Page 64 of Only With Me

“Are y’all ready?” She pets Piper’s nose and gives her some love.

“I think so. It feels like forever since we’ve practiced.”

“Don’t worry, I set up an easy obstacle of smaller jumps to get you back into it.” She glances at Waylon and Bentley. “I see you have some fans today.”

I giggle. “I guess so, which means the pressure is on.”

“You’re gonna do great,” Noah says confidently, handing me a helmet.

I remove my fleece, hat, and gloves, then secure it over my head.

Once I’m settled on Piper, I guide her over to the start and wait for Noah to blow her whistle. She has a timer wrapped around her neck and a clipboard in her hand to record my times.

But Waylon and Bentley standing next to her makes me more anxious than it should. Bentley appears so excited to watch me, but Waylon’s looking at me with an expression I’ve never seen on him before.

I get into a two-point position and then give Piper a little kick as soon as Noah gives me the go ahead. Piper takes off and makes the first jump effortlessly. It helps that they’re low and we’ve done this dozens of times, but after this past month, I’ve not been able to practice as much or focus as hard.

By the fifth jump, my face is in a permanent smile at how great she did. It’s hard not to have a blast when I’m on her, but I’m glad Bentley didn’t have to witness me screwing up.

“Whew, that was great!” Noah shouts.

Bentley claps and Waylon grins at him.

“Thanks, but now we need a real challenge.”

“You want me to raise ’em already?” She arches a brow.

Glancing at Bentley quickly, I nod and meet Noah’s gaze. “Yeah, let’s give him a good show.”

“Alright. Just remember to bend your waist more and fold in those elbows.”

“You got it, boss.” I smirk.

“Waylon, do you mind helpin’ me adjust the rails?”

“Sure.”

He follows her out into the arena while Piper and I wait.

“Do you wanna pet her?” I ask Bentley.

His eyes light up and he nods.

I move closer and show him where he can touch on her neck and nose.

She nudges his hand and neighs at him.

“She likes you.”

“How can you tell?”

“She hasn’t bitten you,” I tease.

“Alright, it’s ready,” Noah announces. “I only did four to give y’all room in between. Don’t forget to keep your head up and look through the jump.”

“Got it!”

I ride Piper back to the beginning and wait for the whistle.