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Shane’s gaze lingered on her for a moment at the use of Riley’s name. Then he turned back to his computer screen. “That may be. However, his group sessions have seen a mild improvement as well.”

Grace leaned forward and her eyes widened. “They have?”

He nodded and faced the monitor in her direction. There were several little notes taken by Kevin regarding Riley’s participation. His first two weeks, Riley refused to talk about anything. Now he was commenting on what others were discussing. “He might not be opening up about his own traumas, but he’s giving validation to the people around him. That’s a good sign.”

She sat back in her seat and folded her arms. Thatwasa good sign. He was relaxing, allowing his walls to come down even if it was just for a little while.

“I’m sorry. What was it you wanted to discuss with me today?” Shane chuckled. “Sometimes I get so wrapped up in something I forget that there are other things that need to be touched on.”

Grace shook her head. “Nothing. I was just checking in.”

Shane smiled. “Great. Let me know if there’s anything else you need.”

She nodded, getting to her feet. Her whole body felt numb, as if she’d been shot with a stun gun. It was a miracle she could even walk at all. Her perception of how her sessions were going was utterly different from Riley’s, and it made her realize one thing.

She didn’t have to be so careful about what she said to him.

* * *

“We’re not goingfor a ride today.” She strode past Riley just as he grabbed the saddle from the pole on the wall.

His head snaked around, following her as she reached for a lead rope. “We’re not? But I thought—”

“Nope. We’re going to have some fun.”

“Riding is fun,” he argued as he put the saddle back. “Riding is actually something I look forward to every day.”

Grace tossed him a lead rope and grinned. “This is going to be more fun than riding.”

His features pinched and he scratched his head. “I’d rather ride if it’s all the same to you.”

She let out a groan. “Come on. There are more things we can do with our horses than ride them. You’ve got a good handle on the grooming and saddling. Now, let’s get to know Dolly the way you ought to.”

His jaw was set, but he didn’t argue with her. He lifted the lead rope and waved it at her. “And if this isn’t asfunas you claim it will be? Then can we come back here and saddle them?”

She rolled her eyes. “Where’s your sense of adventure? Just put the lead on her and let’s get going to the arena.”

Brows lifting, he looked toward the door as if he’d be able to see the arena building from where they stood. She hadn’t taken him there yet. Mostly because it was being used by people who couldn’t handle a daily ride.

Grace pushed open the stall door and wandered down the aisle, not bothering to look back at Riley to see if he was following. The only indication that he did was the additional sound of the horse hooves hitting the concrete of the stable.

The walk in the cool air was short-lived. The moment they entered the building, a burst of warm air hit her face. She removed her jacket and draped it over a bench near the bottom of the bleachers. Then she waited for Riley to catch up to her.

Once he was by her side, she held out her rope. “Hold onto Buster for a second. I’ll be right back.” She took off toward a storage door on one side, unable to wipe the smile from her face. She grabbed onto a large inflated ball that was half her size and threw it into the arena, then tossed another one.

Confusion was plastered all over Riley’s face and he frowned. His gaze followed the balls as they bounced and rolled to a stop as if they had a life of their own. Dolly was the first to bob her head and shift her weight. She pawed at the ground, which only added to Riley’s hesitancy.

Grace laughed as she jogged toward him. “You can unclip them now.”

“What? You want me to let them go? I’m sorry. Do you actually expect me to believe these horses will behave like dogs? What do you think they’re going to do with those balls?”

Breathless, she laughed again. “Dogs aren’t the only animals who know how to play. Trust me.” She took Buster’s rope and nuzzled his forehead. “You’re excited to have a fun time, aren’t you?” Then she unclipped his rope.

Buster immediately galloped toward the nearest ball. He lowered his head and nudged it forward. The lightweight toy bounced and bobbed against the dirt floor. He trotted after it, then nudged it again, but this time ran around to block it from moving too far.

Grace stood beside Riley. Her arms were folded and she glanced up at him with a little grin on her face. “See? Horses aren’t too different from any other animal. They like to have fun just like the rest of them.”

His lips were parted, hanging open in shock. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that.”