Page 73 of Mr. Green

“I’m positive.” He chuckles.

I look over to Sprinkles, who has a saddle on. I look back to Luca and focus on what I’m supposed to do. I step onto the stepping stool and do as I’m told. My hands are shaky and my eyes are wide as I get on this beast. Grant boosts my ass and I try to be as elegant as I can. I make it to sitting and rearrange myself. Looking down and you’d think I’m at the top of the Empire State Building.

I need Grant up here as soon as possible. Thankfully, I don’t have to wait long. A moment later, Grant is behind me. He holds the reins around my body and starts us off on a walk.

“Ahhhh!” I scream, the movement of the horse putting me off center.

“It’s okay. I got you. It’s just a little walk.”

I like Grant’s arms around me. I focus on him. I’m surrounded by a good-smelling security blanket. I don’t dare let go of Luca’s mane, though. This is my only lifeline to stay on top of this thing.

“Relax,” Grant whispers in my ear.

I can’t seem to pull my shoulders from my ears. “Are you sure I’m not going to break him? Maybe I should just walk with Sprinkles. Will she run me over?”

“You’re not going anywhere. I promise you’re not going to break him. There’s no saddle and he helps with a lot heavier stuff on most days. Don’t worry, he’s alright. He likes to feel useful. Trust me, he’ll tell me when he’s not happy.”

“So this guy is yourhorse?”

“Yeah. Andrew drove him down for me over the week so I could do this with you.”

“You’ve been planning this for a week?”

“There’s more.” I feel his smile in my toes as his voice pulses down my back.

I don’t notice the wind with Grant pushed up next to me. I turn to see the horizon. There’s a tiny glimpse of a sunset with an orange-red bleeding through the clouds.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he asks.

“Stunning. I love being by the water. It’s like the water takes all your problems away.”

He grabs my chin and turns it so I have to look back at him. “I can help you with anything, Lana. I hope you know I’m here for you. Anytime. You don’t have to face problems alone.”

He sounds sincere and it’s why my heart doesn’t belong to me anymore.

~

My night is complete! He has cocoa. He got me a cup right after helping me off the horse. Thankfully, I didn’t face-plant. I don’t think he’d let me, though. He’s very perceptive.

There’s wood stacked for a bonfire, and a white tent set up with a dim lantern. After getting some cocoa in a tin cup, he lights the bonfire. I didn’t think it’d work; the mist seems rather thick. But then he sprays some lighter fluid andlights a match.

The heat sneaks up on my cheeks as the fire blazes, warming them as the cocoa slides down to my stomach and warms my hands. I wonder why he’s doing all this. I know he can be romantic and has good surprises, but come on. It’s just me. He doesn’t need to do all this fancy stuff. It’s nice to feel wanted, but I’d be happy sipping cocoa at his house on the cliff or in my apartment.

There’s two foldable chairs he sets up in front of the fire. I go to sit in my own, but he grabs my hand. “You could sit on my lap. I’ll keep you warm.” He winks.

“I’m going to sit next to you, but thanks.”

“My lap is more comfortable than a flimsy chair,” he retorts.

“Would you stop?” I blush.

I sit down next to him and he grabs the inside of my thigh. He seems genuine about always wanting to be with me. That’s new in a relationship. I love it.

“We won’t stay long. I just wanted to ask you something important.”

I turn my head from the fire to him. “Important?”

“Very important. My life depends on it. Your answer will determine the next step in my life.”