18. Georgina #2
“I was hoping the company might get a mention.” Max turns toward me, making no attempt to hide his smile. “The landscape has had a very good review.”
“The company has been very good.” I trace the loose crossing of the braid with one finger. “Better than I was promised, actually. No one has fallen asleep.”
“Very good.” He looks down at his horse as though sharing the compliment with him. “I’d like that in writing.”
“I’ll put it next to your trophies.” I turn toward him, smiling. “Your greatest achievement. Finally doing something exactly as I asked.”
“That’s a crowded field.” His gaze stays on mine until I feel my face warm. “I’m hoping to add to it.”
I look back at the stream, still smiling. I could spend a long time here with him, doing nothing more remarkable than finding another excuse to make him look at me that way.
We ride on through the shade of the oaks, keeping to the easy track toward the yard.
I tell Max which turn I want to try another day, a slightly longer route that follows the edge of the orchard.
He asks where it comes out, and when I explain, he admits he once took the wrong branch and arrived back at the house by a route he has never managed to find again.
“You were lost?” I look at him with entirely too much pleasure.
“Temporarily interested in the landscape.” Max examines the nearest olive tree with renewed attention.
“Did you ask anyone for directions?” I lean a little forward, trying to catch his eye.
“I found my way back.” He looks at me at last, daring me to dispute it.
“That wasn’t what I asked.” I let the question hang between us, enjoying myself far too much.
Max gives me a look, and I laugh, abandoning the interrogation before he can remind me of any of my own navigational achievements. The gray has begun walking with noticeably more purpose, and I point that out instead.
“You see? Breakfast.” I nod toward the gray’s purposeful ears.
“Or he enjoyed my company and wants to tell the others.” Max steadies him back to Sovrano’s pace. “You could allow that possibility.”
By the time we reach the back path, my thighs are beginning to remind me that this is enough for today. We’ve been out for less than half an hour. I am pleased to see the yard, pleased with what I’ve done, and reluctant to let the morning end just because the riding has.
“Still interested in coffee?” I ask as we pass into the yard. “I promise the chairs aren’t a condition.”
“I was going to negotiate for a biscuit.” Max halts beside the mounting block and dismounts before the groom takes his horse. “But I’m willing to discuss terms.”
“Two, if you say something flattering about the cushions.” I halt Sovrano near the block, waiting for Max to come around.
He comes to Sovrano’s head while I move him alongside the block. I free both feet from the stirrups and bring my right leg over, lowering myself carefully onto the top step. Max offers his hand for the steps down, and I take it, keeping hold for a moment after my boots reach the ground.
We hand Sovrano’s reins to the groom, who leads both horses the few steps into the stable aisle. Max unfastens his helmet as I take off mine and set it on the bench. A strand has worked free of my braid, and he catches it gently between his fingers before it falls across my mouth.
“There.” He tucks it behind my ear. “I prefer being able to see your face when you’re negotiating.”
“Thank you for the braid.” I glance toward Sovrano as the groom settles him. “He looks very handsome.”
“He was already handsome.” Max looks toward the stable aisle. “Some of us have to rely on our other qualities.”
“Fishing for compliments?” I raise an eyebrow at him.
“Always.” He smiles, and there is something in his face that makes me want to step closer. “Is it working?”
I don’t answer with words. Instead, I reach for the front of his shirt and pull him toward me, rising on my toes to press my mouth against his.
He makes a soft sound of surprise, then his hands come up to steady me, one at my waist and one at my elbow. The kiss is brief and warm, and when I pull back I can see the question in his eyes.
“I wanted to.” I keep my hand on his chest, feeling his heart beat faster beneath my palm. “I didn’t want to wait until I’d thought about it too much.”
Max covers my hand with his own. “I’m not complaining.”
“Good.” I let myself lean into him for just a moment, feeling the solid warmth of his body against mine. “Because I might do it again.”
“I’ll try to contain my disappointment.” His voice is low, close to my ear, and I feel a shiver run down my spine that has nothing to do with the morning air.
The groom passes the doorway carrying a saddle, and I realize we’re standing in her way. I move aside, still smiling. Max lets me go easily, but his hand brushes mine as it falls, and I let him take my fingers for just a second before I turn toward Sovrano.
“I’ll see to him.” I look toward Sovrano in the aisle. “Meet me on the terrace in twenty minutes?”
“I’ll ask Rosa about coffee.” He catches my eye as he says it. “And then I’ll locate our troublesome chair.”
“Try the storeroom off the yard.” I head into the stable to take Sovrano from the groom. “If it wins, call for help.”
I take my time with Sovrano, removing his tack and brushing him down while the groom sees to the gray in the next stall. The familiar routine settles something in me that the ride stirred up. I have always thought better with a brush in my hand, and today there is a lot to think about.
When I think of the kiss, I find myself smiling at the brush in my hand. I had wanted it, and I let myself have it. Now there is coffee waiting, and a chair Max will insist he can fix, and I don’t feel any need to hurry past those ordinary things to decide what they mean.
I hang up Sovrano’s bridle and give him a final pat. He turns his head toward me, his dark eye soft and knowing, and I feel a rush of affection that has nothing to do with how well he carried me today.
“Good boy.” I stroke his nose. “We’ll go out again soon.”
He snorts gently, as though he’s heard this promise before and is reserving judgment. I smile and step out of his stall, pulling the door closed behind me.