Page 83 of Unspoken Hearts
Reid regularly looks back over his shoulder, making sure I’m fine, which I appreciate, because I’m struggling to keep myself together right now. My knuckles are white against the reins, holding on tightly when I see Whiskey’s hoof slip.
Steadying himself, I gasp a little at the sudden movement. Reid holds up a hand to me. “Just relax. The horses can feel you tense, and it’ll stir them even more. You need to be calm. I’ll make sure that you get back in one piece.”
My throat bobs as Cinnamon now slides. My legs snap against her sides when more thunder echoes off the mountain side. Pulse pounding in my throat, I’m close to panicking.
“Mae, you need to be calm,” Reid reminds me in his smooth voice, but I can’t fight off the fear coursing through me like poison.
“I can’t,” I push out, my voice as shaky like the rest of my body.
Reid slows Whiskey to a stop, forcing my horse to do the same. My chest heaves as the rain comes down harder, cooling my skin. I’m shivering from both the anxiety filling me and the cold rain, and I’m convinced that Cinnamon might buck me off with how hard I’m trembling.
Grunting, Reid slides off Whiskey and walks over, putting a rough hand on my leg. “Do you trust me, Mae?”
Peering down at his hand, the warmth of his body spreads through my thigh. I nod quickly. “Yes.”
“Okay. Then there’s nothing to be scared about. Come on.”
Offering his hand, Reid helps me down to the muddy ground. He quickly ties Cinnamon’s reins to Whiskey’s saddle before leading me to his horse.
“You’re going to be with me, okay? Nothing to worry about. I’ve got you.”
Nodding, he jumps up first, securing himself on Whiskey’s rump before helping me up. Sliding into the saddle, he makes sure that I’m secure before grabbing the reins to keep us moving.
I grip onto his thighs, nails digging through the fabric, clinging on for dear life as the storm rages around us. If he minds, he doesn’t say anything. With my back against him, my flesh is burning despite the steady flow of water streaming down now. His hat luckily gives me visibility as we make our way down the rocky path—
“What’s your favourite flower, Mae?” I hear Reid’s voice in my ear.
“What?” I whisper as lightning flashes again.
Reid’s arms squeeze against me tighter as he murmurs, “Just focus on my words. What’s your favourite flower?”
“I—I like—tulips.”
“Why?”
I swallow before answering warily, “Because they’re pretty and simple.”
“What about your favourite book?”
Thunder rumbles, but it almost sounds distant this time with Reid surrounding me. “Lord of the Rings.”
“Did you like the movies?”
I sniff, feeling his chest moving against me. “One of the few movie series that was as good as the books.”
I can almost feel him smile as he whispers, “I agree. It was really good.”
My pulse settles a little with Reid’s voice as we come to the pasture. Moving quicker now, my muscles loosen a fraction.
“Did you like the spring?” His voice returns in my ear once more.
I nod quickly, knowing that I’ll be remembering this moment forever for a multitude of reasons.
The ground shakes, and the heavy scent of rain and mud filling my nose, but Reid’s body reminds me that I’m safe.
Coming to the barn, a soft light illuminates the space, and I brace myself for being caught. But it’s empty.
My head tilts against Reid’s chest when he stops Whiskey. Sliding off first, Reid helps me down to the ground before tilting his head towards the stalls. “I need to get them settled for the night.”
