Page 65 of Headed for Home

“Hoist yourself up, trouble. Use the horn for leverage,” Cassidy explains from across the arena.

The action breaks into simple steps. I stretch for the braided rawhide post, getting a sure grip. My pulse quickens as I launch upright and climb on. There’s no reason to fear. Fire stands like a distinguished gentleman while I bumble through getting myself astride his back.

“You did it!” Kenzie claps.

Charlie gets my right boot tucked into the stirrup. “M’kay, you can go now.”

“Just like that?”

Cassidy pulls Leita to a stop. Her stare is locked on me, roving over my flimsy attempt at playing a cowboy. There’s no disguising the desire smoldering in her eyes. A blast of warmth envelops me and sweat prickles my scalp. The blistering sunshine isn’t to blame.

“Are you good?”

“Couldn’t be better.” I relax my pose, the leather creaking beneath me.

“I wouldn’t have wandered off if I didn’t trust Fire to go nice and easy on you.”

“Don’t forget Mac and Cheese.” I hitch a thumb at the pint-size horse whisperers.

Kenzie huffs, crossing her arms. “Mommy, we’re the boss. You said we can tell Pinkie Pie what to do.”

Cassidy presses her lips into a firm line to trap a laugh. “If that’s okay with Drake.”

“As if I’d say no.” I chuckle, but the humor is strained. “Will you stay close, beauty?”

“Are you scared?”

“No,” I scoff.

“Good. You’re in very capable hands.”

“Am I?”

A snarky brow quirks at me. “Who do you think they learned from? Besides, what’s the worst that can happen?”

My brows spring upright. “I thought we weren’t supposed to say that.”

“This is different.”

“How so?”

“Buttons.” Her tone teases me.

“I see your point.” My palm cups around my mouth to muffle what I say next. “But they’re only five.”

She gets the message, shrugging the concern off. “They started riding at eighteen months.”

“Really? Wow. That’s early.”

“Advanced equestrians,” she praises.

“We’re the bestest,” Charlie boasts. “You gotta listen to us, Rake.”

“Just walk today,” Cassidy interjects. “Focus on your seat and getting acclimated in the saddle. Learn how to steer. Control the direction. Fire will go where you choose or wait for the next move. Take your time.”

I shift my ass that’s already half asleep. “Got it.”

“Don’t kick him too hard.” Kenzie wags her index finger at me.

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