Page 68 of Back in the Saddle

Amira took a pair of glasses from the breast pocket of her bubblegum-pink shift dress and put them on. She moved closer to the screen. ‘Hm … Let’s go with the one just after eight p.m. on the last day of ASH. It’s always tiring travelling on the same day, and it ends up being an awfully long day. But at least you get to start your day back home the next morning.’

Caroline nodded in agreement and responded to the email with their chosen times. She hit ‘send’. ‘Done. Thanks, Amira.’

Her phone vibrated, and she glanced at it, unable to bite back a smile.

HUNTER:Us, out of town for an overnight stay. You’re in?

CAROLINE:Thought you’d never ask x

Caroline stroked her hand gently up and down Star’s soft neck. ‘Atta girl.’

They had just got back from their first solo trail ride. Caroline was surprised at how fast she had fallen back into a familiar riding routine. After a few weeks, she had understood Star’s body language, temperament, and personality much better. She could now notice subtle things, and marvel at the ordinary, like the movement of Star’s ears bobbing slowly in front of her and stretching back and forth when she approached. Star loved jam sandwiches and had an inexplicable hatred towards cattle trailers. Whenever they passed one, even in the distance, if she heard its noise, she’d try to buck Caroline up.

I’ll miss you when I go, gorgeous, she thought, looking at the mare.

Sitting in the saddle gave her a slightly different perspective on the world. Yes, it was only a few metres off the ground.But she could still spot things she normally wouldn’t. Every ride brought a new adventure, a sense of peace and a feeling of freedom.

Hunter told her that when he was riding, he couldn’t help but live in the moment. Being one with the horse and nature, because there were no other distractions.

‘I think it’s unfair how much she likes you; she’s supposed to be my horse.’

Caroline didn’t have to turn around for her mouth to shape into a warm smile.

‘I’m sorry I couldn’t join you.’

‘Don’t worry, we had an amazing time, right, girl?’ Star neighed as Caroline faced Hunter. ‘Did you manage to find the runaway heifer?’

‘The runaway heifer?’ He laughed heartily. ‘That sounds like a comedy title. But yes, we found her just over our western boundary, on Leacher’s pasture.’ He stroked Star’s mane. ‘Luke roped her, and we loaded her onto the truck. She must’ve got spooked by something; she was still scared when we found her. But she’s back with the rest of the herd now.’

‘Good.’ She pulled him closer by the collar of his shirt and looked into his eyes.

He grinned widely, planting a single soft kiss on her lips. ‘Let’s get out of here before my mom sees you.’

Caroline let him take her hand and lead her to his truck, parked outside the back of the barn. She tried not to let a hint of sadness show in her expression. It was her idea not to get too attached. It was her idea that whatever they had should be purely casual. But trying to avoid running into his family, and even not meeting them, was starting to weigh down on her.

And she couldn’t understand why. After all, she was theone who kept saying to herself – and him – that this was purely casual.

Is it though?

‘Where are we going?’ she asked, her voice filled with tempered excitement. She wasn’t a fan of surprises, but when Hunter said he had one for her and that it’d be an overnight one, she was curious. She noticed a sign for Chickasha, and they joined Route 44, heading south.

‘You’ll see, we’re almost there. How was your work today?’

‘Good.’ She turned from the window and looked at him. ‘Booked the flights to San Diego for ASH, that congress I told you about. Amira and I are going to go together, which will be nice. Did I tell you I got asked to speak at the panel discussion?’

He shook his head, eyes not leaving the road.

‘It’s on haematologic emergencies and their acute management. I met someone from OnyxRex, the company behind the multiple myeloma trial I’m working on, last week. She was thoroughly impressed with my background and work at the centre. One thing led to another, and she brought my name forward as an “up-and-comer” who would be well-suited to take a seat on the panel. I said yes today.’

‘Caroline, that’s wonderful.’ For a split-second, he turned his head and beamed at her. ‘It sounds like an amazing opportunity.’

She smiled back at him. ‘Yes, but it’s also terrifying.’

‘Why?’

‘Well—’ She paused, realising she hadn’t told Hunter about her anxiety. Being a private person, she rarely shared it with people. Sometimes, it was easy to forget about it. She didn’t take any medication at present, and it had been a while sinceshe had been to a therapy session. Most days, she just got on with her life. It felt easier that way. ‘I struggle with public speaking. It makes me very nervous.’

Hunter didn’t say anything, but she could tell he was listening, giving her space to say more if she wanted. Somehow, he always knew when she needed it.

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