Page 59 of Claiming What Is Mine

“Do we have to?” I whine.

“At a walking pace, it’ll take a while. Plus…” He pauses.

“Plus, what?” I ask.

“Plus, who knows how long it’ll take to get you back up on that horse.” Gabe shifts away, laughing as he anticipates my reaction.

I narrow my eyes. “You think you’re pretty funny, huh?”

“Uhh.” Gabe clears his throat. “Usually.” His voice cracks. “Yes.”

“Imagine how funny it’ll be when we show up back at the house, with both horses in tow and me riding on your back. Because that’s plan B, if you don’t get me up on my horse, bub.”

Gabe stands and extends his hand to help me up. “Got it. Well then, let’s get you squared away. As many tries as it takes. I’m in. It just means more time touching your ass.” Gabe smiles as he takes my hands in his and pulls me to my feet, then rolls up the blankets and tucks them under his arm.

I sigh. “I hate to leave, it’s so peaceful.”

“If it’s any consolation, I have something else in mind for us when we get back.” Gabe looks around. “Not quite the same as this, but I think you’ll like it.”

While Gabe secures the blankets, I rub Henrietta’s neck and whisper into her ear. “Remember what I said earlier? Please be patient with me, now. I’m not the most graceful. Okay?”

“Ready?” Gabe asks as he takes the reins.

I blow a heavy breath out through my mouth. “As I’ll ever be.” My foot barely lifts high enough to slide into the stirrup, but with both of his hands on my waist, Gabe practically lifts me up into position on his own.

“There, that wasn’t so bad. We got it on the first try.” He mocks me with deep heavy breaths as he pretends to barely have any strength left to climb back onto his horse.

“You really know how to make a lady feel special.” I roll my eyes. “I’ll follow you,” I say, as we leave.

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