“Wait, is that what Caine does?” I ask with incredulity.
I can feel how wide my eyes are; I’m shaking.
“Not anymore, but he used to, was one of the best too,” Patrick says.
Patrick points his head toward the barn, and I follow him inside. I stand beside him as he shows me pictures of a young Caine, his arm slung over a woman who I’m assuming is his mom and his father, who looks just like him now! It’s kind of crazy! He’s grinning in many of the pictures, showing his first-place or second-place prize in each photograph.
“You win thousands of dollars?” I say when one of the frames shows an article about Caine’s winnings.
“He was the best,” Patrick says.
His eyes dart to me and he frowns but doesn’t elaborate. I can only speculate about what may have impacted Caine.
“Janine?” I ask. I stand with my hands resting on my hips.
Patrick’s mouth hangs open. “He told you about her, and you’re worried he hasn’t planned a day for you?” Patrick scoffs, shaking his head. “You’re dumber than you look.”
“Hey,” I yell, taking offense.
“You’re lucky you’re hot since you’re that dumb.”
“Are you done?” I ask, crossing my arms. “I’m sure a shovel would get you there faster than your mouth,” I retort with obvious irritation.
Patrick just grins. “You know that I’m known for my stupid mouth,” he says with a chuckle. “Come on.” He waves me over as he walks out of the barn.
I follow because what else am I supposed to do?
I watch as Patrick walks over to a horse. He throws a saddle on its back and tightens it, then waves me over again.
“What are you doing?” I ask with trepidation.
I eye the horse with skepticism. I have never been on a horse, and I have never wanted to. Is it going to try to throw me off? All I can picture in my head is that poor guy who ended up in the dirt not twenty minutes ago. Is this horse going to do that to me?
“Not me, you.”
I start to laugh. He’s joking, right? I’m not riding a horse! But before I know what’s happening, Patrick walks up behind me, grabs my waist, and hoists me up.
I can’t believe he has the strength to lift me over his head and up onto the horse!
“What the hell, Patrick!” I yell as I grip the reins for dear life.
Patrick just laughs at me.
“What are you doing to my girl?” I hear from behind me.
His girl… I can’t help it. I shiver at the deep baritone of his voice.
Chapter Twenty-One
Caine
Before I left to get everything ready, I messaged Patrick asking him to get Trance and Sadie ready for my date. I have the food in the basket that I’ll keep on my lap as we ride out to the river that runs beside our property. It’s been dry for the past week, so I know the ground is perfect for a picnic.
What I hadn’t expected was the terrified yell from Mikayla as Iwatched Patrick manhandle her onto Sadie.
I know Mikayla hasn’t ridden before. But I didn’t think she was scared of horses. I picked Sadie because she is an old girl used to new riders.
Even with Mikayla yelling, Sadie remains calm, but that’s the only thing that I expected.
