Page 57 of If You Loved Me

I chuckled as Honey Blossom whinnied for Sarah to keep petting her. “Yes, she knows.”

Sarah’s throat worked as she swallowed. “Okay, good. I wouldn’t want to ride her without Callie Rose’s permission.”

I grabbed the lead rope off the hook hanging next to the stall door and latched it onto the mare’s harness. Sarah backed off to the side as I swung open the door and led Honey Blossom to the tack room door.

Sarah watched as I saddled Honey Blossom. “This is actually really great, Ranger. I haven’t ridden in years and I’ve missed it a lot.”

I looked at her over the saddle and said, “I’m glad I could give you something you’ve been missing.”

Emotion flickered in her eyes like a wild flame. I wanted to know what she felt. What she wasn’t saying out loud, but I kept my mouth shut as I led the three of us down to the end of the barn where Hank was already saddled and waiting.

“Oh my gosh, is that a Clydesdale?!” Sarah’s mouth popped open in awe as we rounded the corner and she saw Hank pawing at the ground.

“Sure is.” I steered Honey Blossom towards Hank and let her reins drop over the holding bar.

“Can I pet him?” she asked, walking over to him with slow steps.

“Of course. But I have to tell you, he’s quite the ladies’ man. I can’t be held responsible if he steals your heart.”

Sarah rolled her eyes at me over her shoulder before shifting her attention back to Hank who was more than happy that she was giving him scratches along his neck. Hank curled his head around and tried to grasp her ponytail with his lips which sent Sarah into a fit of giggles. “Quite the ladies’ man indeed.”

She stepped towards me and said with a smirk, “I don’t know if I have room in my heart for both of you. I might have to make a difficult choice.”

I grasped her middle and lifted her until her legs were wrapped firmly around me, arms dangling over my shoulders. “Is that so?” I nipped at her neck and I felt her legs tighten around me.

“Mhm,” she mused, burying her face in the crook of my neck.

“Then I better show him up.”

She leaned back, and even though she had her legs around my waist, she still wasn’t eye-to-eye with me. That didn’t stop her from scooting up and planting a kiss on my cheek.

“Depriving me of a proper kiss? You’re killing me, sugar.”

“Kisses are earned, cowboy. If you want one, you’re going to have to give me a good time.”

My laugh came out raspy as I fought against all the images floating around in my mind of just how much of agood timeI wanted to show this woman.

“That can be arranged.” She didn’t take her eyes off me as I walked us the few steps to where Honey Blossom stood patiently. “Ready?” I asked.

“Yeah,” she replied before she loosened the hold of her legs around my waist and I guided her right leg into the stirrup. She swung her other leg over the saddle and settled in.

“Here’s her reins. Do you need a quick refresher course or are you good?” I kept my hand on her thigh as she adjusted her seat.

“Does she lead with a command or just reins?”

“Just reins for this old girl. Wherever you want to go, just guide her. And she responds well to heel pressure, so no need to kick.”

“Okay, great.”

“You look good up there.”

“I know.” She shot me a wink as she directed Honey Blossom to back away from the barn and toward the trailhead.

I rose into the saddle myself and leaned over Hank’s long black neck and whispered, “I think we’re in deep trouble with this one, boy.”

The sun cast shades of purple, red, and orange across the evening sky as Sarah and I rode side-by-side along the river. She didn’t stop smiling the entire ride and her joy brought a lightness to my chest that reminded me of times before I went away.

“Did your parents like to ride?” The question came out of nowhere, but it didn’t jostle me the same way it would have coming from someone other than Sarah. With her, everything felt easier. Like I could let my guard down and take a deep breath.

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