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“Everyone is different for what brings them the most pleasure. There may be a few things that many guys tend to enjoy, but women, in particular, aren’t a one-size-fits-all sort of deal. You have to figure out the little things that work for each person.”

Her brows furrow and she looks at the stables. I’m baffled that this seems to be news to her…that she might have thought the “issue” was with her, and I want to make all of those thoughts ancient history.

“We’ll get past two soon enough, don’t you worry about it.” That gets her attention and I give her a wink.

“Pardon me?” She sounds flustered but not ashamed, so that’s a step in the right direction.

“I mean, I’m more than willing to learn, as I hope you know by now.” One side of my mouth involuntarily tugs upwards. My need to keep her proud of herself overrides any remaining nerves about flirting with this gorgeous woman who happens to be wearing my shirt.

Her lips part and her blue eyes blink rapidly. Bella lets out a soft whinny, startling Sam enough where she refocuses on the horse.

“Do you think you’re ready for me to be on the other side of the gate? I’m not moving farther away than that.”

Her posture shifts, like her mind is leaving all of those feelings for later so she can tackle the task at hand. Determination replaces her nerves and self-consciousness when she meets my eyes once more, giving me a nod.

Stepping backwards until my back hits the gate, I turn for just a moment to climb a few rungs until I can swing my leg over and hop down on the other side. Sam’s eyes dart from Bella to me a few times as the mare keeps her leisurely pace.

“Is this okay?” I ask, leaning forward so my forearms rest on the gate.

“We seem to have found a groove.” She flashes me a quick smile before checking the reins once more.

“You definitely have.”

After another fifteen or so minutes, Sam has successfully stopped, started, and turned Bella around several times. Her hips move in time with Bella’s gait, which makes my mind think of the different ways she might move that way with me. But, best of all, she looks more unguarded by the moment. That unpracticed smile comes out each time she tries a maneuver making her eyes sparkle.

Thankfully, Chuck has stayed in the stables with everyone else doing who knows what. Otherwise, he’d likely be cackling at whatever love-struck puppy expression I undoubtedly have on my face right now.

Sam steers Bella so I can rub the horse’s soft, brown nose.

“How are you feeling?” I ask.

She looks thoughtful for a moment before responding. “Like I might be sitting a little funny tomorrow, but I don’t mind that in the least.”

“Would you like to dismount and brush her down?”

“You’ll walk me through it?” she asks.

“Of course.”

Her nod is all I need to see and I’m back inside the corral as the three of us move to the steps, Sam beaming with pride at directing Bella to the right spot. I stand next to the steps with one hand on Bella to keep her still and offer Sam the other.

“Do I just take my boot out of the stirrup and windmill my leg over Bella and hope it lands on the step?”

“That’s one option,” I say, holding back a chuckle at her phrasing. “I can help, too, but once your foot is free, be sure that you feel balanced.”

“Can you steady me?”

As if she’d ever have to ask me twice. I’m not fully sure what she wants steadied, so I face her and put one hand on each of her hips, Bella holding her position beautifully. My fingers curl on their own, wanting to take her off the horse and right up to my room. But I wait as she shifts to free her foot.

“You can set the reins on the pommel and use that to anchor yourself as you bring your leg over,” I say, walking her through it. “That’s it.”

She gives a little squeak as she swings her leg over the back end of the horse and my fingers grip a little tighter. She starts to slip from the momentum and I slow her progress so her boot can find the step.

“Can I take my other foot out now?”

I nod, loving the feel of each movement and how there are little shifts in her hips that my hands absorb. With both of her feet on the top step, she stands up straight.

“I did it.” Her voice is practically a whisper.