Page 121 of Come to Me
I smile. "You're in for a treat then."
* * *
"You rich asshole."Alyssa stares at the pair of horses in shock, even though she knew what we were doing. She turns to me, a hint of trepidation in her expression. "What if it tries to kill me?"
I stifle a laugh.
"It's a guided trail," I say, keeping my tone even. I point to the guide slowly meandering towards us. "You'll be fine."
"But inGone with the Wind-"
"Let me guess--you read that whole, eight-billion-page book?"
"I'm sure you've seen the film," she retorts, with special emphasis on the word film, as if she's mocking me.
Okay, she's absolutely mocking me. But, before I have a chance to tease her mercilessly, the guide arrives.
He's a short, bald man. About thirty.
We go through introductions. Steve is going to take us on a guided horseback ride.
"Is this your first time on the island?" he asks.
"It is," I confirm.
"You're in for a treat then." He nods to a stable and motions for us to follow him. "You know, Hawaii is not only the most beautiful state in the country. We're also number one in weddings."
I grin at the off-hand remark, turning to Alyssa.
"What do you say? Want to fuck the planning and do it while we're here?"
She bites her lip. "Horses first, then your nonsense."
I sigh silently.
Not a surprising response at this point, though it's still disappointing.
Steve opens the doors to the stable. It's divided into half a dozen stalls, each one housing a horse.
Alyssa's jaw drops open. "They're huge."
The horses we saw outside were a good bit of distance away, milling around in a fenced in area.
He points Alyssa to the brown horse in the corner. "This is Mabel. She's been doing this trail for years and she's very comfortable with people."
Alyssa nods, taking a deep breath. "Okay."
I frown. I want her to enjoy this, not dread it.
"We don't have to, Ally."
She shakes her head. She's determined. Steve helps her lead her horse outside then does the same with me.
Alyssa stares at her horse. She's transfixed.
"It's very safe," Steve reassures her. "Do you need some help getting on?"
She nods, accepting his words, and allows him to help her onto the horse. She looks back at me for reassurance and I give her a thumbs up.
