Angie breathed a sigh of relief. Her body felt like lead. “Amber, I think I’m going to head on home. I’m feeling a little…odd.”
“I’m not surprised.”
“What do I owe you?”
“Nothing. Just get the drinks next time.”
“Thanks, you’re a gem. See you later.” She walked to her car, her body still throbbing. Mr. Ace would be on call tonight.
Chapter Eight
“I want to apologize—”
Angie stopped Rafe’s words. “No need. It was my fault. I kissed you.”
“I certainly didn’t stop you.”
“Fine. We were both at fault. I’m just glad Amber and Tom kept their heads.” She forced a smile. “So am I going to actually get on Belle today?”
“Yes.” He smiled back.
Dear God, he is gorgeous. Today he wore work jeans and a beige shirt, his hair in the low ponytail, and a bandana, this time red, tied on as a do-rag under his cowboy hat. How could a simple ranch hand in such simple clothing be so beautiful?
Because he wasn’t a simple ranch hand. She’d been blind for too long. He came from a humble background, but that didn’t matter. His work ethic was strong, so unlike her own. He made her want to change. He made her want to be a better person. A better person like him. His real beauty, though strong on the outside, resided inside him.
He was perfect.
“Here, let me help you.”
She tingled as his hand brushed against her. In a few seconds, she had mounted.
“I want you to turn your body to the left. Look at a point at, say, nine o’clock.”
She turned her head.
“No. Your whole body, not just your head. Swivel your shoulders. Now what’s happening to your seat and legs?”
“I don’t know.”
“Close your eyes and do it again. Swivel to the left. Pay attention to what your body is doing. You need to know your body as well as your horse does, and vice versa.”
She sighed and shut her eyes tight.
“Relax.”
“Okay, okay.” She swiveled to the left. “My left leg is going forward a bit, my right leg backward.”
“What’s happening to your butt?”
“I guess I’ve got more weight on the right side. Well, just more pressure, maybe.”
“Good. Belle is going to move away from the pressure, so she’ll move to the left. You ready?”
“I guess so.” She fe
lt good being on a horse again. It had been years, a decade maybe, since she’d ridden, and then she’d depended solely on reins.
“Get her walking and circle to the left when I tell you.”