CHAPTER 13
NOAH
The drive from my house to the barn is filled with loaded silence. Bella hasn’t made eye contact with me since breakfast and I’m not sure if it’s because of my playful comeback or if it’s because something else is bothering her.
The moment those words left my lips, I knew I had fucked up. I have this terrible habit of speaking before I think it through. It’s like my mouth rebels against my brain and just runs away with itself.
I don’t know what I was thinking, making a comment like that to not only my best friend’s little sister, but someone as vulnerable as she is right now.
She must think I’m a fucking asshole.
I continue to mentally berate myself as I pull my truck alongside the barn and park. I have every intention of climbing out and opening the door for Bella, but before I even get the chance to unbuckle my seatbelt, she’s out the door and all-but running into the barn.
I shake my head with a disbelieving laugh and scrub a hand down my face.
Climbing out of the truck, I follow her into the barn and down the alley to the stall where Chance, my beautiful chestnut stallion, lives. Bella stands on her tiptoes, her chin resting on top of the stall door as she runs a gentle hand up and down Chance’s muzzle.
I push my hands into my pockets, standing beside her awkwardly. “Would you like to ride him?”
Bella blinks up at me, making eye contact for the first time since we left the house and chews on her bottom lip. “Isn’t he yours?”
I nod. “He is.”
“So, aren’t you going to ride him?” She asks, resuming her petting.
“I can take another horse. Besides, I trust Chance with my life, so I know you’ll be safe with him.”
Bella nods thoughtfully. “Okay.”
With her agreement, I turn for the tack room and collect all the equipment we need before returning to Bella.
I saddle Chance while Bella watches me with quiet curiosity and every inch of my skin burns under the heat of her gaze. My hands are damp with sweat as I secure the final buckle, and I find myself having to triple check something I can usually do with my eyes closed.
I wipe my hands down my jeans and clear my throat, turning to Bella. “You good to take him out front while I get Nugget ready?”
“Sure. You’re taking your Mama’s horse?” Bella asks, taking the reins from me and slowly leading Chance from his stall.
“Yeah. Figured he could do with the exercise. She doesn’t ride him all that much anymore.” I dip my head toward the stirrups. “You remember how to mount?”
Bella gives me a ‘duh’ look. “Of course. It hasn’t been that long.”
I scoff at that. “It’s been a while, Bells. Just wanted to make sure.”
Bella huffs a dry laugh. “I’m sure I’ll manage. I’ll meet you out front.”
She disappears out the barn doors and I duck into Nuggets stall to tack him up. This time I don’t fumble like an amateur and within minutes, I’m leading him out into the sunlight.
To my surprise, Bella is already mounted on Chance and waiting for me as I join them. I squint up at her. “Not bad, babybell.”
She gives me a smug smile and shrugs. “Just like riding a bike.”
A deep chuckle rumbles in my chest, and I shake my head as I mount Nugget. “That was just the first hurdle. The real test is, can you still ride?”
Bella smiles, the challenge shining in her grey eyes. “I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?”
Before I even get the chance to respond, she digs her heels in and takes off, nothing but blonde hair and high-pitched laughter following her as she goes.
It’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.
I shake my head with a laugh, pride crawling up my chest as I run a hand down Nuggets neck. “You ready for this, boy?”
And then I take off after her.