much whiskey, but there he was in front of him, looking adorably scared.
Shea still hadn’t figured out what that kiss was all about, and it had kept him up half the night as he went over it in every delicious detail.
“Ready to get on your horse?” He pointed at Jake’s sneakers and smiled. “Just a hint for next time—you might wanna wear a pair of these.” He lifted his foot to show his boots. “Sneakers tend to slip outta the stirrups.”
Jake’s eyes widened. “Am I going to fall off? I’ve never been on a horse before.”
Aw, damn, the man was so cute.
“Nah. I wouldn’t let anythin’ happen to you.” He winked. “Think I proved that last night.”
“Yeah, about that. I’m sorry. I-I don’t know what happened. I never let myself get so drunk. I hope I didn’t do anything stupid I need to apologize for?” Jake met his gaze, and Shea respected him for being so direct. Jake seemed like a man usually in control, and Shea was certain this hesitance wasn’t a comfortable spot for him to find himself.
“You don’t remember?” Shea asked cautiously as they walked over to the horse he’d decided would be good for Jake.
“I remember the wings and listening to music. And that you had to put me in your truck.” His cheeks turned pink. “Sorry if I was difficult. But I don’t remember anything after, although since I wound up in my bed, I can assume that was you as well?”
Jake’s gruff voice couldn’t hide his embarrassment, and Shea took pity on him and vowed to put the night behind them as the mistake it so obviously was.
“Hey, it’s no big deal. I’ve slung my friends ’cross a bed too many times to mention. Let’s forget it even happened. Now here’s your horse. Her name is Birdie, and she’s the sweetest, most gentle thing; ain’t you, girl?”
The mare gazed at them placidly with dark, liquid eyes. Shea placed his hand on her golden withers and petted her.
“She looks calm enough.”
“Oh, she’s a pussycat.” He waved at Jake. “C’mon. She don’t bite none. Pet her and let her get to know the sound of your voice.”
Jake reached out a tentative hand and stroked her neck, pulling back when Birdie shook her head and nickered. Anxious green eyes met his.
“Did I hurt her?”
Shea chuckled. “Naw, she loves it. Wants you to keep doing it.” As if to confirm, Birdie nodded, jingling her bridle and stamping her hoof. “Ready to get on board?”
“S-sure.”
“Stand behind the stirrup and put your foot in it. Hold on to the inside rein and her mane in one hand, the saddle horn with the other.” As he spoke, Shea helped Jake secure his sneaker in the stirrup. He covered Jake’s hand with his, and Jake jumped. “Get a good grip, lift yourself up, and put your leg up and over the saddle diagonally.”
Their faces were close together, and he watched the uncertainty in Jake’s eyes fade to steely determination. “Okay. I’m ready.” He set his jaw and pushed up on the ball of his foot. He threw his leg up and didn’t make it all the way. “Dammit. Help. I’m falling.”
Shea held back a laugh as he gave Jake’s butt a gentle but firm push, and his leg slid over the opposite side of the saddle. “There you go. You got it.”
Breathing heavily, Jake sat up straight, two spots of color burning high on his cheeks. “I did it.” The smile he gave Shea was like the sun coming out after a storm. “I really did it.” He glanced down, and his mouth opened. “Shit, this is high up.” He clutched the reins in a death grip.
Shea chuckled. “Birdie ain’t tall. Not like Rambo here.” He clicked for his horse, and Rambo nickered and walked closer. Shea rubbed his nose. “Ready to go now?”
Jake gave a quick jerk of his head, and Shea vowed to stay close to the man.
Shea swung himself into the saddle and called out to the others.
“Head on out.”
The line began to move, and Birdie started to walk behind the other horses in a smooth gait, but Jake held on to the saddle horn and the reins as if Birdie were galloping across the fields. Shea could only hope Jake would relax enough to enjoy the ride, however, he remained stiff in the saddle as they advanced past the farmhouse and onto the trail leading to the lake.