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“Thank goodness for Storm Chaser,” Harry said, running a hand through his hair and glancing at the other horses, making their way toward them. “None of our horses would’ve been able to catch Midnight.”
“None of us would’ve been able to, even if we were on a horse as fast as Midnight,” Hannah commented. “I knew I should’ve taken Midnight.” She smiled warmly at Mike. “Not that I doubt your riding abilities, but Midnight has a hair trigger when he needs a good run.”
“He hasn’t been out on the trail for a few weeks to have a good run,” Lorry explained.
“So basically, what my friends are trying to tell you, Mike,” Sam said, giving Harry a warning look, “before my husband teases you, is that you were basically handed a loaded gun!”
“Geez, did you have to tell him that?” Jade said, rolling her eyes as she and Gemma caught up to them. “I’m trying to get my uncle to buy him for me.”
“Why do you want Midnight so badly?” Mike asked her.
“Because he and I understand each other,” Jade surprised him by saying. “Do you want to swap horses for the rest of the ride, Uncle Mike?”
“I’m not sure I want you riding him, sweetheart,” Mike said honestly, grateful that no one was making him feel like a complete idiot for his wild horseback ride.
“But Uncle Mike,” Jade began, but he cut her off.
“I’m sorry, honey, but I think he’s just too much for you.” Mike’s voice brooked no argument. “Now, shall we continue our trail ride?”
CHAPTER 6
NickycouldseethatMidnight was still itching to stretch his powerful legs, and she’d been surprised to find a novice riding on his back. Nicky smiled to herself. She knew Mike was trying hard, but she could see he wasn’t as confident as he was trying to appear in the saddle.
“Mike, do you mind if I take Midnight for a while?” Nicky offered. “I can exercise him, and you’ll see how gentle he can be once he’s been exercised.”
“You want me to rideyourhorse?” Mike’s eyes widened as he gaped at the stallion Nicky was perched on.
“I promise you, Storm Chaser won’t take off at the spur of the moment,” Nicky promised. “He’s a lot more disciplined than Midnight.”
“Okay!” Mike’s eyes narrowed as he watched Nicky dismount, and he did the same.
Nicky smiled warmly at Mike as Harry slid out of his saddle to hold Storm Chaser while Mike climbed into the saddle.
“I’ll keep an eye on them,” Harry promised, and Nicky didn’t miss the look the two men exchanged.
“I’ll meet you at Pan’s Waterfall,” Nicky told them.
She confidently swung into the saddle and felt Midnight give a little prance of excitement, knowing he was about to do what he loved—run. With a gentle nudge and a soft word of encouragement, they were off. The sensation was exhilarating as they surged forward, the horse’s powerful muscles propelling them across the open fields. The wind whipped through Nicky’s hair, tugging at loose strands and bringing a sense of liberation. The scenery around them was a picturesque panorama of rolling hills and vibrant wildflowers, all a blur as they raced forward. Nicky leaned into Midnight’s rhythmic stride, feeling the horse’s energy surge beneath her. Together, they were a force of nature, a harmonious blend of rider and steed, as they galloped toward Pan’s Waterfall.
“She’s magnificent,” Mike murmured, watching Nicky handle the powerful beast with ease as horse and rider melded into the perfect team, disappearing over the horizon.
“That she is!” Harry agreed with a chuckle and glanced at the horse walking sedately with Mike perched on top. “How does it feel to be seated on the infamous Storm Chaser?”
“Surprisingly easy to ride, and I feel more at ease on him than I did on Midnight,” Mike admitted. “It’s like admiring a pedigree supercar from afar and not being sure if you could handle it, but you start to drive it, and it handles like a dream.”
“Are you comparing a racehorse to an Italian sports car?” Harry looked at him in disbelief.
“I believe I am.” Mike laughed and confidently leaned forward to pat Storm Chaser on the neck. “He’s a beautiful animal.” He looked at the high glossy sheen of the horse’s coat. “It’s like his coat has a pearly sheen to it.”
“That breed is known for its shiny coat,” Harry told him. “It’s an Akhal-Teke.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Mike laughed.
There were only a few breeds he knew about, and those were quarter horses, Appaloosas, Arabians, and Paint horses. Mike doubted he’d even remember that breed’s name, let alone know how to pronounce it.
“Nicky must like you,” Harry pointed out, surprising Mike.
“Why would you say that?” Mike frowned.
