Confidence
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I want to see what the fuss is about,” Grace said. “And now that I’ve seen you in your breeches, I’d follow you anywhere.”
“Very funny.”
“I’m not kidding. Those pants are something else.”
She slid her hand along the taut nylon stretch of Robyn’s blue riding breeches before Robyn could duck into Bean’s stall to hide her embarrassment. Barb had never commented on her body or openly talked about being attracted to her at all. She smiled to herself. Then again, Barb had never seen her in her riding attire. She haltered Bean and led him to the crossties. “Here’s your mount.”
Not hiding her disapproving scowl Grace crossed her arms. “Why do I have to ride the funny-looking one? Yours is so much prettier.”
“Bean is gorgeous. Most people would much rather have the paint than the boring bay.”
“But look at his face.”
“What?”
“He has funny ears.”
“He’s a mule, you know? He’s supposed to have long ears.” Robyn pulled out a curry and brush and made quick work of the grooming, so she could saddle them.
“Kristine owns a mule?” Robyn could hear the dubiousness in Grace’s voice.
“Her family breeds them over in Quincy, and their crosses are exceptional. This one is out of a champion barrel racer. You’ve seen her, right? Kristine said you helped her sell the series of photos she took of Dani riding Bean’s dam. We met her at Kristine’s birthday.”
“Fine. You’re so impressed, you ride it.”
“You’ll change your mind when you see the saddles,” Robyn predicted. She finished picking out the animals’ hooves and outfitted them with their tack.
“Okay, you’re right. I want the big saddle,” Grace said after Robyn had finished putting her English saddle on her mare and lugged Kristine’s western saddle out of her shed. “Can’t you put that on Taj instead?”
“Kristine’s saddle is the one set up for Bean. It’s got a breast collar and a crupper.”
“That means nothing to me,” Grace said.
Robyn laughed, taking a moment to admire how nice Grace looked. “Do you know why Kristine lent you her boots and jeans?”
“She said my jeans were supposed to go over the boot, not the other way around.”
“But it’s also the inseam. On Wranglers, the thinner seam runs along the inside of your leg, not the outside. It’s the opposite on your jeans which makes them less comfortable to ride in. The animal has to be comfortable too. This leather bit around the front keeps the saddle from sliding back. And this bit in back, the crupper, keeps if from slipping too far forward. That keeps Bean comfortable.”
“Everything you’re saying just makes me think that a horse is much easier than a mule.”
“Taj has a wider girth than Bean which is one reason Bean’s a very comfortable ride. He also has an incredibly smooth gait.”
“How do you know all of this?”
“I asked all the questions you’re asking, and Kristine made us swap rides one day. Don’t worry. I don’t think anyone you know will see you.”
“If we do, you’re responsible for explaining why my mount is superior.”
“Deal. You ready to roll?”
“Sure.”
They walked to the covered arena, and Robyn checked the saddles one more time before helping Grace from the mounting block into the saddle. She shortened the stirrups, letting her hands wander up Grace’s shapely calves as she did so.
“Now I see why you invited me along, not just to show off your fancy pants.” Grace smiled, her eyes lingering on Robyn’s hands.
Robyn felt her body flush. She pulled on her helmet, swung onto her own mount and directed Grace to follow her around the arena. After circling a few times, she asked Grace if she wanted to try trotting with Bean.
“I like this speed,” she replied. “Go ahead and show off. I’ll just keep circling.”
Robyn nudged Taj into a trot. She serpentined and broke away into smaller circles. Taj was a different creature in the arena than on the trail. She arched her neck and responded to the smallest of cues for each turn and shift in gait.
As they worked, Robyn’s mind shifted from the flirtatious exchanges with Grace to her mount’s past. She imagined Penelope’s workouts, knowing from her trainer that she was an accomplished jumper. Robyn had taken the mare over some simple cross poles but was not experienced enough to work the mare to her full potential.
Alone, she would have worked Taj longer, but knowing how little Grace rode, she cut her ride short, falling in alongside Bean.
“So this is what you do, go around in circles? I can’t say I see the draw.”
“Kristine hardly ever does any arena work. We ride trails or take the horses to the beach.”
“I could maybe wrap my head around a ride on the beach.”
“But it’s not your first choice for how to relax.”
“I’ll admit a book and a glass of wine appeals to me more, but I could watch you all day.”
Robyn smiled at the reins in her hands, not sure how to respond to Grace’s attention. “Let’s take them in.” As she expected, Grace groaned loudly as she dismounted and gimped beside Robyn as they led the animals back to the stalls.
As Robyn pulled the bridles and saddles off, Grace grabbed her ankles and did several squats. “I’ve got a great idea. Let’s hit those hot tubs at Café Mokka after dinner tonight.”
“I have a hot tub at the house,” Robyn said.
“Even better!” Grace looked significantly more animated.
“We’ll have to do it tomorrow, though. Mine heats by woodstove, so I need the whole afternoon to get it ready.”
Grace stared at her. “Then let’s go to the ones in town.”
“Your muscles will appreciate it more tomorrow anyway.” Robyn answered, stepping into the tack room. When she turned around after stowing her saddle, Grace blocked the doorway, hands back on her hips.
“My treat.” She didn’t move to let Robyn by.
Robyn balked, thrown by how quickly Grace had pegged her discomfort. She and Barb had argued about money so much that the topic seemed like a minefield. “You’re not very patient, are you?”
“Not true. I gave you time to figure out you liked me,” she teased. She stepped into the dark of the tack room and slid her arms around Robyn’s waist. “And I’ll tell you right now I like to go out. I love restaurants, theater, seeing music live. I like to spend money, and I can see how that makes you put up your wall.” Her hands slid down around Robyn’s rear and she leaned in to kiss the spot on Robyn’s neck that always made her quiver. “But I live within my means. Don’t worry about money. Let me treat.”
“Impatient and persuasive.”
“Which goes a long way when I’m convincing people to part with their money to support the arts.”
“I’d like to see you in action sometime,” Robyn said, imagining Grace working her charm.
“Well, you’re in luck. I’ve gotten in touch with Ruth Mountaingrove and she suggested that we talk about her work over dinner. I was going to ask you to be my date.”
“I’d love to meet her.”
“I’m going to enjoy getting you out.”
“Can I say I’ll enjoy getting you to stay in?”
Grace smiled radiantly. “I certainly see the merit of staying in.”