Page 85 of Stick Around,

The mare tossed her head as if confirming his statement.

“Sorry, girl.” I approached the stall door, and Junebug immediately stretched her neck out, nosing at me and then at Thunderbolt. “Yes, we’re both back now.”

Reid watched our interaction with that thoughtful look he got sometimes, like he was cataloging behaviors for future reference. “Want to sit on her?”

My heart skipped a beat. “For real?”

“She’s been calmer since you started working with her.” Reid put on her halter and unlatched the stall door.

I hesitated for a moment. “If you think she’s ready.”

“I’ll be right here.” He held out her lead rope. “Trust me?”

The question was heavier than being asked if I was ready to get on a horse, and we both knew it. I’d upended my entire life for this ranch, for these men, and for the person I was becoming here.

“I trust you.” I took the rope, our fingers brushing.

Junebug followed me out of her stall and to a tack-up spot near the tack room where we got her ready. It seemed like a lot for me just to sit on her, but I secretly hoped she’d let me do a few laps.

Reid decided outside would be best, so we went out into the nearest pasture. “Do you want my help?”

I scoffed. “Sir, I am a professional at getting on a horse now. Are you sure she’s okay with this though? She seems like a one-person horse.”

“She’s chosen her person.” Reid’s eyes met mine. “It’s you.”

My chest tightened with something that felt suspiciously like belonging.

I placed my foot in the stirrup, and with one fluid motion, I swung my right leg over Junebug’s back. Suddenly I was up, higher than I expected, my hands clutching the saddle horn.

“Relax your legs a bit.” Reid’s hand stayed on my calf, steadying me. “And remember to breathe.”

I realized I’d been holding my breath and let it out slowly. Junebug shifted slightly beneath me, adjusting to my weight.

“This is... wow.” I couldn’t find the words to describe the feeling of being on Junebug of all horses. It was a mix of vulnerability, power, nervousness, and exhilaration.

Reid nodded, understanding without me having to explain. “Different from Thunderbolt and Tater Tot, isn’t it?”

I patted Junebug’s neck. “A little more opinionated.”

I sat in the saddle, back straight, trying to remember everything I’d learned from my previous rides on Tater Tot. This was different. While Tater Tot was like riding a sentient sofa with legs, Junebug was alert, muscles tense beneath me, waiting for a signal. I could feel her breathing, the subtle shift of her weight as she assessed me as much as I was assessing her.

“How do I tell her to walk?” I whispered, not wanting to break the fragile equilibrium between us.

Reid’s hand remained on my calf. “Gentle squeeze with both legs and relax your reins a little.”

I squeezed gently and held my breath. For a moment, nothing happened, and I wondered if I’d done it wrong. Then Junebug took a step forward. Then another.

“Holy shit, we’re doing it.” I could barely hear my own voice, afraid if I spoke too loudly she might spook.

Reid moved alongside us, still close enough to grab the reins if needed. “Keep your heels down. That’s it.”

Movement from the other side of the pasture caught my eye. Enzo was striding toward us, a water bottle in his hand, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. Behind him, Kellan followed, using his T-shirt to wipe sweat from his forehead, his hair sticking up in all directions before he put his hat back on. The grin spreading across his face was unmistakable even from a distance.

“Look who finally joined the real horse club!” Kellan called out, his voice carrying across the pasture.

Junebug’s ears flicked at the sound, and her shoulders tensed.

“Easy talk around her,” Reid reminded him, shooting him a glare.