The next day arrived with a bang. Her excitement built as the hours passed, and by the time Eve finished packing her essentials for the day, she could hardly keep herself still. Today was different.
Eve had chosen her outfit carefully: a crisp white button-down shirt tucked into fitted, high-waisted riding pants in dark navy. The fabric hugged her body just enough to show off her figure, but it was practical for the day's activities. A pair of sturdy, knee-high riding boots completed the look, and she pulled her hair back into a loose, low ponytail, allowing a few strands to fall gracefully around her face.
Just like the day before, she found herself on the balcony. The soft afternoon breeze brushing against her face. She had already had her lunch, but her appetite now was for something far more thrilling than food.
Eve leaned against the railing, scanning the road below for any sign of Vincent. It didn't take long. His car pulled up just past the gate, and she felt her heart fluttered a little.
Vincent parked, stepped out, and waved at her with that confident smile she was already growing fond of. Eve waved back, her heart lifting at the sight of him.
He was dressed perfectly for the day ahead. He wore a fitted black polo shirt tucked into dark beige riding pants, which clung to his muscular legs in a way that made her pulse quicken. His brown leather riding boots were polished, and his hair was tousled just enough to make him look effortlessly handsome. He looked like he had just stepped out of an equestrian magazine.
He smiled as he opened the car door for her. "Ready for the ride of your life?"
Eve laughed softly, her cheeks flushing. "Let's see if you can keep up," she teased, settling down from the balcony.
~~~~~~~~
The location they arrived at was nothing short of picturesque. The hills stretched far into the horizon, rolling softly under the golden afternoon sun. An open plain sprawled out before them, perfect for riding. In the distance, a small stable housed a few horses, some grazing lazily in the grass. It was quiet, save for the occasional soft whinny of the horses and the rustle of the wind through the grass.
Eve took it all in, the beauty of the place settling into her bones. It was peaceful—perfect for the day she imagined.
They approached the stable where the owner greeted them, smiling warmly as he led them to their horses.
Eve was drawn immediately to a sleek black horse, its coat shining in the sunlight. It had a strong, proud stance, and something about it resonated with her.
"I'll take the black one," she said, her voice soft but certain.
Vincent chose the white horse standing just beside it. Its snowy coat was almost blinding against the green backdrop of the hills.
"White for me," he said, turning to look at Eve with a teasing smile. "Classic."
She smirked at him. "Black is more mysterious. Suits me better, don't you think?"
The owner handed them the reins. Eve moved toward her horse. It had been a while since she'd done this, and for a brief moment, she hesitated.
But before she could second-guess herself, Vincent was at her side. He placed his hand on her waist, guiding her gently as she climbed onto the horse. His touch was firm as if he was afraid she might fall, but wanted her to feel secure.
"Thank you," Eve said softly, almost breathless.
Vincent smiled, stepping back to mount his own horse. The way he swung himself up onto the saddle was effortless, graceful even. His back straightened, his hands expertly handling the reins as he settled into the seat. He looked... regal, almost like royalty on his white horse, the sun casting a golden glow on him.
"You ready?" Vincent asked, his voice carrying across the space between them.
Eve nodded, gripping the reins tightly. "Ready."
The horses moved slowly at first, getting used to their riders, but soon enough they were galloping across the open plain, the wind rushing through their hair. Eve felt alive in a way she hadn't in years.
Vincent glanced at her, his own heart pounding. Seeing her, free and laughing as the wind caught her hair, he realized something. This—right here, right now—was a moment he wanted to hold on to.
"How about a race?" Eve suggested, tugging gently on her horse's reins to slow it down. "Let's make it interesting. The loser has to walk while the winner stays on their horse. But there's a catch—the loser also has to lead the horse and keep the winner company while strolling."
Vincent raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the challenge. He liked this side of Eve, the one that was carefree, bold, and spontaneous.
"You're on," he replied, his voice low and confident. "Prepare to lose, though. I won't go easy on you."
They lined up their horses at the start of an open stretch of field, the hills rolling far into the distance. Eve tightened her grip on the reins. She hadn't done this in years, but something about the thrill of competition—and doing it with Vincent—made her pulse quicken.
"Ready... set... go!" she shouted, and with that, they were off.
The horses surged forward, hooves pounding the earth as the landscape blurred around them. Eve felt the adrenaline rush through her veins. Her body moving instinctively with the rhythm of her horse.
She could hear Vincent beside her, keeping pace. She pushed her horse faster, urging it forward with a laugh that bubbled from deep inside her.
But Vincent was holding back. He could have overtaken her at any moment, but he didn't. Instead, he let her take the lead. There was something about seeing her like this, free and full of life. The sight of her smile, the pure, unguarded happiness on her face, was worth far more than any victory.
In no time, Eve crossed the imaginary finish line, her horse skidding to a stop. She turned to Vincent, breathless and laughing, her eyes glowing with triumph.
"I won!" she exclaimed. "You're going to have to walk now, Mr. Lancaster!"
Vincent slowed his horse to a stop beside her. He dismounted gracefully, the tall grass brushing against his boots as he stood next to her. "A deal's a deal," Vincent said, handing the reins of his horse. "I guess I'll have to stroll alongside you now, leading this beast."
Eve narrowed her eyes at him, suspicious. "Did you... did you let me win on purpose?"
Vincent gave her a slow, easy smile, shrugging as he began walking beside her horse. "Who, me? Would I do that?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "You totally did, didn't you?"
"Maybe," he replied, his voice teasing but soft. "Or maybe I just couldn't keep up with you. You're pretty fast."
Eve savored the moment. Riding her horse while Vincent strolled beside her, leading his own, felt like something out of a dream. It reminded her of her childhood, and before she knew it, she was telling him stories from her past.
"You know," she began, her voice filled with nostalgia, "I used to ride horses all the time with my dad. It was our thing. Every weekend, he'd take me out to the countryside, and we'd spend the whole day riding. It was one of the few times I got to see him really relax. He was always so... serious. But when we were out there, just the two of us and the horses, he was different. He was free."
Vincent listened closely, his eyes never leaving her face as she spoke. He could see the fondness in her eyes as she recounted those memories, the way her voice softened when she mentioned her father. It was clear how much those moments had meant to her.
"Sounds like you two were close," he said quietly.
"We were," Eve nodded, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "But life happened. He got busier, and so did I. We haven't gone riding together in years." She paused, the memories of her father leaving a bittersweet ache in her chest. "I miss it sometimes."
His voice softened as he walked beside her, their conversation weaving through the quiet landscape. "It's funny, isn't it? How the things we cherish the most are often the ones we let slip away."
Eve nodded, feeling a pang of truth in his words. "Yeah... life has a way of pulling you away from what matters."