Page 25 of Destry

Savvy’s mouth dropped open, looking from Marleigh to the horse, then back at me. Before I had time to react, she threw her arms around me, catching me off guard.

I stiffened for half a second before my hands found her waist and I pulled her in closer. I wasn’t mad at how good she felt against me but it was deeper than that. Savvy wasn’t the hugging type, not with me, and sure as hell not like this. She was also stubborn as fuck but she held onto me tightly and I let myself just enjoy it.

When she pulled back I swear her tough ass was close to tears and that made me know this was all worth it. She smiled big as hell and took off toward the horse.

I chuckled, watching her fingers reaching for the reins from Marleigh.

I stayed at the fence, arms crossed, leaning against the post as I watched them get to work. Savvy adjusted in the saddle while Marleigh explained technique, pointing at the barrels, giving quick commands. As much as I wanted to focus on the training, my gaze kept locking toher.

My lil Rebel was confident, determined, and exactly where she belonged. Watching her light up like this made every damn second of planning worth it.

Marleigh pointed toward the barrels. “Start slow. Feel how he moves before you push him. He’s trained, but he’s new to you. Learn his cues first.”

Savvy nodded, tightening her grip on the reins. She looked so damn natural up there, comfortable and sexy. When she nudged the horse forward into an easy trot, guiding him in a few slow circles, I didn’t miss the way she smiled, getting used to his stride.

Marleigh stepped back. “Alright, take him through the pattern. Keep it clean, don’t rush it.”

Savvy took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and urged the horse forward. The first barrel came up fast, and she leaned in, moving with the horse as they made the turn. The second wascleaner, the third even smoother. By the time she straightened out and galloped back through the finish, her face was lit up.

She slowed the horse, breathing heavy, grinning down at Marleigh. “How was that?”

Marleigh nodded, impressed. “Good instincts. You read him well. But you’re hesitating at the turns. You’re waiting for him to adjust to you instead of making the adjustment first.”

Savvy nodded, listening intently. Marleigh continued, stepping forward. “Let him trust you. He’s fast, but he won’t give you everything until you show him you’re in charge. Next run, push him a little harder. Don’t be afraid of speed.”

Savvy nodded again, adjusting her grip. “Got it.”

She nudged the horse forward again, heading back toward the starting point and Marleigh stepped over to me, crossing her arms. “She’s got talent.”

I nodded. “I know.”

“You’re really doing this for her, huh?”

I didn’t answer.

Didn’t have to.

Marleigh laughed under her breath. “Damn, Destry. Never thought I’d see the day somebody caught you.”

“Nobody’s caught me yet.”

She shook her head, amused. “Mhm. Keep telling yourself that. You’re definitely caught but I like her for you so that’s not a bad thing.”

I turned back toward the paddock just as Savvy set up for her next run, her expression locked in and determined.

Yeah, this was worth every damn second and so was she.

Marleigh stood by the fence for a few more minutes, watching Savvy as she ran through the barrels again. I could see the approval in her expression, the way she nodded slightly with each clean turn.

“She’ll do just fine,” she finally said, pulling off her hat and brushing dust from her jeans.

“I knew that already.”

Marleigh shook her head, still amused. “Words of a man who’scaught.”

I shrugged, tipping my hat. “Appreciate you doing this.”

She smiled. “Let her know I’ll check in after the rodeo. She’s got something, and if she’s serious, I want to see what she can do with it.”

---