gonna be hating you tomorrow.”
“Okay.” I nodded, my brow furrowing in concentration as I put my weight on my feet.
“There you go.” He nodded with a smile. “It’s just you and Sage. You’re working together, not against each other.”
A soft breeze swept over my face, and my chest felt a little lighter. Sage’s calm, steady breaths and the rhythm of her steps put me at ease, and I found myself growing more attuned to her movements.
“I want to go faster again.” I looked at Connor with wide, hopeful eyes, and he gave a nod of approval, sitting up a little straighter as he urged Calamity forward. I did the same, giving Sage a gentle nudge with my heels.
When we reached the gate at the end of the driveway, Connor dismounted and unlocked the padlock hanging from the heavy chain that kept it closed.
I breathed an internal sigh of relief. That should discourage anyone from sniffing around.
I bit my lip, then, realizing that was probably just wishful thinking.
I won’t be able to stay here forever. I glanced over my shoulder at the big house in the distance. This place will only be safe until I wear out my welcome. Sooner or later, I’ll have to move on.
Connor swung the gate open as he led Calamity through by her halter, and Sage and I followed along, my confidence growing as I adjusted the reins to have her turn slowly in a circle while I waited for Connor to get back in the saddle.
“Look at you.” He climbed up, swinging his leg over. “You’ll be ready for the barrel races in no time at all.”
“I don’t know about that.” I laughed. “But this is feeling pretty good.”
“Do you want to try a slow gallop?”
My eyes widened. “Do you think I’m ready?”
“You’re a grown woman.” His blond eyebrows drew together. “You, and only you, can decide if you’re ready.”
The tone in his voice was stern but encouraging. It reminded me of my dad when I was learning to ride my bike. No matter how many times I fell, the thought of disappointing him was so much worse than the fear of falling. I wanted more than anything to prove to myself that I could do this.
“Let’s go, Sage,” I whispered before clicking my tongue and giving her a firm nudge with my heels.
Sage surged forward with a burst of speed, as if she’d been waiting for permission. With a loud whistle, Connor encouraged Calamity to keep pace with us, moving side by side along the dusty road stretching out in front of us. The wind whipped through my hair, and I found I couldn’t keep myself from smiling. I let out a whoop of excitement, laughing out loud as we raced along.
The muscles in my legs ached, and finally, I pulled back on the reins, letting Sage know that I wanted to return to a more leisurely pace. She responded instantly, and I bounced a few times as I sat my butt back in the saddle. Connor and I came to a stop, side by side, and a sense of peace settled over me that almost brought tears to my eyes.
“I’m impressed.” Connor offered a gentle smile. “Most people don’t feel comfortable going for it like that on their first day riding.”
“It felt incredible.” I panted. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt a rush like that!”
“Riding can be a spiritual experience.” He looked out toward the dark clouds on the horizon. “Taking time to yourself, just you and your horse in the wide-open space. Nature brings me clarity at times when nothing else can.”
Thunder rumbled in the distance, and the flat land carried the sound of a car engine in the distance. I don’t know if it was the electricity in the air from the impending storm, or the thought of who might be driving around out here when there were no other houses around for miles, but suddenly, my hair stood on end, and all I wanted to do was turn Sage back toward the house and run for cover.
Chapter 10
Connor
Ashleigh’s smile made a feeling well up in my chest that I didn’t recognize. It was like I was a teenager again, noticing a beautiful girl for the first time.
But that smile melted away as the faint noise of a car sounded in the distance. Sage’s ears flicked back and forth as she scanned the horizon, sensing her rider's unease.
“Maybe we should head back.” Ashleigh’s eyes were as big as saucers, and she