Page 72 of The Jealous Girl

Two Years Ago – Mid July

‘The saddle was moving,’ I said, watching as Ryan tipped a scoop of feed into Atlas’s bucket.

He didn’t look up. ‘You were sitting on a horse, Kirsty. It’s not going to be fixed to the spot.’

‘I didn’t expect it would be, but I didn’t think it would⁠—’

‘It was your first attempt. Of course you were nervous.’

Heat crept into my face. ‘It wasn’t just nerves.’

Ryan stepped closer, reaching past me for a container on the shelf.

‘It’ll be easier next time,’ he assured me, as he unscrewed the lid and measured the powder into a scoop before tipping it into Atlas’s feed.

‘Next time?’ My eyes widened. ‘You’re kidding, right? You don’t seriously think I’m going to get back on a horse after that, do you?’

‘There’s nothing to be afraid of. I keep telling you it’s perfectly safe.’

‘It didn’t feel safe.’

Ryan sighed, finally looking at me. ‘Charlotte’s been around horses all her life. She knows what she’s doing. And she certainly knows how to tighten a saddle.’

‘But it wasn’t tight.’

He rolled his eyes. ‘Well, obviously it can’t be too tight, you have to think about the comfort and safety of the horse too.’

‘Right,’ I muttered. ‘We wouldn’t want Spook to be uncomfortable.’

‘Spook?’ Ryan frowned.

I nodded. ‘Yes, the horse I was on.’

Ryan chuckled. ‘Charlotte wouldn’t put you on Spook. He has that name for a reason. He’s too twitchy.’

I swallowed. ‘Well, she did.’

‘He’s not a beginner horse,’ Ryan added. ‘He has his own way of doing things.’

‘I know. He was trying to untie himself.’

‘You’re still getting to know the horses,’ Ryan said, shaking his head. ‘It’s natural that you’d get their names mixed up.’

‘But I haven’t⁠—’

‘Charlotte knows these horses,’ he cut in. ‘You don’t.’

I flinched.

‘Look,’ he said, softer now. ‘I know this isn’t easy for you. Being out here in the countryside. Around all the horses. It’s a different way of life than what you’re used to. A different world. But it will get easier. You just have to give it time. You’ll learn how things work here.’

I nodded reluctantly.

‘You’ll get used to the horses too,’ he added, pulling me into a hug. ‘I promise. It’ll all be okay.’

I didn’t respond. I didn’t share his optimism.

‘Right, I’ve got to get back to it,’ he said, stepping away. ‘Are you going to be okay?’