Page 26 of Ride With Me
I stood from the ground. I was shaking, but not hurt. Shouting came from the barn as I looked around, wondering what had happened.
Henry, for his part, stood as still as a statue, looking apologetic.
Logan jumped off Storm who, like Henry, stood unmoving, waiting for a command. Logan put his arm over my shoulder, pulling me into him.
“You okay, love?”
I took inventory. I was, actually. “I’m okay, I think. Just shaken.”
“Ready to get back on?”
That was ahell no. I stared at him in disbelief.
He nodded despite the expression on my face. “Get back on, doll. Henry is ready. Craig is taking care of that guy.”
Henry was ready, but was I?
I walked back over to him. “Hey, boy. Did you get scared? Me too. Think we can do this together?” Henry nuzzled my shoulder. That was the encouragement I needed.
I climbed back on and looked toward the barn. Craig was holding the photographer by the back of the man’s shirt. The man was still arguing about something.
I nudged Henry into a walk, bringing him closer to the two men. Logan followed close behind on Storm.
At the barn, I dismounted—by choice this time—and came face to face with the stranger. He was young, maybe early twenties, with a camera slung around his neck and a pair of jeans that were too clean to be on a ranch.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Who are you? What do you want?”
Craig cleared his throat. “Not a friend of yours, then?”
The man looked sheepish. “I’m Dan. I’m a reporter from Practical Horsemen”
My mouth hung open. “The one who texted me? How did you even find me?”
He shrugged. “We have our ways. I’ve only been with the magazine for about a year, so I wasn’t one of the ones who covered your accident. I’m trying to make a name for myself with a good story. I figured hearing about your recovery, where you are now, would make a good one.”
Logan’s deep voice was disapproving as he spoke from behind me. “So to clarify, you trespassed on private property, took photos without permission—spooking a horse, I might add—and placed Savannah at risk, all for a story?”
Dan squirmed. “Sorry, man. I didn’t know the horse would spook at a flash.” He looked at me, raising his shoulders. “The competition horses don’t spook at photos, they’re used to it. I figured you’d be on a horse like that.”
Logan held his hand out. “Give me the camera. We’re deleting all of your photos.”
Dan handed it over meekly. Logan flipped through the digital images, deleting each and every one of Henry and me, then handed it back.
“We’ll let you head out, now. While your dedication to getting a story may be admirable, you will not come near Savannah again. Ever. If you do, your photos won’t be the only thing I destroy. Understand?” Logan’s Dom voice drove home the message.
Dan nodded, wide eyed. “Yes, Sir.”
Logan gestured toward me. “If and when Savannah chooses to share her story, she will do so on her terms. Now, apologize to the lady, and Craig will walk you to your vehicle.”
Dan focused on me, looking remorseful. “I’m sorry, miss. I didn’t mean to make your horse spook. I’m really sorry.” He paused. “But for what it’s worth? You looked amazing up there. Happy.”
16
Savannah
LoganandIputaway the saddles and bridles, returning the horses to their stalls for the evening. I gave Henry some extra cuddles before I closed his door. He really was a great horse.
I was ready for a laid-back night after the excitement of today. Logan and I had cornbread with the chili he’d started in the morning, then settled in the living room to watch a movie.
