Page 26 of Stick Around,
Quinn mirrored my position, and something shifted. Her movements smoothed out as she added a tentative trot, Thunderbolt bobbing between her legs.
Walter barked from next to me, his tail wagging in approval.
I watched how her body moved. “Bend your knees more, and keep your chin up. And loosen your grip; you’re strangling him.”
She followed each suggestion without hesitation, her face transforming with each adjustment. Her hesitation gradually melted away, replaced by pure, uninhibited joy.
On her next pass around the ring, she added a playful jump over an invisible obstacle, landing with surprising grace before continuing into a canter. Her laughter filled the morning air, making Walter’s ears perk up and my own lips curve into a smile I couldn’t suppress.
Then she was galloping, ponytail flying behind her, face flushed with exhilaration. She had morphed into someone who didn’t give a damn what anyone thought as she ran circles with a stick horse between her legs.
It was the most ridiculously captivating thing I’d ever seen.
She came to a stop in front of me, chest rising and falling rapidly, her eyes sparkling.
I didn’t say anything at first, just held her gaze and gave a single slow nod of approval. Something unspoken passedbetween us: an acknowledgment of the courage it had taken to be this vulnerable and unguarded.
Her smile widened, and for a second, I forgot about the ranch problems, the constant work, the complications of whatever was developing between her and my friends. None of it mattered in the face of that smile.
My eyes dropped to her lips, and then the sound of clapping shattered the moment.
Chapter 9
Three Shirtless Cowboys
Quinn
Ijerked around at the sound of applause, clutching Thunderbolt like a shield. Kellan and Enzo stood at the edge of the training arena, both still dusty from working with the horses. Kellan’s grin stretched ear to ear like he’d stumbled onto a private show, while Enzo’s face remained impassive except for one raised eyebrow.
My face burned hotter than asphalt in August. “How long have you been standing there?” Mortification replaced the freedom I’d felt moments before.
“Long enough to see you’ve got more natural seat than most of our high school rodeo kids.” Kellan hopped over the fence rail like it was second nature.
I braced myself for ridicule—Iwasa grown woman playing with what was essentially a toy—but Kellan circled me with an appraising eye.
“Thunderbolt’s got good extension.” He was completely serious but clearly fighting a smile. “Nice haunches. Strong jawline.”
Enzo snorted, crossing his arms on the top of the fence. “Your posture’s better than half our riders. You sure you’ve never been on a real horse before this week?”
I looked between them, waiting for the joke to land, but their faces held nothing but approval. My gaze drifted to Reid, still leaning against the fence, Walter now perched on his shoulder like a tiny, trembling gargoyle. His expression remained neutral, but I caught the almost imperceptible lift at one corner of his mouth.
“I was just messing around.” I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, still wanting to melt into the ground. “This is so embarrassing.”
“There’s no reason to be embarrassed. You looked comfortable out there. I see why you won the novice competition.” Enzo’s voice held a note of pride, and it made my face heat even more.
Kellan took Thunderbolt, examining the toy horse’s head with exaggerated seriousness. “He’s got spirit, this one. He needs a bridle with some sparkle, though.”
I laughed despite myself. “Are you seriously critiquing a stick?”
“I’m a professional.” Kellan handed Thunderbolt back, our fingers brushing in the exchange. My mind flashed to those same fingers gripping my hips last night.
“If you’re open to training more, it might help to see how real horses move with a rider on them. It will give you something to imitate.” Enzo was all seriousness, like he was suggesting we begin preparation for the Olympics.
“Excellent idea. I’ll grab Whisk and show her my world-class seat.” Kellan winked at me with such outrageous flirtation that I had to laugh.
“Your seat?” Enzo scoffed. “Please. You ride like a rodeo clown with better hair.”
“Sounds like a challenge to me.” Kellan grinned, already backing toward the stables. “Five minutes. Main arena. Bring your A-game, Perez.”
