Someone eventually grabbed the reins and pulled the horse away, but for those few seconds I was just lying there inthe dirt, staring up at it, convinced it was about to crush my skull.
Since then, I’ve had a very practical fear of horses. Luckily, living in the city means I almost never have to deal with them.
“I’d love to,” I say, which is very much a lie. “But the only time I’ve ever ridden a horse, it threw me off and I broke my arm.” A generously mild description of what actually happened. “So I’ve been avoiding horses ever since.”
Caroline winces. “Oh dear. That’s a shame.”
But Noah’s eyes light up, a mischievous look spreading across his face.
“It’s a great idea, Dad,” he says, then turns to me. “Don’t worry, Connor. I’ll teach you.”
The way he saysteachmakes me instantly wary. His eyes narrow just slightly, and I can practically see the revenge plan taking shape.
“I don’t know if that’s a good—” I start.
“Come on, it’ll be fun,” Noah says quietly, angling his head closer so the words are clearly meant just for me. “Unless you’re still scared?”
Well, I am. But I’m not about to admit that to my fake boyfriend of less than twenty-four hours.
“I’m not scared,” I reply automatically.
“Good,” he says, holding my gaze. “Because I’m an excellent teacher. Very patient.”
A hint of flirtation in his voice makes warmth curl low in my stomach, pushing the memory of the accident briefly out ofmy head. He slips into the boyfriend role so naturally that for a second I almost forget this whole thing is supposed to be an act.
“Alright,” I say, still looking at him, a little dazed.
“Excellent,” Daniel says, clearly pleased. “Go change into something comfortable and meet us outside the cottage.”
“Perfect,” Noah says, pushing back his chair and catching my hand. “Come on. Let’s get you ready.”
His fingers close around mine, and I let him pull me to my feet, aware of Caroline watching us with undisguised delight. He steers me toward the door, and I follow, wondering exactly what I’ve gotten myself into.
The moment we step outside and start down the path toward the East Cottage, he drops my hand and turns to me with narrowed eyes.
“Never leaves his apartment?”he says, lowering his voice. “Seriously?”
“That’s not exactly wrong,” I say, unable to hide my smile. “You’re always home. You once ordered pizza three nights in a row.”
He stops walking.
“How do you know that?”
I raise an eyebrow. “Thin walls, remember?”
“That—” He closes his mouth, then tries again. “That was a busy week at work.”
“Sure it was,” I say. “I’m not judging.”
Noah sighs and nudges my shoulder. “Mom’s going to be on my case until I die now, you asshole. I’m getting you back for this.”
“Is that why you’re so excited to teach me to ride?” I ask. “Planning my downfall already?”
“I wouldnever—” he says, pressing a hand to his chest in mock offense. Then his eyes brighten with mischief. “—let you off that easily.”
I grin at him. He watches me for a second, then grins back, clearly already plotting something.
I try very hard not to think about the horses.
