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tay in here and be lazy. You do have your riding clothes?”
“I like being lazy. And yes, my riding clothes are in the closet.”
“Then get them. I’ll wait.” He stared down at her, fully expecting her to jump from the bed and dress for him. Seeing that he would not be discouraged, she sighed heavily and tried opening her eyes wide. There was no use being modest with the man. Despite the fact that she was naked, he wasn’t budging, so she pulled herself from the bed and dug around in the closet for the jodhpurs and baggy gray sweatshirt she wore when she rode. Finding the items she started to dress.
“Quit looking at me like that,” she finally spit out, annoyed.
“Like what?”
“Like you want to cane my ass before we start.”
“I can’t help that, love. It’s so natural with you,” he retorted.
“My ass is mine for the day if you don’t mind.”
“We’ll see about that,” he grinned coolly.
“Stop doing that!” she snapped.
“Doing what?”
“Acting like I’m guilty of something.”
“Then why are you reacting?”
“Oh, I do hate you!” she snarled, as she stormed toward the bathroom and slammed the door to have some peace while she finished getting ready.
The ride through the woods and meadows of Reggie’s property was exceptional. The sun tenderly caressed her shoulders and the early morning air was still crisp enough to course her system giving it an invigorating shock. However, the spirit of the day had a mind-numbing effect, and Alex got careless with her jumping. Taking an unusually high fence, the mare balked, and Alex took a tumble and fell to the ground. Reggie was off his horse in an instant, squatting at her side looking rightfully concerned. She was embarrassed.
“You okay?”
She shook out her arms and wiggled her hips. “Yes. I’ll survive,” she replied still shocked by the sudden fall.
“You’re sure?” he asked, as he helped her to her feet and watched her test her hesitant body.
“Yes, I’m just a little shaky.”
“No more jumping,” he warned her.
“She was doing so beautifully.”
“I’ve never known you to take such chances. Jocelyn yes. But you’re usually more conservative.”
“It’s the day,” she advised him as he helped her to the saddle.
“That and far more spunk that you need,” he said. “But, no more. Will would have my hide if you end up with a broken leg.”
“That I’d like to see.”
Reggie’s eyes narrowed sternly. “Just take it easy,” he advised.
That wasn’t hard to do, since she was still trembling, her stomach doing flip-flops. They rode just a few miles more, and then turned for the stables, taking the last mile at a quick but easy clip along a well-traveled lane.
Once off her mount, Alex led the mare to her stall and began to remove the bridle and saddle. She was such a sweet animal. She still couldn’t believe that she’d misjudged the fence and fallen. Nuzzling the mare, her gentle coo and careful stroking seemed only appropriate since she considered it her fault for taking the horse to a jump she was unaccustomed to. She remained lost in the affectionate moment until she heard footsteps behind her. Jerking around, she saw Reggie standing there, and cringed noting the riding crop in his hand.
“You planning to use that?” she asked him directly.
“Only if it’s necessary.”
