Page 91 of Things I Read About
Yup.I nod. “Leonard got them saddled for us, we’ll just keep to the west side of the property, away from the roads.”
“Do I have to go?”
“If I’m going riding, you’re going riding,” I say, bossier than I intend.
“But what are we doing out here?” She gestures to the wide-open grasses that surround us.
“Just doing a perimeter check really quick.”
She nods once, resigned but uncomfortable. She should be uncomfortable. This isn’t a game. There is a threat on her life.
She points. “What’s that?”
I follow her finger. “Some plaque thing. There are a few of them around the property. Really old.”
“What’s it say?” She goes on when I just shrug. “You didn’t read them?”
I shake my head, trying to look casual even though sweat is pooling everywhere at that simple question. She’s watching me though.Crap.I up the speed on the four-wheeler and thankfully, she lets it go.
A couple minutes later we pull up to the stables and hop out. She does seem genuinely nervous. I knew she was putting on a brave front in Utah, but it turns out it was a gigantic front. Massive.
“Thanks,” I say to Leonard as we approach.
He’s a weathered old guy complete with Wranglers and a cowboy hat but he has eyes. Which he uses to look Sally up and down from behind. Which is fine.He can look, it’s just me who can’t. I have a job to do.
The tiny, spandex-clad girl, looks at me, wanting help mounting the mare. But that would involve touching.
I grab the step stool nearby instead. I don’t look up to see her reaction as she mounts without assistance. I need to get this over with.
I hop on the larger stallion and get situated. Then I nudge the horse forward.
Sally just sits and stares. It’s not at all endearing, it’s annoying.
“Sally? Thought you knew how to do this?”
“That is not what I said.”
I fight a grin. “Squeeze your heels into her side and lean into it. Keep the reins firm but you probably don’t have to direct much, I bet she’ll want to follow me and this guy.”
“Han,” she says absently, still not moving.
“Huh?”
“That’s Han, this is Leia.”
I snort. She wasn’t exaggerating when she said her family loves epic stories. “Well, come on then,princess.” I sneer the word, which pisses Sally off. Finally, she lifts up her up chin and seems ready to move. Good.
“She prefersGeneral,asshole.”
I turn back and get moving, letting myself grin since she can’t see it.Little punk.
We head out into the blinding sun. I trot ahead, wanting to make quick work of this exercise. But she’s stopped to chat to Leonard. I turn my horse with a sigh and wait. Leonard goes to fetch something.
A hat.
Sally puts on a huge cowboy hat that almost covers her eyes. It looks ridiculous, but her wide, giddy smile lights up her face.
Wow.
