Page 17 of The Bookstore on Marco Island

“But?” Mike looked at her questioningly with raised brows.

“He’s more for an experienced rider,” Sam said. “Like Jade.”

“I was thinking of buying him for Jade, and that’s why I’m riding him,” Mike told them. “I’m worried about her riding a stallion.”

“Then you’ll be pleased to know that Midnight is a gelding.” Nicky’s voice had Mike nearly falling out of the saddle as she rode up beside him.

She was on a beautiful silver horse that was just as tall as Midnight. It was like no horse he’d seen before. The horse’s coat was silver with a metallic sheen that shone in the sunlight. The horse had a black face with a white diamond on its forehead. Its ears, mane, tail, and elegant legs were also a silky black—the horse was as striking as the woman riding him.

“But I thought Midnight was a racehorse?” Mike’s mind turned to pudding once again as he stared at Nicky poised on the large stallion as if she were born in the saddle.

“Most racehorses are gelded to make them better able to focus on racing,” Nicky explained, and he noticed she did so without being condescending, unlike his friend.

“Oh, really?” Mike asked, although he’d only just remembered that bit of information the moment she’d started to explain it to him.

“Yes, Midnight’s gelded and a great horse.” Nicky leaned over and stroked the animal. “Hey, boy.” She smiled at Mike, and he swallowed as he watched her lean over and pat her horse’s neck. “Storm Chaser is a stallion.”

Midnight, who had felt Mike was nervous of him and had been prancing, instantly calmed down when Nicky stroked him.

Good grief, even the horse is affected by her.Mike felt a little better knowing he wasn’t the only one affected by Nicky Scott.

Nicky was greeted by Jade and the Beckett family as her three sisters joined her. They were all riding horses owned by the Scotts, two of which they were also selling. Mike wanted to ask why they were suddenly selling three horses, but his niece, riding Arrow, joined them.

“Hi, Nicky, it’s nice to see you again.” Jade greeted Nicky, casting a cheeky grin at Mike and ignoring his warning scowl. “I love your horse.”

“I do, too,” Nicky told her. “Sam tells me you’ve become quite the accomplished rider.”

“I’m trying, as I love horseback riding.” Jade’s grin broadened at the praise.

“Well, I must say you look like a natural on a horse,” Nicky complimented her.

“She does, doesn’t she?” Mike agreed proudly.

“How long have you been riding for, Mike?” Nicky asked him.

“Oh, a while,” Mike hedged.

“Awesome!” Nicky smiled. “I’ve been wanting to go check out Pan’s Waterfall again.” She looked from Mike to Jade. “But my sisters don’t want to ride that far today. Would you two like to come with me?” She pointed to her saddlebags. “I have enough here to make a small picnic.”

“I’d love to,” Jade beamed, looking at Mike. “Oh, please, can we?”

“Sure, why not?” Mike agreed, swallowing a lump of panic, knowing how far Pan’s Waterfall was.

“We don’t mind riding with you either,” Harry said, inviting himself and his family with them. “Sam has enough food on Mischa, our saddle horse. We were going to invite you all for a picnic with us anyway.”

“That’s even better,” Nicky said, looking toward her sisters. “Are you three sure you can’t join us?”

“We have to get back to work,” Steph said, looking disappointed. “You know how much I love going to Pan’s Waterfall.”

“I have to spend some time with Mom before I head back to Palm Beach tomorrow,” Hannah said.

“Sorry, I have to get back to work as well.” Lorry sighed.

“Well, then it looks like it’s just the six of us for the picnic,” Sam said before kicking her horse into a walk to join Lorry, Gemma, Hannah, and Steph, who were going to lead the first part of the trail.

“I’ll catch you later,” Nicky said to Mike, gave Harry a nod, and trotted off.

“I’m going to join them up front with Gemma,” Jade said, giving Mike a worried look. “Are you going to be okay riding at the back with Uncle Harry and Mischa?”

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