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“We chose for you; I hope you don’t mind.”
“You know their temperaments better than anyone else, I’m sure,” Nathan says as he folds me under his arm and helps me walk along the cobbled path.
The walkway is narrow, surrounded by beautiful flowers in pots and hedges hiding what lies beyond from view. By now though I have it sussed but I don’t want to say it out loud until I’m sure.
Finally the large barn style stables come into view and I can’t help hissing out an ecstatic, “YES!”
Nathan winks at me and George finally allows us entry where two well dressed employees suit us up in the proper horse riding attire. I’ve never seen Nathan in breeches before. I need to see him in them again. I wonder if they’ll let us keep them. His legs look so powerful, toned and smooth. I have never been so turned on by the sight of such shapely man legs before. I’m officially weird but I have no regrets.
“These are yours too.” We’re passed helmets and Nathan helps to tighten the buckle of mine under my chin before allowing me to help him buckle his. I scratch at the scruff of his beard, kiss it and give an excited squeal when they inform us that we’re ready to meet our horses.
“I can’t believe you’ve done this,” I whisper, feeling all kinds of emotional. “This is…”
“Save it for later.” Nathan brings my gloved hand to his lips, his eyes holding mine. “Let’s go and meet our horses.”
The scent of the stables is exactly how I imagined it to be. It reminds me of rats. Everything in nature reminds me of rats but my happiness at the situation overrides my fear of the mini demonic buck tooth creatures with tails like a dying worm and…
“You look pale,” Nathan whispers.
I shake my head to rid myself of the thoughts. It doesn’t take much to distract me as I’m too busy inwardly screaming at the sight of a beautiful dark brown horse coming my way. It’s a lot bigger than I imagined.
“This gorgeous boy is Retro.” George pats his beautiful, long brown nose and tugs on the saddle. “He will be your chauffeur for your ride.”
Nathan walks me around the side of him. My nerves are shot. I’ve never ridden a horse before, although I’ve always wanted to.
He takes my hand as the others verbally guide me up a set of wooden steps. I’m instructed to put one foot in the stirrup and swing the other over the horse’s wide back. This is extremely nerve wracking.
“I’m going to fall,” I laugh and Nathan uses this as permission to place a firm hand on my rear. “Stop.”
“I’m just helping,” he jests and I count down out loud before hopping onto the horse. I’m not very graceful but after sliding around on the saddle a little I finally get my leg over and breathe a sigh of relief.
“Are you okay?” Nathan asks, gripping my thigh as the horse takes a sideways step.
“Oh my god.” I feel the power of the beast beneath me and my fear floods a huge amount of adrenaline through my system. I’ve never felt so tall, high and powerful. “This is amazing.”
“Am I okay to leave you so I can situate myself?” Nathan asks, rubbing my thigh with his thumb.
I nod, smiling down at him, and watch as he’s guided to his own even larger horse than mine. It’s pure black with the most beautiful braided mane.
Nathan slips onto his horse without guidance and with such ease. He aims a smug grin at me and I flip him off and show him my tongue.
“What’s your horse called?”
“Moon Vessel,” he chuckles and I follow suit. What an odd one. I love it though. It suits him.
“You certainly planned this on the perfect day,” George comments as he brings out his own horse. “Zephyr and I love walking in the sun.”
“I’m glad,” I state because I’m not sure what else to state.
“I’ll be taking point, but I won’t bother you as promised. I’m a safeguard because you’re new to the horses and you,” he nods at me, “Are new to horse riding.”
I smile sheepishly and scrunch my nose up at Nathan.
“Are you clear on all of the instructions you were given?”
We both confirm we are. I can tell by the quickness of Nathan’s tone that he’s as eager to actually start as I am.
“Let’s go.”
It’s the moment of truth.
With little nudges from the heel of my boot, Retro takes his first steps. My body sways with it. It’s surprisingly comfortable at the moment, but I have no doubt that will change with time.
“Pull to a stop just beyond the doors and I’ll take lead,” George calls as Nathan spurs Moon Vessel to my side.
“Where are we going?” I ask, staring down at my horse with wide eyes. He’s holding such a steady and controlled pace; does he know I’m new? Somebody once told me that horses can read people better than people. Whether that’s true or not I don’t know, but I sure hope he isn’t getting spooked by my fear. I’m trying my hardest to be calm.
