Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
“Should we wait a bit longer or start without him?” I ask, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. Griffin checks his watch, his expression thoughtful.
It isn’t the first time Callum has bailed on an outing.
Griffin grabs his phone once more. “I’m calling the restaurant,” he says, punching at his phone.
“Don’t bother. Even if he is there, by the time he makes it here…” my words fall away thinking about my brother and how he’s most likely at work. I swear he doesn’t know how to have fun. “We can just ride ourselves,” I tell Griffin.
Mr. Daniels smiles at us. “So, just the two of ya, then?”
I nod. “I’m so sorry about this. You know Callum,” I say with a shrug.
Mr. Daniels laughs, because he does in fact know Callum very well. We used to play on this ranch when we were kids. Mr. Daniels taught us all how to ride, even Griffin. So, we’re not new to horses.
“Just take them down to the watering hole, and let them rest and drink, and then you can bring them back later this afternoon.” Mr. Daniels tips his hat at us as he walks the third horse back.
I grab the reins of Silver, my favorite horse. It’s been a while since I’ve ridden. Silver’s a beautiful Quarab horse with a coat of black and white hairs, giving it an almost silver appearance. Silver is the most intelligent horse I’ve ever known, and I’m happy I get to be the one riding her.
I mount Silver, and once I’m steady in the saddle, I walk her over to where Griffin stands in front of the American Paint horse, Honey, he’ll be riding.
He mounts Honey, and then we’re off, both of our horses moving side-by-side together. The wind in my hair reminds me why I love riding so much.
We move like fire through the fields, eating up the distance with ease. Silver runs smooth, and it’s like no time has passed as she remembers me. I see the watering hole coming up fast, and I pull on the reins to slow Silver down.
Once we reach a good stopping point, I start to dismount. My foot gets snagged, and oh my god, I go down.
Fast.
Hard.
Oww.
My foot slips in something wet, and I land flat on my back. “What the…” my question slips out as I feel something slick down my back.
Griffin’s eyes are horrified as he moves quickly to dismount and rush over to where I’m still lying in the grass. He makes quick work of securing the horses, and he reaches out his hand.
“I think I landed in poo,” I tell him, wondering how my horse could have taken a dump so quickly before I even got off his back.
“I think you slipped in it too.”
I take his hand, and he helps me up. “Umm,” I say, trying to look at my ass to see how bad it is. “I feel it all over my arms.”
Griffin laughs as he looks at me. “You have it everywhere. It’s in your hair.” He points to my hair. “Get in the water.”
“What?” I ask him, looking mortified. This is the worst thing that could possibly happen to me. It’s bad enough I’m covered in poo, but to have Griffin here makes it ten times worse. “Your clothes look spared, just a bit on your shirt. Maybe a bit around your ankle on your jeans.” He cracks a smile. “But your hair and face.”
I swat my hand along my forehead. “My face?” I question, smearing more of the shit all over me.
Griffin laughs harder. “I don’t mean to laugh,” he says. “But it’s all over you.”
My hand is covered, and I take it and run it over Griffin’s arm.
He stops laughing instantly. “You did not just do that.” He stares at his arm like it’s got the plague.
Now I’m smiling, backing away from him. “Don’t hurt me,” I say, rushing away from him.
He chases after me. “Anya, oh I’m definitely getting you back for this.”
I hold up my hands. “Don’t get any closer,” I say, using my poo-covered hands as weapons.
“You’re disgusting,” he says through a laugh.
I glance over at the watering hole. There’s really only one thing left to do. “Turn around,” I tell him.
He stares at me, obviously confused. “Why?”
“Because I’m going to take off my clothes and get in the water. You should wash your arm off too.”
Griffin’s eyes darken as he studies me. I probably look disgusting with horse poop all over me, but he doesn’t stare at me like I am. “All of your clothes?”
“I’ll leave my underwear and bra on. Just like a bikini,” I say, parking a hand on my hip. “Are you going to turn around, or do I have to get undressed in front of you,” I challenge him.