Page 9 of Mountain Refuge

“That’ll be just fine. You tell that Rancher Wyatt I’ll be there by the end of the day.”

“You don’t need to for two weeks.”

“I might as well get settled in.”

“Okay. I’m off to learn how to ride a horse.” A tremor of fear slithered down her spine.

“Think of the horse as a big dog. One you ride and will most likely fall off of.” Her mother grinned.

“Gee, thanks.” Dani gave her mom a quick hug, then headed to the truck Dylan had assigned for her to use.

Half an hour later, she hurried into the kitchen to let Mrs. White know that her mother would be arriving that afternoon. “She says she wants to be here early enough to be prepared.”

“Wonderful. That will free up some of your time. You’ll be crazy busy once school is out.” She handed Dani a dish towel. “Dylan said to meet him at the paddock at ten.”

Dani glanced at the clock. She had an hour to work on her nerves, which wasn’t long enough. By the end of the hour, her hands shook. She’d done nothing but think of “what ifs” while drying dishes and cleaning the kitchen.

With a few minutes to spare, she trudged toward the paddock where Dylan stood with the roan mare he planned on her riding. She took a deep breath and opened the gate.

His eyes sparkled as he glanced over. “It isn’t the guillotine, Dani. You might find out you love riding once you’ve learned how.”

“Don’t hold your breath.”

The horse’s ears twitched as his laugh rang out. “Come give Daisy a pet and a sugar cube. She’ll be your best friend.”

She took a deep shuddering breath and stretched her hand out.

Dylan put his larger one around hers and pulled her closer. “Right here. Her muzzle is as soft as velvet.”

Dani closed her eyes and stroked the mare. “It is soft.”

“I wouldn’t lie to you. Come on.” Keeping hold of her hand, he led her to a sawed-off stump. “From here, you’ll put your left foot in the stirrup, then swing your right up and over the saddle.”

“Are you crazy?” She frowned. “I’m way too short.”

“No, you’re not. I’ll help you until you can do it yourself. If the boys can, you can.”

Lord, help me. Dani climbed onto the stump.

“Grip the saddle horn.”

“The what?” She stared down at him.

“That curved thing at the front of the saddle. Then, left foot in the stirrup. It’s hanging down the side.”

That she did know. With a deep breath, she tried following his instructions…and failed.

“Here you go.” He reached for her as she slid down.

His hands cupped around her rear and hoisted her up.

Her breath escaped her. “Oh.”

“Sorry.”

He didn’t sound sorry. In fact, he sounded amused. She heard a definite laugh in his voice. Dani glared at him as she settled into the saddle.

“Really, it wasn’t intended.” A dimple winked in his cheek.