanks,” he said softly, his breath warm against my cheek. We were still standing close, too close, and I could feel the heat radiating off his body.

I cleared my throat. “No problem. That's why I'm here, to make sure you don't hurt yourself.”

“I guess I'm not as good at getting on as I thought.”

I chuckled nervously, acutely aware of how close we were still standing. “Don't worry about it. Everyone falls their first time.”

His lips quirked into a smirk. “Is that so?”

I felt my cheeks flush again, realizing the double entendre in my words. “I meant... with horses,” I stammered.

Lucas's eyes twinkled with amusement. “Of course you did, cowboy.”

We stood there for a moment, neither of us moving away. I could feel the warmth of his breath on my face, see the flecks of gold in his green eyes. My heart was racing, and I knew I should step back, but for some reason, my feet refused to budge. I could feel the warmth of his breath on my face, and it took every ounce of willpower I had not to lean in closer.

“I’m not sure I’m cut out for this cowboy stuff after all,” he said at last.

“Nonsense,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “Everyone falls their first time. You just gotta get back on the horse, so to speak.”

He chuckled nervously, his hand still gripping my arm. “I don't know if I can,” he admitted, his eyes darting between me and Daisy.

Something in his vulnerable expression made my heart twist. Ifound myself wanting to protect him, to show him that he could do this. “Sure you can,” I said softly. “Here, let me help you.”

I moved behind Lucas, placing my hands gently on his waist. “I'll give you a boost,” I said, my voice low. “Just like before, left foot in the stirrup, hands on the saddle.”

Lucas nodded, his body tense under my touch. He placed his foot in the stirrup, gripping the saddle tightly. I could feel the muscles in his back flex as he prepared to hoist himself up.

“On three,” I said, my breath tickling the back of his neck. “One... two... three!”

I lifted as Lucas pushed off the ground, my hands steadying him as he swung his leg over Daisy's back. For a moment, he wobbled precariously, and I tightened my grip on his hips to keep him from falling.

“Easy now,” I murmured, slowly releasing my hold as he found his balance. “You're doing great.”

This time, he managed to settle into the saddle, though his grip on the horn was still white-knuckled.

“There you go,” I said, unable to keep the pride out of my voice. “You did it!”

Lucas beamed down at me, his green eyes sparkling with excitement. “I did it!” he exclaimed, his smile wide and infectious. “I'm actually on a horse!”

I couldn't help but grin back, feeling a surge of warmth in my chest at his enthusiasm. “You sure are, city boy. Now, let's see if we can get you moving.”

I walked around to Daisy's head, gently taking hold of her bridle. “We're gonna start real slow, okay? Just a nice, easy walk.”

Lucas nodded, his expression a mix of determination and nervousness. I began to lead Daisy forward, keeping a close eye on Lucas. He swayed slightly in the saddle, his body tense and rigid.

“Relax,” I called out softly. “Try to move with her. Let your hips roll with her gait.”

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