AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Strangely, I’m more needled by the fact that Sarah won’t be easily convinced than by the idea of introducing her to my grandmother. As my future wife, no less.
Oh, dear.
“How’s Liliya?” Mariann asks knowingly as I stuff my phone back in my pocket.
“Tanning in the Maldives. She’s back next week.”
Bex’s grandmother smirks. “I bet.”
36
SARAH
“Didyouhave to be the one showing me the ropes?” I grumble, as Marius leads the imposing beast in slow circles.
“Yes,” he replies simply. “Relax your hips. You’re working against the movement—that’ll only hurt you.”
I grimace, but do as I’m told.
Marius isn’t the worst of teachers, but I definitely would have preferred if Bex of Vi could have helped me. But apparently, Damian is also new to riding, and Bex opted to teach him.
I flush self-consciously. Everyone has been staring between us since Violet announced that we were going to get married sometime in an imaginary future. I’m going to strangle her. Just as soon as she stops galloping around the farm like an Amazon.
It’s so peaceful up here, with fresh air and the gorgeous landscape. I can’t imagine what it must have been like, growing up in a place like this. I don’t envy people their wealth, but this? The stability, the warmth of her grandparents, the delight of having those beautiful horses to brush and pet and ride? I definitely envy Bex Carmichael.
“That’s it. You’re a natural.”
“Hardly,” I scoff.
“Look at Damian if you doubt it.”
I glance towards him, and can’t help the laughter that bubbles up my throat. He’s literally screaming.
“Yeah, I guess I’m not that terrible.” Reluctantly, I add, “You’re a good teacher.”
“And you’re proficient at doing what you’re told,” Marius replies, his teasing tone sliding along my skin like a caress.
I pretend I didn’t hear the nuance, just like I pretended he didn’t exist while my friends were joking about our future nuptials.
It’s nice to have friends, it really is. And I understand that they’re just joking around. But did they have to joke about me andhim? It’s downright embarrassing.
“I think you have the basics down. Would you like to try a bit more speed?”
I hesitate. “A bit?”
He nods.
“Why not…”
To my confusion, Marius climbs up behind me on the horse.
“Wait, what are you…”
“You’re going to lead, but I want to be there to take control in case something goes wrong,” he tells me.
Now I’m imagining everything going wrong, and the horse bucking underneath me, sending me on my ass. I can’t protest. “Okay.”
I can feel his grin, although he’s behind me.
