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We're both aware that this isn't just a race. It's a test. And as we thunder down the trail, I have every intention of winning. No matter how charmingly distracting my opponent may be.
Maximus begins to pull slightly ahead of Water as we take the next corner. Alex calls over to me. "That's pretty good. But now you get to see what Maximus can really do."
With a determined look on his face, Alex leans low over Maximus' neck, urging him onward. Maximus responds, his powerful muscles bunching as he surges forward, gaining ground with every stride.
I lean forward, whispering words of encouragement into Water’s ear, feeling him respond to my voice as we race to keep up with Maximus. The wind thrashes my hair, and I can't help but let out a whoop of excitement. I can't remember the last time I felt this alive, this exhilarated.
As our horses dash down the trail, their hooves thundering against the ground, the gap between us narrows. I push Water forward. We're neck and neck with Alex again.
As we overtake him, I shout. "They can eat our dust, Water!"
With the finish line in sight, our horses race with unrelenting vigor, and we continue to trade places like a choreographed dance. One moment, Maximus is in the lead. Then with a burst of energy, Water surges ahead.
Each time we pass each other, our eyes meet for a moment. I start to wonder if I'm more thrilled by taking the lead or by seeing him look at me.
As I pull ahead one last time, I feel a surge of excitement. There's something absolutely invigorating about the wall of wind against my skin and the sun beating down on my face. I've ridden this trail many days before, but today there's a newness to it all, a fresh sense of excitement.
I look over my shoulder at the man I just met. His eyes are sparkling with competitive spirit, and there's a grin on his face that mirrors my own. It feels so strange to have found myself in the middle of a perfect day with a total stranger, racing horses and competing.
Maybe that's the best way to spend it. Maybe I’ve met a worthy opponent.
7
ALEXIS
Ican't help but marvel at this mysterious girl. She is not only able to keep up with Maximus but has once again surpassed us. Her control of the horse is effortless as if they are moving as one.
Her laughter rings through the air as she surges ahead. In this place, on this horse, she is everything pure and solid. She is the beauty of the morning sun, the joy of the cool breeze, the promise of the open prairie.
Maximus seems as stunned as I am. The usual fire in his stride falters, a hesitancy I've never felt in him. The river is only a few meters away.
I lean down and whisper encouragement into Maximus' ear. With a surge of raw power, Maximus leaps forward. We close the gap, her surprised gasp lost to the sound of thundering hooves.
I pull Maximus to a halt. Turning towards her with my heart pounding in my chest, I've never felt more alive. I flash her a smile, my voice barely more than a pant.
"Well," I gasp out. "I suppose we'll have to settle for a tie."
I dismount Maximus, the energy from our race still thrumming beneath my skin. I extend my hand towards her to help her down from her high perch atop Water.
"You're quite the rider," I remark, my tone filled with genuine admiration.
A beguiling smirk crosses her face. "You're not too bad yourself," she says as she playfully ignores my offer and slides off the horse on her own.
We make our way over to the riverbank, our horses trailing behind us. With our breathing still heavy, we settle down in the cool grass. Maximus and Water quench their thirst, gentle and unhurried. The soft gurgle of the river melds with the song of birds in the distance, and I feel a deep calm come over me.
I turn my gaze back to her, her profile illuminated by the soft glow of the sun. "I told Maximus that if he won the race, I'd let you brush him. And he took off like a shot."
She leans towards me. "That's funny. Because I told Water that if he won, I'd let you brush him. Then he slowed down."
I take this moment to truly look at her, taking in the way the sun lights up her features. It’s not just her easy spirit or her intoxicating laugh, but the whole of her that suddenly leaves me breathless.
I become enamored with the playful little specks of her freckles. Her hair, a riot of curls, bounces with every hearty laugh. Her skin, the color of rich, warm cocoa, glistens with hard-earned sweat.
I see confidence and strength. She’s utterly enchanting in a way that’s entirely new to me.
I shake my head.What am I doing?I have a purpose, a duty to carry out. No part of my task is helped by getting charmed by a ranch girl, no matter how captivating she may be.
I draw in a deep breath, fortifying myself. My resolve instantly disappears as she sighs.
