My voice drops to a soft whisper. “Although maybe you could check me over later tonight. Just to make sure.”
“Really. Sounds good to me.” He clears his throat and his fingers flex around my arms. “As long as you’re okay?”
“I’m good, but maybe you can help me up. You don’t think they’re going to figure out I can’t ride, do you?” There’s been a knot of fear lodged in my chest since we started this adventure, but it had eased up. Until now. The only thing keeping me together right now is his hands on me.
He tilts his head looking down at me with amusement. “You can ride, Hollywood.”
I throw my hands up. “But I fell off. In front of everybody.”
The asshole has the audacity to chuckle. “You’re not a real cowgirl if you’ve never fallen off, so I think congratulations are in order.”
I nibble at my lower lip, hoping he’s right. “What happened, anyway?”
He rolls his eyes. “Hayden decided it would be fun to show off, and he took off at a gallop for the barn. That’s like one of the first rules of horsemanship: never encourage your horse to run toward home. That’s how you create a monster. Maybe I should have put him on Flash like Shayla wanted. She never would have done that.”
His calloused hands are warm and familiar under mine as he helps me to my feet. “Shayla wanted him to ride Flash?”
“I think she suspected he might pull something stupid like this.” He bends down to gather Flash’s reins off the ground. She’s quietly tearing away at the grass, green goo flying out of her mouth around the bit. “Looks like she was right. God, I hate it when she’s right.”
I laugh. “Why’d you say no?”
He turns away from me to tug my horse up from her feast. It takes some effort. She’s not so eager to give up on her unexpected snack. “I wanted you to be comfortable for your first trail ride. Thought it would help to at least be riding a familiar horse.”
Why is he so sweet and thoughtful? I don’t even know what to do with that. It’s too much. He can’t bereal. I rub at the ache in my chest. Now I feel like a humongous jerk for leaving him that note. It was so impersonal.
“Thank you, and sorry about the note. I should have told you my plans in person.” It’s inadequate, but it’s all I’ve got.
“No need to thank me. Let’s get back to the barn before my sister scares Hayden away.” He hands me the reins to his horse, who obediently follows along behind me, while he struggles to keep Flash from faceplanting into the grass again. “Although, maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad idea. How well do you know that guy?”
“Not that well. He guest-starred on one episode ofPaisleyand I’ve met him handful of times over the years. Bound to happen when you’re of a certain age and success level in Hollywood.”
He leaves it for a moment as we get closer to the barn. “Well, he certainly seemed friendly with you on the ride.”
There it is. Even the nice guys can’t seem to keep that jealous streak in check. “We’re castmates. We’re all going to be getting to know each other quite well over the next few months. And hopefully we all get along. It’s much better than the alternative. I know what it’s like to work with people I don’t get along with, and let me tell you, it’s no fun. So don’t ruin this for me, please. Even if we were dating for real, I’d be pissed if you tried to cut me off from people I have to work with.”
He has the decency to look abashed. “I’m sorry I made you feel that way. You know I would never do that, though. Tell you to stay away from other guys. That’s gross. But I am still pissed that he put you in dangerlike that.” He tilts his head, squinting at the bright sun blanketing the barn in its warmth. “I’ve gotta go untack quick and then go check on the broodmares. Chipper especially is getting pretty restless. You okay to look after our girl?”
I nod, then catch sight of Savannah watching us with a smile from the barn door. I lean in, placing a hand on his shoulder and steal what’s supposed to be a quick kiss for show, but I linger longer than I should, and he doesn’t pull away.
***
By the time I’ve finished untacking and brushing Flash, my hair is damp with sweat and every muscle in my body is aching. A hot shower and a nap are both calling to me before we have to come back for some rehearsals this afternoon. But I hang out with Flash a little while longer, leaning on her solid body while she grazes. It’s just so peaceful out here, and I know that’s all going to be gone soon with the hectic filming schedule.
Delaney walks up to me, black velvet riding helmet tucked under her arm and looking as fresh as she did when we started. How did she avoid getting a speck of dirt on her? Even her hair is smooth and glossy, pulled back in a long ponytail. No sign of helmet hair.
“How did you pull that off?” I ask.
Her big pale blue eyes crunch together. “What?”
“Looking so perfect. Did you not brush your horse?”
“I did, and I’m far from perfect.” She brushes her hands down her front. Her nails are painted pale pink and perfectly shaped. “Look at all that hair.”
“Whatever you say.”
“Listen, we were planning on heading out for lunch. Little get-together sort of thing. Just the main cast. You have to come.”
Exhaustion wars with the FOMO. This could be an important moment. A chance for the cast to get to know each other a little better before we’re hurled into the crazy world of pretending to be other people. My practical side is screaming at me to say yes, while my exhausted side is fighting for that nap I’ve been dreaming about.
