stepped forward to pet the horse’s forehead. “Voldemort, meet Alice.”
“Voldemort?! Who names their horse Voldemort?” Alice exclaimed, taking a step backward. She turned to the stable hand. “Do you have anything smaller and less… terrifying in nature?”
Nolan and I both laughed as the man took pity on her. “He’s just taking the piss, Miss. This here is Maisy and she’s a right gentle girl. You’ll do fine.”
Alice sent us both the evil eye and crossed her arms over her chest. I’d never seen her dressed so casually, and I reminded myself to thank Clara for choosing such a perfectly suited outfit. The jeans molded to her narrow waist and curved snugly over her hips and thighs, and she looked at home standing by the expanse of grass fields and trees with the clear blue sky above and the sun lending light to the perfect autumn morning.
I hadn’t worn my own riding clothes since I hadn’t wanted to give away the surprise—that and I found them pretentious—but jeans and short boots would work fine. Nolan, on the other hand, was suited up and looking like a proper member of the Dunwall Equestrian Club, to which he naturally belonged. His shaggy brown hair attempted escape from his black riding hat while his usual easy smile aimed itself at Alice and her glare.
“I couldn’t resist. Forgive me, Alice?” He put a hand to his heart, making me want to roll my eyes at the bastard.
She dropped her arms and took a hesitant step forward. “I’ll forgive you this one, but if I fall off, you can’t laugh.”
“I give you my word.” Nolan held his hand out to her and moved to Maisy’s left side. “Come. I’ll help you up.”
I didn’t know that I’d ever seen a person move as slowly as Alice approaching the animal, so I couldn’t resist a taunt. “Remember, we only have an hour. I had counted on doing a bit more than simply staring at the horses.”
“Quiet, you,” she nearly hissed, making me smile.
Nolan’s enjoyment was equal to mine. “Have I told you how lovely it is having you back, Alice? There’s been no one to properly keep this one in line in your absence.” He winked at her. “Not to mention, you do provide a vast improvement to the scenery.”
My smile dropped. Was Nolan flirting with Alice? He’d never done that before that I could remember.
“Thank you, sir.” She took his compliments without complaint and let him put his hands around her waist and hoist her up onto the saddle.
“That’s right. Swing the leg around. You’ve got it.” He patted her knee. “And how many times do I have to tell you to call me Nolan. There’s only one sir here, and he’s standing over there pouting.”
He wasn’t wrong, I was annoyed to realize. Maybe this hadn’t been the best idea.
“Stop your flirting and let’s get on with our ride. Alice is too smart to fall for you, you tosser.”
He had the nerve to wink at Alice again before coming back to where a second stable hand held the lead reins of two more horses, a grey thoroughbred that must have been seventeen hands and a black quarter horse that was almost as wide as he was tall.
“I’ve had them pull Porky for you to ride, Mal. I figured it had been a while and you might be a bit rusty.”
“Can he even walk?” I gaped at the sad animal as he yawned widely, showing large yellow teeth and a fat tongue. One glance at the stable hand told me I’d be getting this horse or none. So much for being the crown prince.
“He does all right.” Nolan mounted his horse in a flash and was by Alice and Maisy’s side before I could even get a foot in the stirrup. “Come, Alice. I’ll show you how it’s done. It may take more than just this one lesson though. What’s your schedule like?”
What had I been thinking, letting Nolan worm his way into my plans with Alice? This was going to be an excruciatingly long hour.
“Sir, I’ve had another call from Ms. Vorhees asking when to expect the signed contract. Have you made any headway or shall I continue seeking out a replacement?”
Bugger. I straightened in my chair a bit too quickly and felt a jolt of pain run across my lower back. “Damn.”
Alice rounded my desk in record time. “Is it your back? I knew you’d hurt yourself this morning. Why did you deny it?”
“Because I’m a