Starting Over in Maple Bay by Brittney Joy
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Before Sunday dinner, when Hazel’s phone rang and she pulled it from her pocket, Jesse saw the name on her screen—Bill—and knew that was Hazel’s ex-husband’s name. When her face fell and Hazel proceeded to have what looked like a heated conversation, Jesse had a hard time keeping his feet on the deck. He wanted to save Hazel from whatever was making her pace, but didn’t think it was his place to push those boundaries. He didn’t know enough about Hazel or her previous marriage to step in and help. He also knew past relationships could be complicated. Especially when you had a child together.
Besides, what was he going to do? Go find the guy and set him straight? Make sure he knew how stupid he was for letting Hazel get away?
Whatever was said over the phone had upset Hazel, and Jesse hated that. It upset her enough that she’d gone quiet Sunday afternoon, at least toward him. The truck ride over to his parents’ house had been full of laughter and excitement. The ride home held this strange sense of formality, like Hazel needed distance from Jesse.
Even though he didn’t want to, Jesse took her cue and gave her the space she silently asked for. Over the next few days, Jesse continued to work at Frankie’s barn in the morning, when Hazel was there, but he kept a respectful distance. At least he tried to. Frankie’s first summer camp was in full swing. There were six campers, including Grace, and Hazel marched the kids around the barn and arena like a momma bear. Frankie taught all lessons that involved the horses, but Hazel managed everything in between. She made meals and coordinated activities. Jesse found himself watching her whenever he got a chance. With the kids she was at ease, at home in her own skin. She was relaxed, cheerful, even giddy, and Jesse found himself in a predicament. Even from a distance, he was being drawn in by Hazel.
But he wouldn’t pursue her if she wasn’t ready for a relationship. So instead of making excuses to spend time with Hazel, Jesse kept to his task. He worked with Indy, helping the gelding regain his confidence so he could eventually find a new home. Thankfully, Jesse was making progress with the horse. By the middle of the week, he was riding Indy in the round pen.
At least Jesse was making steps forward in one area of his life. It just wasn’t in his love life.
After untacking Indy and putting him back out in the pasture, Jesse headed toward his truck.
“Hey, Jesse!” Frankie walked out of the barn leading Daisy. The paint mare was saddled and bridled. “Can you help me with something? It’ll just take a second.”
“Sure. What’s up?” he asked, even though he knew he should hit the road. He had two more stables to visit and three colts that needed to be worked at his own barn.
Frankie handed Daisy’s reins to Jesse. “Can you take her out in the arena? I want to show the kids the proper way to get on a horse. This afternoon they’ll all have their first riding lesson.”
“Okay.” That was simple enough. “Come on, pretty girl.” Jesse led Daisy away from the barn and into the sand arena.
Frankie called to Hazel. She was sitting with the kids at the picnic table under the maple trees. They were working on a craft project that involved horseshoes, glitter, and paint, but the kids eagerly abandoned their crafts when they saw Jesse and Daisy. Hazel led the kids into the arena, and they glowed like spotlights. Jesse grinned at their enthusiasm.
“Kids, this is Jesse.” Frankie strode through the gate, tailing the group. All six kids greeted Jesse with waves and eager hellos—even Grace, who obviously already knew Jesse. “Jesse is going to show you the proper, safe way to get in the saddle. You need to pay close attention as you will each be getting up on Daisy after the demonstration. Okay?”
Heads nodded seriously, and Jesse draped Daisy’s reins over her neck, preparing to show the crew how to mount a horse. He started to fiddle with the saddle stirrup, making sure it was long enough, but Frankie cleared her throat.
“Actually, I was hoping you could hold the horse and Hazel could get on,” Frankie said. “That way I can give play-by-play instructions while you two act it out. Thanks a bunch. This will be great.”
Frankie didn’t wait for anyone’s input. She took Hazel by the arm and nudged her toward Jesse. Hazel stepped forward, away from the kids, though she looked like she might run or hide.
Frankie wasn’t making a lick of sense. She could’ve mounted Daisy by herself and given instructions to her students as she did it. The whole scenario was fishy, but Frankie’s shifty grin told Jesse all he needed to know. She’d noticed that Jesse and Hazel weren’t talking, and Frankie wasn’t about to allow that to continue.
“Let’s all encourage Hazel, because this will be her very first time getting on a horse. Just like all of you. Isn’t that great?” Frankie laid the pressure on thick and her scheme was working. The kids clapped and uttered variations of, “You can do it, Ms. March.”
When Grace chimed in with “You got this, Mom,” Hazel succumbed with a sigh.
“You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” Jesse whispered, hoping only Hazel heard. She stood awkwardly, like she was having a debate with herself. “But you do know they sense fear, right?”
Hazel quirked an eyebrow. “Horses? Or kids?”
Jesse smirked, thinking she was right on both accounts. Horses and kids had an innate sense for sniffing out fear. Then they either ran from it or took advantage of it. He offered his hand in case Hazel wanted to take it. “This will be painless. I promise. Daisy is a veteran. The only time she senses fear is if she thinks her dinner might be late.” He tipped his head toward Daisy. The well-fed mare was standing like a statue, her bottom lip droopy as though she’d missed out on her mid-morning nap.
“If there’s even the slightest chance that I might fall, I fully expect you to catch me,” Hazel warned. Then she set her hand in Jesse’s. His heart gave a traitorous thud.
“You won’t fall.” He would catch her if she did.
From behind, Frankie started giving instructions. “So, the first thing Hazel needs to do is make sure she has control of the reins.”
Jesse took Frankie’s cue and guided Hazel’s hand to the reins that hung over Daisy’s neck. Without words, he curled her fingers around the leather. “I’ve also got ahold of the reins so Daisy won’t go anywhere. Now, just put your left foot in the stirrup, grab the saddle horn, and pull yourself up.”
Hazel’s back was only a few inches from his chest. She turned her head to him, and his eyes ran down the curve of her neck, fully missing whatever Frankie had been babbling about in the background.
“Sure glad I wore jeans today,” Hazel whispered, and raised her leg to put a tennis shoe in the stirrup. After a little hop and a grunt, Hazel pulled herself up and swung a leg over Daisy.
She shimmied into the saddle seat, looking surprised by her feat.
“You look like a pro,” Jesse said.
Hazel seemed amused by his comment and gave him a grin. It warmed him from the toes up. The kids clapped, and Hazel patted Daisy on the neck.
“Thanks for standing still and not making me look like a total city slicker. You’re officially my favorite horse,” Hazel said.
Jesse patted the mare as well.
“Now, Hazel needs to dismount,” Frankie called, and explained the necessary safety tips as Hazel reversed what she’d just done. She swung a leg up, over, and down, but as one foot found the ground, the other got stuck in the stirrup. The hang-up was just enough to make Hazel teeter.
Jesse immediately placed a hand on her lower back.
“I’ve got you,” he said, steadying Hazel and giving her time to loosen her shoe from the stirrup. Hazel pulled her foot out and placed both feet back on the ground. Jesse kept his hand splayed over her back.
“Thank you.” Hazel blushed. “Guess there’s more than one way to look like a city slicker.” She quirked her mouth and Jesse wanted to kiss it.
“You did good.” He reluctantly let his hand fall from her back. “You just need practice.”
“See, kids,” Frankie said. “There’s another safety tip for you. That is why we always wear cowboy boots when we ride. And we always keep our heels down. We don’t want to get our foot hung up in the stirrup, right?” The kids agreed boisterously with Frankie. “But we’ll give Hazel a pass today, because I didn’t exactly give her a heads-up that she’d be getting on a horse.”
“No, you did not,” Hazel replied, adding a sassy look for Frankie. Then she said to the kids, “All right, now it’s your turn. I want you guys to line up next to me and show me what you’ve learned.”
Jesse kept hold of Daisy as Frankie helped each camper safely mount and dismount. Hazel cheered the kids on like they were practicing for the Olympics, and Jesse forgot why he was keeping his distance from Hazel. He also wondered if Frankie had any safety tips for his heart.