Page 40 of Maverick

Maverick kissed the top of her head as he grabbed the basket of food. “Got it, baby sis. And you call us if you need anything.”

Lilah just nodded as we headed out the door.

“So what are the big plans, Mav?’

He took my hand and led me to the barn. We went inside and he led me to a stall with a beautiful black horse. The horse had a small white spot on his forehead. His black mane and coat were dark and sleek.

Maverick put his hand out to the horse with a small white cube. “Sugar cube. This guy’s name is Cash. I’ve had him since he was just a filly. Wanna see who you’ll be riding today?”

I nodded and followed Maverick to another stall. I looked inside to see a beautiful golden tan and white horse. “It’s gorgeous, Mav.”

He put his arm around my waist and leaned into the stall. “Her name is June. She’s a palomino. Her and Cash are mates and don't go anywhere without each other.”

I gently stroked the horse’s nose as she nuzzled into my hand. Maverick handed me a few sugar cubes from his pocket. “Here. Give her a few while I get everything ready.”

He walked toward the back of the barn and grabbed two saddles, a blanket looking thing, and some other horse stuff. Maverick grabbed Cash out of his stall and started to put all the stuff on him. When he was finished, he tied him to a small hoop on the wall and then came over to me.

“Ready to learn?”I just nodded as Maverick led June out of her stall. He grabbed the blanket and handed it to me. “This is called a saddle pad. It goes first. Go ahead and put it on her. June is a sweetheart and won’t hurt you.”

I gently put the saddle pad on her as I fed her another sugar cube. Maverick grabbed the saddle next.

“Here’s your saddle. Just put it on top of the saddle pad. The horn goes toward the front of the horse. It’s heavy so be careful.”

I heaved the saddle up onto June. She stood still and nudged me in the leg. Laughing, I opened my hand and let her have another sugar cube. “Only one more left, pretty girl.”

Maverick laughed as he grabbed a brown leather contraption. “This is a bridle. We use it to direct the horses. The reins attach to it so you can guide your horse wherever you want to go.” He pointed to the top, “This is the headpiece, below it is the browband, throatlatch, cheekpiece, curb strap, and finally your bit. We ride western out here. Our saddles and bridles are a little different than the English style. I’ll go ahead and put the bridle on, but I want you to watch carefully. You’re gonna do it next time.”

I carefully watched as Maverick slipped the bridle over June’s head. She nudged his hand and I laughed as I opened mine up. “Here you go, June. Last sugar cube I had!”

Maverick laughed as he leaned down to kiss my forehead. “Looks like you’ve got a new friend in June. Grab the reins and follow me. June will follow your lead don’t worry.”

I grabbed the reins and followed behind Maverick and Cash. He led me to the fence and came over to me. “I’m gonna help you get up, okay? Put your foot in the stirrup and swing your other leg over June.”

I carefully placed my left foot in the stirrup while Maverick held onto my hips.

“Okay, babe. Swing your leg right over June. You got this.”

Pushing off the stirrup, I swung my leg over and sat down quickly onto the saddle. “I did it! I got onto a horse!”

Maverick patted my leg, “You did great, baby girl! Now hold on to the reins. You won’t have to do much. June will follow Cash and me for the most part.”

He then walked over to Cash and got on. Maverick made it look so easy! He smiled and winked at me. “I’ve been doing this since I was just a baby. It’s like second nature to me. Ready to go?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Maverick clicked his tongue and shook the reins, “Get on Cash.”

The black horse started to slowly walk toward the open field and June followed right after him.

She walked nice and slow, the perfect pace for me. Maverick pulled on the reins to slow Cash down. June walked right next to Cash and they nuzzled their noses together. Maverick leaned over and gently kissed me. “Come on, beautiful.”

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WE RODE FOR JUST OVERan hour when Maverick stopped at an overlook. He hopped off Cash and walked toward me. Extending his hand, I grabbed it and hopped off June. Maverick quickly wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into him. Leaning down, he placed his lips on mine.

I was seeing a whole different side of Maverick. This side was sweet and tame. No tough-guy exterior.

This side of Maverick was kind and patient. He took his time showing me how to ride and teaching me all about the horses.

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