I stood there, not sure what to think. “A surprise?” I honestly couldn’t believe he had taken the time to plan it all out.
“Okay, let me put this in the fridge.” I quickly transferred the dough to a bowl.
“I’ve got it. Just go get cleaned up,” Banks said, covering the bowl.
Not wanting to give the man time to change his mind, or me time to overthink, I quickly did as he asked.
When I returned downstairs, I found Banks at the bottom of the stairs. “You clean up nicely.”
All I’d done was wash my face and hands, brush my hair, remove my apron, and yet I could feel myself flush at the compliment. It reminded me of that first day I’d come downstairs, and he’d made me feel pretty. “Thank you.”
He just nodded and with a hand splayed at my lower back, led me outside where a horse the color of midnight was standing, the reins looped over the porch rail.
“We’re riding?” I asked.
“Yes, it’s a rather long hike,” Banks said. “Come on. I’ll help you up.”
“But… he’s huge and…” I didn’t want to appear to be a wuss, and say scary, but this was the biggest horse I’d ever seen.
“Kieran?” Banks said, running his hand down the horse’s neck. “No, I’d say he is the average size for a good stallion,” he countered and then grinned. “And, though his name means ‘Dark One’, it’s because of his color, not because he is evil. He’s as gentle as a lamb. I promise, you’ll be fine.”
Dark was right. The animal was the color of obsidian, a black so deep it had a hint of blue along his flanks. He was truly a magnificent example of horse flesh. Yet, that was part of the problem.
“Um, I’ve never been on a horse before, and I’ve heard they know when their rider is… well, terrified. I’m not really sure if—”
“Well, get ready for your first experience,” he interrupted. “I love taking a woman’s virginity, especially one who is such a pretty witch,” he said.
I could only gape at him. Really? Of all I’d said, the only thing he picked up on was that this would be a first for me. I wasn’t sure how to respond until he grinned and chuckled.
“Ha, Ha, very funny,” I said, reaching out to punch him in his arm. “Nice cheesy pickup line.”
He shook his head as he reached out and pushed my hair over my shoulder, running his fingertip along my collarbone. “Why, Miss Winters, I’m not sure whatyouare thinking about, but I was simply talking about treating you to your first ride… on a horse, that is.”
From the heat I felt flare in my face, the tightness of my nipples as they drew up into little pebbles, and the grin he gave me, I had no doubt he knew I was no longer thinking only about riding his horse, but about riding him as well.
He turned and put his boot in the stirrup, swinging his jean-clad leg over the saddle. Leaning down, he offered me his hand, his smile and his absolute confidence giving me the courage to place my hand in his. With little effort, he pulled me onto the horse and settled me in front of him. My heart skipped and fear paralyzed me as I desperately clung to the horse’s mane, trying my best to control my breathing.
With a kick of his boots, he guided the horse forward—the sudden motion causing me to squeal.
Banks leaned forward to speak into my ear. “Relax. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. You’re perfectly safe.”
His soothing voice sent shivers down my spine but did little to calm my anxiety. I looked down at the ground below. I felt so high and far from safe, but when his arm tightened around my waist, I swallowed my fear and pressed back solidly into Banks’ chest. His warmth comforted me, his strong arms around me going a long way toward reassuring me I could trust his word.
“See, this isn’t so bad,” he said as he ran his palm up and down my arm.
“Piece of cake.” My voice trembled a bit, his touch fanning the embers in a fire I’d feared long gone.
“I can make the horse go faster if you like,” Banks challenged.
“No! I like this pace just fine, thank you.”
Banks laughed while tightening his grip around me even more.
The horse plodded along, and after a while, I began to ease the muscles in my body. My breathing calmed, and my heart seemed to beat in its regular rhythm again. Every time I adjusted my body, Banks would squeeze tighter, enveloping me in security and safety. I could feel his breath against my ear, his heat against my back. I could also feel the bulge of his cock as it pressed against my bottom every time I wiggled. The feeling of being protected, guarded, and well… wanted, replaced any remnant of uneasiness.
“Maybe a little faster,” I said a few minutes later.
He chuckled, kicked his heels into the horse’s flanks, and I squealed as the horse began to trot. I was about to ask for him to stop when he kicked his feet once more. Instead of the jerky gait, the one that had me scared I’d bounce right out of the saddle, I felt like I was flying. It was amazing. I hadn’t even been paying attention to where we were going, but as we crested a hill and he slowed the horse when we began to climb yet another rise, I was seeing a part of the land I’d never seen before.