Chapter 44 Riding a Horse
Harper's eyes lit up. "A ranch?"
Having grown up in the city, she'd never visited a real horse ranch. She'd always yearned for that sense of freedom—galloping across open plains.
"I'd love to go," she admitted without hesitation.
When Alaric saw Harper's candid enthusiasm, he couldn't help but be drawn in by her sincerity, his gaze darkening slightly.
Finn was thoroughly pleased. As a vendor, he wasn't worried about Alaric making unreasonable demands—his concern was Alaric making no demands at all. Now, with his perfectly timed suggestion, Finn felt confident their partnership was practically sealed.
He laughed heartily. "Then it's settled! I'll have the car prepared right away."
An hour later, the three arrived at the countryside ranch.
The property was massive—at least the size of fifty football fields.
The panoramic view was breathtaking, with endless green stretching to the horizon, stirring something deep within.
Several horses were grazing peacefully, their coats sleek and glossy.
Harper's eyes brightened as she instinctively stepped closer.
"These are all purebred champions," Finn explained proudly. "I imported them specially."
He turned to Harper. "Would you like to try riding, Ms. Mellon?"
Harper looked eager but hesitated. "I've never ridden before."
"Not a problem," Alaric suddenly interjected. "I'll teach you."
Harper turned to see him already handing his jacket to a staff member and rolling up his shirt sleeves, revealing toned forearms.
He approached a chestnut stallion and gently stroked its mane.
"Come here," he called.
Harper walked over as Alaric held the reins, glancing at her.
"Pet it first, let it get familiar with your scent."
Harper cautiously extended her hand, her fingers making contact with the horse's warm coat, her heartbeat inexplicably quickening.
The horse snorted softly, nuzzling her palm affectionately.
Feeling the cool dampness of the horse's nose, Harper couldn't help but smile.
"It likes you," Alaric said, leading the horse to the fence. "Climb up, I'll help you."
Harper took a deep breath and, with Alaric's assistance, mounted the horse.
The saddle was high off the ground, making her nervous. She instinctively gripped the reins tighter.
"Don't be afraid," Alaric said, his hand covering hers. "Relax. It can sense your tension."
His hand was warm, his palm slightly calloused, providing a reassuring sense of security.
Harper's heart skipped a beat as she tried to relax.
Alaric led the horse, walking slowly around the enclosure.
The hooves made dull thuds against the sandy ground.
Initially tense, Harper gradually began to find her rhythm.
She couldn't help smiling. "This is amazing."
Alaric looked up at her—her eyes sparkling with joy, sunlight highlighting the soft contours of her face.
Something stirred within him, and he averted his gaze.
"Want to try riding on your own?"
Harper hesitated. "Is that okay?"
"Of course," Alaric handed her the reins. "Remember, gently pull to control direction, pull back to stop."
Harper took the reins, carefully testing her control.
The horse responded obediently, following her commands at a leisurely pace.
Growing more confident with each passing minute, Harper became bolder.
She lightly tapped the horse's flank, and it immediately quickened its pace.
The wind rushed past her ears as Harper laughed out loud.
The feeling of freedom was exhilarating.
Alaric stood outside the fence, watching her trot around, a smile unconsciously forming on his lips.
Finn approached, remarking, "Mr. Stuart and Ms. Mellon seem quite close."
Alaric's smile faded. "She's my employee."
"Is that so?" Finn replied with a knowing smile. "Then Mr. Stuart certainly takes exceptional care of his staff."
Alaric didn't respond.
Harper rode back, her cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling.
"That was incredible, Alaric!"
In her excitement, Harper had slipped back into using the familiar way she used to address him.
Alaric helped her dismount, his expression warm. "Yes, I can see that."
Finn joined in, complimenting Harper, "Ms. Mellon has a natural talent for horseback riding."
Harper blushed slightly. "Thank you for the kind words."
Finn smoothly changed the subject to business.
"Ms. Mellon, I've discussed the partnership with my company. If everything looks good, we can sign the contract tomorrow."
Harper looked at Alaric in surprise, confused why Finn was asking her about finalizing the deal.
Alaric simply patted the horse's head, avoiding Harper's gaze.
After careful consideration, Harper cautiously replied, "That works. We'll review the contract thoroughly with Mr. Stuart tomorrow before making anything official."
Finn's smile became even more genuine, his entire beer belly quivering as he grinned, appearing somewhat overly eager.
"Of course, of course! With Ms. Mellon's word, I'm completely reassured!"
They spent a little more time at the ranch before Finn drove them back to the city.
After getting out of the car, the two headed back to the hotel, with Harper still buzzing from the excitement.
"Thank you for today, Mr. Stuart."
Alaric looked down at Harper and lazily hummed, "You're welcome."
She had reverted to the formal distance of a boss-employee relationship.
Harper looked up at him and suddenly asked, "Does Mr. Stuart ride often?" Without waiting for his answer, she quickly added, "If there's a chance, could we go again?"
Alaric answered each question without hesitation.
"I used to go frequently, but I rarely go now because of work." His eyes flickered. "If you'd like to, we can go anytime."
Harper smiled. "It's a deal then."
A little girl who had been observing Harper and Alaric saw Harper smile and immediately bounded over with flowers.
"Sir, buy some flowers for this beautiful lady!"
"This lady is so pretty—you need flowers to win her heart, sir!"
"If you keep making that grumpy face like before, she won't want to be your girlfriend!"
The little girl looked up with bright, sparkling eyes.
Her quick, childish chatter was utterly endearing.
Alaric's expression softened, surprised to encounter such a perceptive child.
The typically hard lines of his face relaxed as he crouched down to meet her at eye level.
Very seriously, he asked, "How much per bouquet?"
From Harper's perspective, they looked just like father and daughter.
If Alaric had a daughter, he would probably be the world's best father, wouldn't he?
Harper was surprised by her own thoughts. She shook her head and tried to intervene.
"We're not..."
Alaric casually patted Harper's leg, glancing up with a look that clearly asked her not to explain further.
The little girl's eyes sparkled as she announced in her clear, childish voice, "Five dollars a bouquet!"
Alaric's lips curved into a slight smile. "Can you calculate how much all the flowers in your hands are worth?"
The little girl nodded enthusiastically.
"There are ten bouquets total! Fifty dollars will do, sir!"