Chapter 117

117 A Date with Horses

“Oh, I forgot to answer your question. I know how to ride decently well even if I do say so myself. However, I haven’t ridden for a long time now,” I confessed.

“She shouldn’t be hard to handle. She’s well trained and quite calm. Please take it slow at first,” Will suggested.

“I’ll be with her so you don’t have to worry, Will,” Brandon said reassuringly.

“Right. I’ll help lead your horses outside with my boys so you can be on your way,” Will said with a few enthusiastic nods of his head.

Brandon took my hand casually in his and led me out of the stables to the grass field that was located right in front of it. The white fence that surrounded the large lush green area made the scene look like something straight out of a countryside movie. The small white dandelion flowers that grew around the fence only added to the beauty and serenity of the landscape.

I lifted a hand to shield my eye from the sun above as I admired my surrounding. The weather today was indeed perfect. The puffy white clouds in the sky looked so pretty against the perfect blue of the sky. It wasn’t long before Will and the other guys brought out our horses for us. Mine was the black mare that we visited earlier in the stables while the white stallion must be Brandon’s.

“Ready? I’ll help you up,” Brandon asked as he led me to the mare’s side.

“Don’t worry, Miss. I’ll hold the horse for you,” Will said reassuringly as he held onto the reins.

“Thank you. I’ll manage...” I replied with a thankful smile.

.....

I was out of practice, but I didn’t have any issues getting atop my horse. The mare seemed to be the perfect height for me. She whinnied softly when she felt my weight on her back and I stroked her mane to calm her down.

Brandon got on his horse easily. He didn’t seem like someone who would ride horses that often and I doubt that he visited this place often either. Regardless, he seemed a pro at handling his horse and I guess, for a moment, I was worried for nothing.

“Enjoy your time!” Will said happily.

“Thank you,” I replied before flashing him one of my best smiles.

Brandon led the way wordlessly into the field and I wondered where he wanted to go and how far he wanted to go. Our horse traveled at a relaxed pace side by side, and it was the perfect time for me to start a conversation with him.

“I didn’t expect you to get me a horse...” I said as I glanced over at him.

I guess, I should thank him for this, but I didn’t really ask him for it.

“I thought that if I got you a horse, you’ll come and visit more often...” Brandon confessed without shame.

“You and your hidden agendas and here I was about to thank you for it. You know, you have to stop trying your luck,” I teased, although I was thankful for what he had done for me.

“I’m the owner of various casinos, in case you’ve forgotten...” he reminded me before he let out a soft laugh.

“Right. How could I ever let that fact slip my mind?” I asked in feigned wonder.

It seemed that our short conversation made the atmosphere around us relax as the tension between us broke. For better or for worst, we’re going to be stuck together for a while. He has to figure out his family issues while I deal with my mountain of debt. Feeling the horse move beneath me felt good. I hadn’t realized that I missed riding until I got to ride again. Might as well enjoy this moment while I still can.

“Where do you want to go?” I asked.

“Anywhere...” he replied without stopping to think.

“How big is this estate anyways?” I asked in amazement.

The green field seemed to stretch out endlessly until it reached the dark green forest that seemed so far away. We probably won’t ride that far. If we did, I doubt that I’ll have the strength to make it back.

“Want to take a little tour around?” Brandon suggested.

“Hmm...sure...” I agreed.

“How fast can you ride?” Brandon asked.

That was a good question. I was wondering about that myself. An all-out gallop might be a little too much, but I could definitely go faster than a trot.

“Umm...I’m not sure. Why don’t you lead, and I’ll see if I can keep up...” I suggested.

“Are you sure?” Brandon asked with concern.

“Yup. I mean, if I can’t manage, I won’t push myself for your sake. Don’t worry,” I replied with a small laugh.

“Alright. Promise me that you won’t push yourself,” he said sternly.

I just nodded and smiled at him. Falling off this horse wasn’t part of my weekend plan for sure. Brandon grinned back at me before he urged his horse into a trot. I did the same and found out that I could still manage a horse pretty well. Brandon glanced back to check if I was doing fine before he kicked up the speed a notch.

The wind in my face felt blissful as I rode on the mare. She seemed to be enjoying her freedom as well as she followed after Brandon’s stallion. The natural flower that grew all around us made the field much more lively. The smell of the air was clean and fresh. Unpolluted air in the countryside really does feel lighter than air in the city center. I wouldn’t mind retiring in a place just like this where I could fully enjoy the peace and get away from everything.

“There’s a small stream up ahead not too far from here. Think you can go on?” Brandon asked after halting his horse.

“Sure. Let’s go,” I replied.

I looked forward to a little adventure. The river would be a good place for the horses to rest and drink some water as well. It was a short ride from where we were to the little stream that Brandon mentioned.

–To be continued...