Page 19 of Stray

“Sorry,” I say sheepishly, “I’ve been kind of spacey the last couple of days.”

“No problem. I asked if you wanna go check out the horses with me?” I look at the horse she’s riding. He’s so big and beautiful, with the deepest eyes I’ve seen on an animal.

“Well, I’ve never ridden a horse,” I admit softly while staring at the massive creature, and she smiles brighter.

“Oh, you are definitely coming with me then.”

* * *

“Theo,” I say hesitantly when she brings the cream-colored horse over to stand beside me. “I-I really don’t know, what if I scare him?”

“Well, first off, Betty is a lady; and second, anyone that can handle that asshole Leroy will have no trouble with Betty. The trick is to let them get to know you first. People think they can just jump on and take off, and while that’s fine for a quick trot, you ain’t gonna bond with her on a real level. There won’t be any trust.” She hands me a bucket with some bananas and carrots in it.

“Betty prefers bananas, Louis over there is a whore for apples, and Thing One and Two will throw a goddamn tantrum if not given watermelon.” I laugh as I peel the banana out of the bucket. Betty snorts and shakes her massive head.

“She’s excited,” Theo encourages. “Go on, Oz, I’m telling you, I am a horse matchmaker. Betty and you are about to bond. I’m never wrong.” Nodding slowly, I hold the banana out, and Betty pulls it from my hand.

“I did it!” I breathe excitedly. Betty lowers her head, and I look at Theo.

“Give her a pat.” She says, and I do, running my hand over her head softly. Betty snorts and nudges my face with her nose, making me laugh.

“Jr!” Carter’s voice rings across the field. Theo groans as she rolls her eyes.

“Dumbass lookin’ for a fucking beat down calling me that shit. You gonna be alright here?” She asks while hopping up on her horse with such grace I can’t help feeling envious.

“Yep.” I smile softly.

“There’s a brush over there if you wanna give her a rub. I’ll see you later on.” I watch Theo and her horse go off across the field. Picking up the brush, I walk up to Betty and run it over her mane. Betty shakes her head and snorts.

“Sorry,” I say softly to her, trying again, “I’m new to this.”

“That’s for her body,” Jackson’s voice nearly causes me to piss myself. I look over to see him walking up in his work boots, dirty jeans, and, oh, he’s wearing his shirt now. He bends down and picks up a metal comb.

“This is for her mane and tail. When combing out her mane, you want to treat it like your hair. You spray it with a detangler and then comb from the bottom on up. If you have a knot, don’t tug it with the comb, work it out with your fingers. Now, if you are brushing her body, there are many steps, but since I’m guessing Theo is just trying to let you bond with Ol’ Betty here, you’ll use this brush and go in short strokes, following the growth pattern.”

I nod while putting the brush on Betty’s side and swiping along her coat. “That’s good,” Jackson comes closer. “Can I touch your hand?” He asks, and my heart is instantly in my throat.

“Y-yes,” I whisper as his hand reaches to cover mine. It’s warm and rough, and… just like the other night, I don’t want him to let go. He pushes my hand down to show the proper pressure as we move in short strokes over Betty’s coat. I’m not paying attention to the brushing anymore. My focus is on him, his warm body, his masculine smell, and his powerful hand on top of mine. I steal a glance at his tan face; the crinkles at the corners of his blue eyes deepen as he smirks.

“Look at you Tink,” He says, letting go of me all too soon, “A fucking natural.” I give him a shy laugh and shake my head.

“Yeah, I didn’t foresee adding horse brusher to my resume.” He gives me a crooked grin that makes me feel, well, normal. And it’s uncomfortable. I’m not used to feeling normal when talking to a man. But I do; Jackson makes me feel like I could be comfortable.

Clearing my throat, I look back at Betty before speaking.

“Thank you for Gretchen. Dorothy said you got her all done yesterday. And… thank you for the other night.” I mutter, not wanting to delve into this but knowing I at least owe him a thanks.

Jackson sits on the stool and stares at me for a long moment. “Don’t mention it, Tink.” Don’t mention it? He’s not going to ask about the flashback or why I was in the woods?

“You’re not going to ask about that night?” I say, walking over to a stall door and to lean against it, needing the support.

“Nope.” He says while beating his gloves on his jeans to get the dirt off before standing. “Not my business.”

I give him an appreciative smile, though I’m freaking out on the inside. Once again, I feel comfortable. “Well, I should get back to the house,” I say and go to move, only to have my foot caught in the bars of the stall door. “Fuck,” I try to jerk it out again, but it doesn’t budge. I try to twist my shoe out and hiss in pain.

“I can’t believe I have to say this,” Jackson states dryly. “But Ozzy, your foot can’t bend in that monstrosity you call a shoe.” I snort and roll my eyes.

“Well, it’s not like I can reach around the gate and free it!” I snap as he chuckles while watching me trying to balance on one heel. God, am I regretting these shoes. I mean, they’re perfection—black faux leather, lace-up ankle boots with chrome plating, a finger bone as the heel with studded straps. But I would absolutely give anything to not be in them right now. Jackson walks around the gate and looks at my leg. At least, that’s what I’m guessing. I can’t see through the wood, and of course, my foot would go in the one fucking hole in this stupid door.

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