Page 86 of Stick Around,
I relaxed my grip on the reins, remembering Reid’s instructions about not pulling on her mouth. “It’s okay, girl. That’s just Kellan being Kellan.”
Enzo reached us first, stopping a respectful distance away, raising an eyebrow as he took in the sight of me atop the notoriously picky mare. “She’s letting you ride her?”
“Apparently I’m special.” I tried to keep the pride from my voice and failed completely.
“You are special.” Kellan reached us, tucking his shirt back into place. “But I bet you twenty bucks she bucks you off within five minutes.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Your confidence in me is overwhelming.”
“I’d take that bet, but I’d put my money on Quinn.” Enzo unscrewed his water bottle and took a drink.
Reid frowned. “Can we focus on the riding part first before turning this into a betting pool about our girlfriend’s riding abilities?”
I squeezed my legs again, and Junebug took a few more steps forward. The saddle creaked beneath me, and I shifted to find my balance. It wasn’t graceful, but I wasn’t falling off either, which I considered a significant victory.
The guys moved with us, creating a loose arc around Junebug and me. I’d never felt so simultaneously independent and supported.
“Want to try a small circle?” Reid’s eyes hadn’t left Junebug since I’d gotten on her.
“I think so.” I tried to project confidence I didn’t entirely feel.
Reid showed me how to guide Junebug with the reins and my legs, and we began a wobbly approximation of a circle. Adrenaline surged through me as Junebug responded to my signals, however imperfectly executed they were.
“Looking good, Quinn.” Enzo’s voice was serious but also held a note of pride.
“Better than good,” Kellan added, his earlier teasing gone. “You look like you belong there.”
Belong. The word echoed in my mind. I did feel like I belonged here; not just on Junebug, but at La Cuesta Ranch with these three men who had somehow become the center of my world in such a short time.
Junebug suddenly stopped, ears pricking forward.
“What is it?” I tensed, looking around for whatever had caught her attention.
“She’s testing you.” Reid’s voice was calm. “Show her you’re in charge.”
I squeezed again, a little more firmly this time. Junebug snorted but didn’t move.
“Come on, girl.” I patted her neck. “We were doing so well.”
Enzo crossed his arms. “Stubborn recognizes stubborn.”
I shot him a look but couldn’t deny the truth in his words. I took a deep breath and tried again, applying pressure with my legs and softening my hands as Reid had taught me.
For one long, tense moment, Junebug stood frozen, as if deciding whether I was worthy. Then, almost reluctantly, she started walking again.
“That’s my girl.” I couldn’t keep the triumph from my voice.
We made it around the small pasture once, then twice. My legs were starting to ache, and my back would probably hate me tomorrow, but I couldn’t care less. Junebug and I had found our rhythm, imperfect as it was.
“I think that’s enough for today,” Reid suggested gently. “Always good to end on a high note.”
I nodded, though part of me wanted to keep going forever. “So... how do I stop?”
“Sit deep in the saddle and pull back gently on both reins.” Enzo demonstrated the motion with his hands.
I followed his instructions, and Junebug came to a halt. The guys gathered closer as I dismounted. My legs felt like jelly as they hit the ground, but not as bad as the first time I’d ridden Tater Tot.
“That was...” I searched for words that could capture the feeling. “Amazing.”
