Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
Emmily's eyes light up as she reads the coupon for a weekend horseback riding adventure. She turns to her best friend, Violet, with an excited smile. "Violet! You have to come with me for my birthday weekend! It's going to be epic!"
"Oh Emm, that sounds amazing! But horses? I've never been on one before, are you sure I'll be any good?"
Emmily laughs, her cheeks rosy with excitement. "Don't worry, Violet! It'll be a blast! And we're not exactly going to be racing or anything. It's a scenic tour. Plus, I've ridden a couple of times, I can totally help you out. We're going to have the best weekend ever!" She grabs Violet's hand, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "We'll stay in those cute little cabins, have s'mores by the campfire, and maybe even get to know some cute ranch hands." She winks playfully.
Violet's blue eyes widen at the mention of cabins and campfires, a hint of nervousness tugging at the corners of her smile. "I don't know about the ranch hands, but I am looking forward to some time away from the city. And, okay, I trust you with the horses." She nods decisively, her blonde hair bobbing around her shoulders. "But what do we wear? I've seen those movies with people in those tight pants and hats, do we need that?"
Emmily giggles and rolls her eyes. "You don't need to go full cowgirl, Vi, but I do think jeans and boots are a good call. And maybe a hat to keep the sun off your pretty face. You'll be fine, I promise. It's more about enjoying the scenery than looking the part." She taps her finger against her chin, lost in thought. "I wonder if they have any gentle horses for us. Maybe one that won't mind a cuddle or two."
Violet nods thoughtfully, her expression a mix of excitement and trepidation. "Okay, jeans and boots it is. And definitely a hat. I don't want to get sunburnt on my first real horseback riding adventure!" She glances down at her outfit, which is more suited for a night out in the city than a weekend on the ranch. "Do you think I'll need to borrow anything from you? I don't exactly have a 'horse riding' wardrobe." She laughs self-consciously, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Violet takes the boots and hat from Emmily, her cheeks still flushed from the compliment. She tries on the boots, which fit surprisingly well despite their different sizes, and the hat sits snugly on her head, casting a shadow over her eyes. She looks at herself in the mirror and laughs. "I feel like I'm in a costume," she says, but there's a hint of excitement in her voice. She turns to Emmily, her eyes bright with curiosity. "I've never really been around horses, but I'm sure I'll love it. I've always admired them from afar." She runs her fingers through her blonde hair, considering her reflection. "I guess I've always been a bit nervous about the whole thing, but if you're there, I'll be okay." She smiles gratefully, the tension in her shoulders easing a bit. "But seriously, do I need to wear these all weekend?"