“I was dreaming about the horses, Sam. Please,” she teased. “I forgot to set an alarm and I think my subconscious was worried I would sleep all day. I woke up. I set an alarm, and here I am.” Then all casual and shit, she slid her hand against his. Sam didn’t hesitate to lace his fingers with hers. He looked down at their clasped hands and instead of saying something stupid about how well their hands fit together, he focused on Euca. She was patiently waiting for the two of them to follow her on her next adventure.

“These dogs are pretty into you,” he said.

Amanda reached down with her other hand and gave Euca a rough scratch behind her floral collar. “She was sitting in the lobby and then followed me out here. I tried to take her back, but the woman at the desk said it was okay if she tagged along.”

“It is. You a good trail guide, Euca? Huh?” His dog’s response was a sloppy lick to his forearm. “Thanks, girl.”

“So you have a horse for me to meet?”

“Bet your boots.” Sam turned and started to lead her back to the stables. Euca took point and trotted on ahead. “Her name is Majesty and she’s the love of my life.”

“How long have you had her?”

“About eight years. My dad actually bought her for my mom, but Majesty and I just clicked.”

“So your mom was just shit out of a horse?” Amanda laughed. “What kind of raw deal is that?”

“They moved to Europe so he could film a movie and she’s been shopping her face off all around London and Paris ever since. That former beauty queen is living her very best life. She don’t give a fuck about no horse.”

“Oh, okay. Well, that doesn’t sound so bad. I have a confession to make.”

“Spill it, girl.”

“I’ve never ridden a horse before.”

He blinked. “You wanna change that?”

Amanda hesitated before she replied, “Not today, but maybe soon.”

Sam laughed at the adorable smile on her face. The way her dimples popped was cute as hell. She nudged him back, shoulder to shoulder. “What? So I’m a bit of a coward.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“I love horses, but I just fear and respect their size and literal horsepower. Also one of my worst fears is getting kicked in the head.”

Another burst of laughter erupted from Sam. “I will not let you get kicked in the head.”

“Thank you. I’m too pretty to take a horseshoe indent to the face. Plus I love all of my teeth.”

“I’ll keep you safe. I promise. I do have to warn you though. My horse hates everyone.”

Amanda shook her head. “She won’t hate me.”

“Oh? Feeling confident all of a sudden. I thought you were afraid of horses.”