Is this destiny?

Gabriel and Becca made their way toward the open field that is next to the riding path, each walking by their horses while guiding them by the reins.

Gabriel let go of Starbreaker who didn't want to move too far from Gabriel while Gabriel was providing initial instructions to Becca.

Becca's horse was a brown mix-breed mare named Willow. Willow was smaller than Starbreaker, but still big in Becca's eyes.

They started by getting Becca to relax and get to know Willow before Gabriel helped Becca climb up.

"Not so bad, is it?", Gabriel asked Becca when they confirmed that she is balancing well in the saddle.

Becca looked around helplessly. "It would be better if it has a wheel or some buttons to control it."

Gabriel chuckled and pointed at the reins. "Tug it left or right to tell her which way to go and pull back to get her to slow down. If you nudge her gently with your feet, she will start moving… some react if you shake the reins, try out things, and see what works for both of you. This is an animal and not a machine. The important thing is to build trust…"

Little by little, Becca was getting the hang of it, and she was a fast learner. She could not go fast, but she was happy with her progress. Gabriel was on the Starbreaker, moving slowly, next to Willow and he and Becca chatted in a good atmosphere.

Unfortunately, about one hour later, Becca realized that her behind is aching. The saddle is not the most cushioned thing to sit on, and as a beginner, she didn't know how to move with the horse, so it was rather uncomfortable.

"Is it OK if we stop for today?", Becca asked reluctantly. 

Gabriel was happy with their current progress. Becca is definitely riding a horse, so he is a successful trainer, but he hoped that they will reach the next step… "I think a bit more and you can take Willow into a gallop."

"How about we save that for next time?" Becca was embarrassed to say why she wants a break.

Gabriel didn't want to pressure her. "Sure."

Becca thought that Gabriel probably wants to go on a quick ride with Starbreaker and he was going slowly only because of her. She remembered that Gabriel told her earlier how he enjoys feeling the wind in his hair while riding on a horse in full gallop.

"I don't want to spoil your fun. Feel free to go with Starbreaker fast. I will take Willow to the stable and meet you there."

Gabriel had no intention of leaving Becca on her own. This is a date, and he is having fun with Becca. Also, Gabriel does not want to risk her bumping into someone who is unpleasant. His guess is that not many know he is divorced (not that it's anyone's business) but nosy people sometimes think that it's their business.

Gabriel saw that Becca is trying to get off Willow and he swiftly leaped off, right in time to catch Becca into his arms when she lost her balance.

"Are you OK?", Gabriel asked.

"Yeah, thanks…", Becca said while scrambling on her feet. She would not be so clumsy if her bottom is not numb.

Becca took Willow's reins and walked toward the stable.

"I feel like walking.", Becca said before Gabriel could ask why she dismounted her horse.

Several steps later, Gabriel noticed... "Is it me, or are you walking funny?"

Becca avoided his gaze, embarrassed that he spotted that detail she tried to conceal.

Gabriel was not sure what is going on, but he saw that Becca is acting strange. "Are you OK? Is it that time of the month?"

Becca exploded into a blush. Did he just ask her if she is on her period? "No!"

"Which one is a no? Are you not OK, or it is not that time of the month?"

Becca realized that Gabriel will not give up. Not because he is nosy, but because he is concerned. So, she had to say... "My butt hurts."

Gabriel extended his steps and stopped in front of Becca, blocking her way. "Your what is what?"

Gabriel heard her, but he wanted to hear it again.

Becca narrowed her eyes at him. Based on his teasing gaze, she can tell that he is enjoying this. Well, against teasing, there is nothing more potent than the truth. "The saddle made my butt ache. OK?"

Gabriel grinned mischievously and leaned closer. "I can give you a massage."

Becca's eyes widened and she glanced around to see if anyone is nearby, but before she could get a good look, Gabriel hugged her and chuckled.

"You are the cutest, Becca…"

Becca was upset that he is teasing her, but at the same time, she was happy about the hug. Other than the almost-kiss in the stable, they didn't do much today, and she really wanted kisses, but she was shy to initiate one.

"Why are you teasing me?", Becca mumbled into Gabriel's chest.

"I am not teasing, Becca. I am earnestly offering you my services. You just need to ask for it and I will make it happen."

Becca slowly lifted her gaze and looked at Gabriel. "What?"

Gabriel smiled. "I am doing my best not to rush things, and I don't know with how much you are comfortable. I am fine with waiting, and when you are ready to move forward, let me know."

Becca blushed profusely. There is no way she will say it. But she was touched that he is considering her to the point of holding himself back. She realized that for Gabriel, hanging out with her for a few goodnight kisses is probably agonizing, no matter how much he likes her. Actually, the more he likes her, the more difficult is to hold back. After all, he is a grown man, yet he is accommodating her because she has no experience with dating.

"Gabriel…"

Becca's next words were interrupted when she heard the clatter of hoofs approaching them.

"Well, hello…", an almost singing female voice came from the side.

Becca scrambled away from Gabriel and saw the petite blonde riding a horse, followed by two female companions who are also riding. Those three are the ones Becca saw in the women's changing room.

The blonde woman looked at Becca and blinked before turning her gaze to Gabriel. "Oh, I am sorry, Mr. Long… I thought that you are with Vicky. It seems there are some things I am not aware of."

Gabriel saw that Becca was uncomfortable and he put his arm around Becca's shoulders.

"Hello, Miss Kassel…" He glanced at the two women who were behind the blonde and greeted them with a small nod. "Miss Lynn, Mrs. Rogers…"

Gabriel looked at Miss Kassel and smiled stiffly. "It seems that there are many things you are not aware of, Miss Kassel… Like how easily your father can lose his business."

Miss Kassel was flustered. Gabriel is smiling, but he is obviously hostile. Well, if he can fake it, so can she. She patted her chest dramatically. "Did I say something wrong? I saw you and assumed that you are with Vicky, your wife…"

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