Page 114 of Headed for Home

“Double trouble,” she croons. “Why didn’t I think of that sooner?”

“I don’t love the sound of that when it comes to me and horses.”

“You’ll be safe. We’re just going to walk.” Cassidy puts the hackamore on Leita and tosses the reins over her neck.

A noisy exhale sputters from me while I prepare for this challenge. “What if I fall off?”

She shrugs. “Tuck and roll.”

My eyes bulge. “What?”

Her laughter isn’t reassuring. “Drake, I won’t let anything happen to you. I’m pretty attached, if you couldn’t tell.”

“Doesn’t hurt to hear it,” I grumble.

“Just put your foot in the stirrup and swing your leg over. Like every other time you’ve done this.” Cassidy holds onto the mare while I fumble through the motions.

“Okay. Now what?”

“Hold on.”

“Got it.” I lift my arms and wait for further instructions.

She hangs her head, shoulders shaking. “I meant literally. Grab the back of the seat.”

“Just testing you.” My fingers grip the raised portion she gestures at, leather creaking from my efforts.

Cassidy hoists herself into the saddle without kicking me in the face, which seems very considerate. “You good, trouble?”

“So far.” But we haven’t started moving.

“Ready?”

My heart kicks. “Sure.”

Her palm rests on my thigh, giving me a gentle squeeze. “Just relax.”

“I’ve heard that before.” My dick twitches at the reminder.

She drifts her hand along my leg. “And how did that go for you?”

“Blew me away.”

“This won’t be quite as explosive,” she muses. “But still enjoyable. Just sit back and take it all in.”

“That sounds familiar too,” I chuckle.

Cassidy urges Leita forward and we’re off. My stomach lurches, but settles into the horse’s smooth gait. Kenzie and Charlie ride ahead of us, following the dirt path around the barn. Chester and Cheeto race beside us to guide the way. The goats wail as we leave them behind. Serves them right for taking advantage of me.

We reach the pastures and the rest of the herd. Several horses perk up at our approach, but they don’t cause a ruckus. I breathe a bit easier after that. There’s a section between the two fenced areas that creates a grassy trail. My accelerated pulse slows to a trot. A deep inhale grants me a burst of fresh air. The smell is clean and comforting, allowing a calm energy to find me. I rock into Leita’s steady motions while appreciating the scenery.

“This is incredible,” I voice aloud.

The view of Cassidy’s land stretches in front of us. Green prairies lift into rolling hills. Sections of leafy trees offer spots of shade. Sunshine dapples the earth, highlighting the natural wonders. It could almost make me emotional.

Cassidy’s right palm still rests on me while the left steers us through paradise. “Nothing like being on the back of a horse.”

“Especially with you,” I exhale. “And the kids along for the ride. I could get used to this.”

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