Page 72 of Mr. Green

“It’ll be fun.”

“Yup.” I nod.

He melds my body with his, taking my head in his hands and kisses me with just a small amount of tongue. He doesn’t slobber about in my mouth, which I appreciate. He just checks it out. He pulls away, then takes my hand and leads us out. The wind blows my hair back and I hold my coat together with my other hand.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be this windy,” he tells meover his shoulder as we stride down the stairs.

Once we get to the bottom, the wind seems to ease. Two horses are waiting for us. They’re tied off at the bottom railing. I start fidgeting with my hair and coat. I’ve never ridden a horse and they’re way bigger once you get right next to them.

“This is Sprinkles and this is Luca.” Sprinkles is brown with tiny spots on her head, hence the name. Luca is a bit bigger and all black. Grant starts petting them, completely at ease. I know he likes horse-back riding and I told him it’d be cool, but now that we’re in front of these big animals, I’m a little nervous.

“Huh,” I respond, still trying to place my hands somewhere—my hair, my hip, my other hand, my arm. Nothing feels comfortable.

“You don’t look happy.” He looks concerned, but keeps petting Luca.

I stare at the horses with wide eyes. “They look gigantic.”

“I know you’ve never ridden a horse.”

I fake laugh. “Right.”

“Have you ever pet a horse?”

I shake my head again. “Nope. It sounded cool, but in person it’s a little intimidating.”

“Shit.” He grabs the back of his neck with one hand. “I thought you’d think this was romantic. I wasn’t trying to scare you.”

I smile slightly, trying to show him it’s okay. “I told you to do more of what you loved. I get it.” My heart is melting. He tries so hard with his surprises. I could try this. I shift my weight from foot to foot staring at the creatures.

Can I do this?

“Luca has been my horse since I was twenty-five,” he explains. “You can ride with me and Sprinkles will follow along.”

I let out the breath I was holding in. “I’d love that. I can do that.” I nod.

“Okay, cool. Why don’t you pet him first. Introduceyourself a little. He’s gentle. The ride will be short.”

Grant guides me to Luca’s side and he starts petting him near his mane, showing me what to do.

“Where’s the thing with the handle to hold onto?” I motion with my hands, trying to create a handle.

“The saddle, you mean?”

“Yes!”

“I don’t use one.”

“Oh.” My eyebrows raise to my forehead.

How are we going to do this? I follow Grant’s actions and pet Luca.

“Good boy, Luca,” Grant coos.

Luca nudges the side we’re on, I guess that means he wants more. I keep petting him. Grant gives him a few taps with his open hand.

“Okay, that’s his cue he’s ready to ride. I’m going to boost you up first. Just swing your leg over. Hold on to his mane for support. It won’t hurt him.”

“Are you sure?”