Page 60 of Back in the Saddle

These photos, these memories, were priceless because they proved to her that whatever part of her soul had been broken before was starting to heal.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Hunter

Warm late September wind coloured Caroline’s cheeks as she closed her eyes, sticking her face to the sun setting behind the treeline.

‘You’re a natural,’ Hunter said.

‘Flattery won’t get you far, Mr Jackson,’ she said, gently giving the reins a pull. Star, the beautiful palomino mare she was riding, came to a stop. Caroline looked to her left and grinned. ‘Although it does seem like she’s taken a shine to me.’

He chuckled, pulling Dallas to a stop as well. ‘She’s not the only one.’ Her blush widened his smile. ‘But I mean it, you’re a great rider. It’s hard to believe you haven’t been on a horse in years.’

‘Well, this is like the third time. Don’t forget that I almost fell off the first time you brought me here.’

He waved his hand as if it was a minor detail. ‘That wasmy fault; I chose the wrong horse for you. Should’ve known better. Pringle isn’t fond of strangers. I’m just glad it didn’t deter you from trying again.’

‘It’d take a lot more than that to deter me. I told you; I do love horses.’ She leaned forward and brushed her hand through Star’s thick white mane. ‘Plus, you caught me, so technically I didn’t fall.’

‘I’ll always catch you if I can.’

Their eyes met and the air grew thick. Hunter cursed in his mind. What was going on with him? He wasn’t one to throw clichés around. It just seemed that with Caroline, he often spoke before thinking. Fortunately, she just smiled and didn’t seem to mind. He coughed, trying to compose himself. ‘But I don’t think you’ll need assistance anytime soon. You seem to grow more comfortable on her every time we go riding.’

‘Well, practice makes perfect, right?’ she said, now patting Star’s golden neck.

The wind picked up in intensity and he instinctively reached up to hold his hat in place. He turned Dallas round, facing the sand path they had come by earlier. ‘Looks like the weather’s turning. We should get back.’

Caroline shrugged, but soon Star was facing the same direction. She straightened herself in the saddle, pushing her hair away from her face with her left hand, the right one still holding the reins.

She grinned. ‘It’s a shame you’re refusing to race me.’

‘I don’t want you to get hurt. Although you’re doing well, I think it’s way too soon for galloping, never mind racing. Plus, do you really think you’d ever beat me?’ He laughed confidently, setting Dallas off at a walk.

Caroline followed, keeping behind on the narrow bit ofthe path. After they reached a wider stretch, she caught up with him and raised an eyebrow.

‘I might. Or you might be inclined to let me win.’

‘Why would I ever want to do that?’

She looked at him and her whole face lit up in a genuine smile that reached her green eyes. Despite the grey weather surrounding them, they shone. ‘Because if I’m in a good mood, I might feel like celebrating. That’s usually better with someone to share the moment.’

As soon as she said it, she leaned forward, raising herself slightly from the saddle. Before Hunter could say anything, she was off, her laugh ringing through the air. She didn’t look scared, and Star seemed to move in perfect harmony with her.

He shook his head and, despite his better judgement, felt a wave of warmth spread in his chest.

Without wasting time, he urged Dallas into a gallop to catch up.

‘Well? I told you I would win!’ she announced triumphantly as she got off Star’s back.

Hunter jumped off Dallas. He didn’t want to tell her that he deliberately didn’t even try to go as fast as he could, because he didn’t want to encourage her.

When he caught up with her, Star was going at a nice, steady pace. It was a fast canter but remained sensible, not quite reaching a gallop. He probably should’ve told her that she was being irresponsible and could’ve been thrown off the horse. That he had seen more experienced riders than her hurt in a reckless attempt to gallop before they were ready for it. But as soon as he looked at her face, all he saw was pure joy. And a good dose of pride. Her cheeks were flushed from thecold and the wind. Her hair was tangled. Her boots and pants were specked with mud.

She looked like the most beautiful thing he’d ever laid eyes on.

‘I think you’re just annoyed I managed to ride so well,’ she added teasingly, starting to lead Star towards the western barn.

‘You did ride well. I think you must have a good teacher.’