I awaken to the smell of sausages, toast, and strong coffee. It's not until I'm about to enter the kitchen that I realize...
It's just me and Jisung today. I wonder what that will mean.
I head in to find Jisung at the stove, smiling over a sizzling pan.
"Mornin', (Y/N)."
"Mornin', Jisung. Need a warm-up on that coffee?"
"I'd love one. Mug's right there on the counter. That what you're wearin' to work today?"
He looks me up and down at my specially picked out pj's I wore just for him this special morning. A tank top and panties.
"I'll change before we start work. But this is breakfast. Just the two of us... Anyway, I thought you liked thinkin' 'bout me in bed."
The air between us sizzles even hotter than the bacon in the pan. Jisung shakes his head with a smile.
"Is that how we're gonna play it? This early in the mornin'?"
"You know me, I'm always up for a good time..."
My fingers play with the fallen strap of my tank top. Jisung's throat bobs as he swallows hard.
"Don't tease me, (Y/N)."
"Besides, it's not like the warden's here to catch us..."
Eyes drift over my body, Jisung moves closer, sliding his hand around to rest on the small of my back. He leans in to murmur...
"You aimin' to get up to some trouble, (Y/N)? "
"I think you know the answer to that."
Jisung leans in, until his lips are hovering just an inch from my throat. I suck in a sharp breath, body tingling with anticipation...then steps away.
"But first, breakfast."
"Wouldn't wanna start what I'm thinkin' 'bout on any empty stomach. Gimme a second, I'll bring you a plate."
I sit at the kitchen table and stare out the window at the pastures beyond. A few minutes later, Jisung sets a plate in front of me.
"What, no short stack on the side?"
"Man, alone ten minutes and already actin' like you run the place."
"We both know you like it."
"Someone tellin' me what to do? Not a chance."
"I think it's sexy when a woman gets to be the boss. And I think you do too."
Jisung squirms in his seat, eyeing me over the rim of his coffee mug.
"Didn't realize you were such a...mornin' person."
"Need a little help wakin' up?"
My foot catches Jisung's under the table. I run it slowly up his calf, enjoying the shiver that goes through him at my touch.
"Oh, I'm awake. And thinkin' 'bout how Minho's puttin' that purse to good use. So we need to keep our promise. Not get distracted."
I begin to protest...but I've spent too long tryin' to earn Minho's trust to let him down now. I nod, focusing on my meal.
"Should be able to manage if we split up our tasks. How about I handle feeding and tack polish, you focus on exercising the horses?"
"Works for me. I wanna make some time to check out the far fence, too."
"Sounds like a plan. We make a great team, Han Jisung."
"I'll agree to that when we've finished what we set out to do."
"C'mon, Jisung. You oughta know by now. I always finish what I start."
Smiling intimately at me, he pulls my hand to his lips for a tender kiss.
"Then you probably oughta start by puttin' on some real clothes. Go on upstairs, I'll clean up."
I head out without another word, but the comfortable warmth between us lingers long after his touch. I make my way through all my chores, quickly getting into a rhythm.
"How are we doin' on our own, Agusga?"
"Niiieeggh"
"I agree wholeheartedly. Lee Know should feel lucky. And so should you, once I finish muckin' this stall..."
With some extra time before lunch, I head back to the house, making my way to Minho's office.
"I bet things'd run smoother if Minho kept a tidier desk."
As I start organizing the stacks of contracts, receipts, and mail, I unearth a beat up stuffed frog. I notice there's a name on the tag, scribbled out in crayon.
Lee Froggy
"No way! I haven't seen you in years, Froggy! Has Minho been keepin' you locked away in here?"
I squeeze the creature tightly to my chest, remembering all the comfort it brought me as a child.
"He kept my baby toy? Minho must be more sentimental than I thought."
I sort the rest of the items then turn to the stack of papers at my feet. But I'm surprised to see...
"Are those the account books? Why are there so many? Why haven't I seen this one before?"
I flip through the additional books. It doesn't take long to determine one is for the ranch's larger expenses...and that Minho kept it hidden.
"These debts go back years! The purse Jisung won is nowhere near enough to cover them all."
"When Jisung enters the house a little while later, he finds me sitting on the couch.
"Looks like you beat me today, (Y/N). Not too shabby, but don't get used to it."
"Spare me, Jisung. I'm not in the mood."
"Whoa, there, (Y/N). I was just ribbin' you. What's going on?"
"Be honest, have you ever seen this account book before?"
I toss the book over to Jisung. His eyes widen as he realizes the same thing I did.
"Nope. And I'm not surprised. Minho never let on how far underwater this place was."
"At least it wasn't just me he kept in the dark. But why hide this from us?"
"I'm sure he had his reasons. But it's mighty hard to fathom them right now."
"And on top of that, he's out buyin' a new horse. We need to pay off our debts!"
"I hear you. But Ranching is a business where you need to take risks to succeed."
"Minho said the same thing... And I get it. I've studied Agribusiness for the last four years, I know what it takes to keep a place like this running. But this kinda debt? It's not something you can ignore. If we get a reputation for not payin' our bills, it'll sink us."
"I hadn't thought about it from that angle."
Jisung reaches out for my hand. I expect a flare of heat, but when his thumb strokes my wrist, I simply feel comfort.
"I'm sorry, (Y/N). Minho shoulda been honest with you. You're family. Plus, it's clear that you've got a head for this stuff. And I don't just mean the way you're pullin' your weight with the chores."
"Thanks, Jisung. It's so good to hear someone say that."
"Tell Minho how you feel once he's home. I'll back you. Until then, there's nothin' you can do but try to take your mind off it."
"Tall order. Any suggestions?"
"How 'bout a picnic out on the west pasture? I can pack us a basket. If you want, we can even figure out a strategy for confrontin' Minho. Two heads and all that."
Jisung squeezes my hand in his, eyes filling with tenderness as he gazes at me.
"I promise, everything will look better after a good meal on a beautiful day. Whaddya say?"
"Take me on that picnic, please!"
"Perfect! I promise, you won't regret it."
"An afternoon with you? How could I?"
Jisung cups my face in his hand, brushing his thumb over my cheek.
"I just don't wanna take a single moment for granted."
My heart thunders in my chest, even after Jisung drops his hand.
"Mind readyin' some horses for us? We'll need a saddlebag from the tack room."
"Sure thing."
While Jisung prepares lunch, I saddle up the horses and bring them out to the paddock.
"Appreciate your help today, you two. It'll be nice to enjoy the outdoors, won't it?"
In what feels like no time at all, Jisung walks through the front door carrying a picnic basket.
"What's all that?"
"It's a surprise..."
He straps the basket onto his horse's saddle while I hoist myself onto Agusga. He reaches up to place his hand on my thigh.
"Shall we?"
Jisung gives my thigh a teasing squeeze. My breath catches.
"Ready when you are."
He mounts his horse with a sly grin. With a flick of the reins, we're off. Soon enough, we arrive in an open meadow, not far from the scenic vista where we shared our emotional kiss.
"This place brings back some memories. Recent ones." I smile looking out at the horizon.
"Don't know what you're implyin'. I just happen to like the view."
Jisung's the first to dismount. When I swing my leg over Agusga's back to follow suit, he's there to help. He hooks one arm under my knees to carry me off. The other cradles my back in support.
"Oh!"
I thread my fingers behind his neck as he sets me on the ground.
"Such a gentleman..."
"When I feel like it."
Jisung spreads out a blanket, then unhooks the picnic basket he's packed.
"What a feast!"
"The main event today is the smoked turkey clubs with zucchini relish, peppercorn mayo, and heirloom tomatoes. I brought some of my sea salt and rosemary potato chips to go with them. And brown butter chocolate chip cookies for dessert."
Jisung palms the back of his neck, clearly anxious to see how I'll react.
"Jisung, this looks incredible! When'd you have time to make all this?"
"I like to experiment when I have a minute. And the chips I can whip up in no time flat. Oh! Almost forget... Brought a lil' something' for the horses, too."
Jisung pulls two apples from the basket. Agusga snorts happily at the sight, then snatches hers from Jisung's hand.
"Whoa, there..."
"I'm with Agusga... I'm too hungry to wait. Let's dig in!"
The two of us start eating, a gentle summer breeze cooling my skin.
"Is the picnic helpin' clear your head at all?"
"It is. Must be the company."
Jisung fights off a grin as I turn to look at him.
"How can that be? I ain't too good at the whole chit-chat thing."
"No, but you put this picnic together. Besides, you don't have to talk. Just havin' you around is a comfort."
"Good. Cause it's getting' harder for me to keep away from you, (Y/N)."
I feel my stomach somersault at his words. I polish off the rest of Jisung's home-cooked meal, sighing when I realize it's gone.
"Jisung, I hope you know I'm sayin' this with love...but I feel like your cookin' is wasted on us. Do you ever think about doin' it for anyone else?"
Jisung takes his last bite, then looks out across the meadow deep in thought.
"I've...toyed with the idea. But for now, feedin' you two is more'n enough work as it is."
"Well, for what it's worth, I think you'd be good at it. On a bigger scale, I mean."
"Thanks. I'll take that under advisement. But that's all in the future. For now, I promised you I'd help you figure out how to talk to Minho."
"I need all the help I can get there. I don't get it, Jisung... Does he think I'll make it worse?"
"No way. Minho knows you've got the business sense to help run this place. Hell, I know it."
"Then why does Minho keep freezin' me out? Is it pride?
"Maybe, but not in the way you mean. He isn't worried about you outshinin' him, (Y/N). but he's used to lookin' out for you. The idea that he might not be able to...well, I understand how hard it'd be for him to swallow that. Did you know that the year you went off to college, he pretty much lived on ramen noodles?"
"He never told me that."
"Course not. It woulda worried you. And he wanted nothin' more than for you to squeeze every last drop outta college."
I feel a pang imagining Minho putting in a full day at the ranch, then coming home to meager microwaved meals every night.
"And don't think he regrets it for a minute. Minho couldn't be prouder of you and your degree, (Y/N), I promise you that."
"If that's true, then why not let me put it to good use? I can help him, Jisung."
"I know that. Hell, I think Minho knows that. But he's not thinkin' with his head. He's thinkin' with his heart. He's scared, (Y/N). You musta guessed that."
"Of losin' this place? We all are!"
"Not just that. He's scared of lettin' you down. You're the person he cares about most. Your opinion means more to him than he lets on."
"But he cares about you, too. So why isn't he afraid of lettin' you down? He let you quit the rodeo to help out!"
Jisung's lips purse together into a think line. He shakes his head in earnest.
"He didn't let me do anything. And it took a lot of pride-swallowin' for him to accept my help when I showed up at the front door."
"I don't see why he can't show me the same courtesy. I've been here long enough for him to choke another helpin' of pride down."
"I hear you. But Minho and I've always had a different relationship. After my mom passed, we got thicker'n thieves. We were both lookin' out for each other. We've always had a push and pull. Sometimes I'm helpin' him more, sometimes the other way around. But we've always been goin' through it together."
"So because I was still a kid when Minho had to step up around here, he's never gonna really trust me?"
"He will. But it'll take time. Minho's used to seein' me one way, and used to seein' you another."
Jisung wraps a strong arm around my shoulders, squeezing me against him. I lean into Jisung's embrace, brushing my nose against the curve of his neck. He sighs.
"It's nice to take a moment and just...be. I shouldn't let this get to me."
"With everything that's goin' on, nobody could blame you for bein' upset. Honestly, I think you're handlin' it all damn well."
My anxiety ebbs as Jisung's arms tighten around me.
"So what do I do? How do I make Minho listen to me like he listens to you?"
"It's gonna be tough, but you just gotta lay your cards on the table, (Y/N). Tell him what you know. It'll force him to treat you on that level."
"You really think that'll work?"
"It's always worked between him and me. It's why he finally accepted my help on the ranch."
"What'd you tell him?"
"The truth. That I care about this ranch more than any other place on earth."
"Is carin' about the ranch the only thing that keeps you here?"
The way he looks over at me as my heart is pounding in my chest. Jisung licks his lips slowly, then clears his throat.
"No. But I think you already know that."
"I do...but I could use some reassurance."
Jisung takes my face in his hands to kiss me tenderly. I sigh against his lips as the sun warms my skin. I lean back against the blanket, pulling Jisung down on top of me. He rests his weight on his elbows, pressing a fervent kiss to my mouth. I part my lips slightly so our tongues can tangle together.
"Mmmm..." he moans.
As Jisung deepens the kiss, he reaches up under my hem. I shiver as his hand splays across my belly and slides up my chest. When he cups my breasts to give it a soft squeeze, I moan.
"(Y/N)..."
I arch my body up against Jisung. He moans, lightly grinding against me as he recaptures my mouth with a passionate kiss. I cover Jisung's hand and guide it between my thighs so he can feel my heat, my pulsing desire...
"Do you know how wet I am for you?"
"I'm gettin' an idea."
I run my hand up Jisung's thigh and between his legs, spurred on by his groan.
"The things you do to me..."
As he says the words, I feel him stiffen against my hand, straining through his jeans.
"Oh, Jisung..."
Jisung returns to my mouth, entwining his fingers with mine, covering my body with his.
"Ohhh..."
Lips never leaving his, I find Jisung's belt and fumble with the buckle...
"You don't know how long I've wanted this, Jisung..."
But as I'm about to work it free, the whistle of the one o'clock train rings out over the broad plains. Jisung pulls away, cupping my cheek with a hand and gently rubbing his thumb over it, gazing tenderly at me.
"Day's gettin' away from us. Minho will be back soon."
"Don't remind me."
"Him leavin' this place in our hands was a big step. Let's prove that he put his trust in the right people."
Jisung presses a kiss to the curve of my ear so he can whisper.
"We'll pick up where we left off later. Promise."
He stands and helps me to my feet. I pull him closer for one last, lingering kiss.
"Thank you for this, Jisung. Not just this, for talking to me. I've needed it more than I realized."
"I'm here for you, (Y/N), no matter what happens. And I promise you, Minho is too. He'll open up to you if you just give him time."
Heart feeling lighter, I help Jisung pack up our belongings, and ride back the way we came. Sometime later, we make our way into the stables, stopping at the stall holding the very pregnant mare.
"Hey, girl..." Jisung greets her.
"Poor thing. It's hard work, carryin' all that around. What are we doin' to keep her comfortable?"
"All the standard things. Plenty of hay and fresh water, leadin' her out to the pasture so she can stretch her legs."
"Should we get some more beddin' to make it cozier in here? And hand me that brush. A groomin' will help her feel her best."
Jisung hands me the brush and I begin to brush the mare gently as she starts to relax.
"How's that feel, girl?"
"Smart thinkin'. Business and horse sense, all in one fine package."
"I learn from the best."
"You talkin' 'bout your parents?"
"Actually, Minho's the one who taught me most of this stuff."
"That explains it, then. That brother of yours is a stickler for the details."
"It's a blessin' and a curse. I appreciate how much he cares. I just wish he'd trust me more."
I sigh, worrying over the fate of the ranch. Jisung slides his hand over mine on the mare's back and gives it a reassuring squeeze.
"You really think the foal she's carryin' could fetch enough money to help this place?"
"I think it'd be a big step in the right direction."
He's running his hand up the inside of my wrist when I hear footsteps approaching the stall.
"Y'all look thick as thieves. Should I be worried?" Minho asks.
Jisung takes a step back, shoving his hands deep into his pockets.
"Y'all look thick as thieves. Should I be worried?"
"I was just complimentin' Pip on her care of our mare, here. She had smart ideas on keepin' the old girl comfortable."
"Way to go, Pip. Knew I could trust you two to look after things."
"Well, if y'all are good here, I should really check on the fence in the far pasture."
Without a backward glance, Jisung sidesteps the both of us and makes his way to the doors leading out to the paddock. At the threshold, Jisung pauses, turning to me to mouth encouragement.
"Remember what I said. Lay your cards on the table."
I nod once, steeling myself, and Jisung turns to exit the stables.
"Let's head to the tack room, we can work while I fill you in on the day. Unless you already polished the saddles?"
"Oh, no."
"Then lead the way, Pip."
Here goes nothin'...
"Before we get too far into this, I want to as you about the books."
"What about them?"
"I saw the other ledgers...what the hell? You lied to me! Again! After you promised me you wouldn't."
"I told you everythin' you needed to know!"
"Cut the crap, Minho! You told me what you wanted to tell me. That isn't the same."
"It felt like the right thing to do at the time... I was sure I could turn it around once we sold this foal."
"The amount of debt we're in won't go away with one good sale. This foal is a start, but it's not enough to wipe our slate clean."
"I know. My luck's been pretty damn miserable lately, huh?"
"Minho, you should know I forgive you. I'll keep sayin' it 'til you believe me. There is nothin' you could do that would make me turn my back on you."
Minho hangs his head in shame.
"Pip, that's good of you, but I don't deserve it."
"Of course you do. Even if we lose the ranch, you'll always be my brother. I love you, Minho. Now please, let me help."
"I'm sorry, Pip. I hear you loud and clear."
"Maybe. But why weren't you hearin' me before? Why hide all this from me for so long in the first place?"
"The truth is...it's been a while since I was just your brother."
"What do you mean?"
"Steppin' up after Mom and Dad died didn't just mean runnin' the ranch, it meant doin' everything they did for you."
"I know that musta been hard..."
"I'm only sayin' it so you understand. I got used to protectin' my kid sister instead of trustin' her. But I promise, (Y/N), I'm gonna get past that. You're a partner in this place now. I mean to treat you like one."
"That's all I've ever wanted, Minho."
I pull Minho in for a tight hug. After a long moment, he pulls back and claps me on the shoulder.
"On that note... If we're gonna be on the level, I need to get to know the new and improved Lee (Y/N)."
"What do you want to know?"
"I find honest conversations pair well with whiskey. The good stuff, mind. Han can join in, too. I mean it, (Y/N), I want to change how I'm treatin' you. And step one is seein' you for who you really are."
"Pour me a damn drink!"
Minho slaps his knee and whoops with joy.
"That's the spirit! I'll text Jisung to meet us in the root cellar."
"That's where you keep the good stuff?"
"I was raisin' a high schooler through my prime drinkin' years. You think I'd leave it in the liquor cabinet? Besides, it's tradition. Jisung and I have had some of our best talks down there. Now it's your turn."
Minho fires off a text and leads me through the stable doors. Unsure, but intrigued, I follow him back to the house. When the two of us descend the stairs to the cellar, I find Jisung already waiting.
"This is startin' to feel like I'm bein' inducted into a secret society..."
"You are. It's called Lee Ranch. Now hold tight, I've got just the thing to celebrate."
While Minho rummages around in a stack of crates, Jisung nods to me.
"Looks like congratulations are in order."
"Yep, it's official. We're sealin' my partnership with a drink."
"It's the way we Lee's do, (Y/N). and lucky for you, I found what I was after."
"Is that...Dad's favorite whiskey?"
Minho brandishes a dusty bottle triumphantly. He hands it to me so I can inspect the label.
"Dad bought a case a few years before the accident. I only drink it on special occasions. And welcomin' my baby sister as a full partner in the Lee Ranch, that's as special as they come."
Behind Minho's head, Jisung flashes a warm, proud smile.
He wasn't just sayin' it on the picnic. I can tell Jisung really is in my corner.
Minho pours three generous glasses of whiskey and hands one to Jisung and I in turn.
"Since it's (Y/N)'s big day, I think she should do the honors. What're we drinkin to, (Y/N)?"
"We'll toast to family. The ones we're born into, the ones we've lost..."
I think of my parents, and Jisung's mom. All three of us bow our heads in remembrance.
"...And the ones we've made."
"Couldn't have said it better myself, (Y/N)." Minho says
"Amen." Jisung adds.
We all clink our glasses and take a sip of the whiskey. It's toasty and smooth, with a rich caramel note.
"No wonder you save this stuff for special occasions. Even I can tell how good it is."
"You know, I think the last time we cracked this open was..."
Jisung cuts himself off with a laugh. Though the cellar is cool, sweat begins to glisten on Minho's brow.
"No need to go into all that."
"No, no. I'm gonna need the story on this one. We're getting' to know each other, right?"
"I suppose that's true."
"C'mon, Minho. Out with it." Jisung tells me
"Oh, fine. The last time we drank from this bottle...was the night I decided to marry Lucy Freeman."
"Are you serious?! Did she say yes? I thought tanner and Alex were just blowin' smoke about y'all havin' history!"
"You knew about me and Lucy? Wait...they knew about this?"
"Clearly they didn't know the whole story. The word marriage did not come up. My question stands. What'd she say?"
Jisung can't hold back his chuckle.
"I believe her exact response was 'Hell no'. "
"Honestly, a broken engagement on top of everything else wouldn't surprise me at this point."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, you two." Minho says while taking another swig of liquor
"What exactly happened? I'm gonna need details."
"I was a teenager with big romantic notions about marriage..."
"More like he wanted to get into Lucy's pants and thought a proposal was the way."
"It was a long time ago. And not all of us are Han Jisung-level players, alright?"
Jisung's eyes dart to me, then he takes a long swallow of whiskey.
"I don't know if I've earned that title."
"Really? Are you forgettin' the time we had to pull this bottle out after a buckle bunny hopped back to the ranch? Jisung was so shook after he finally managed to get her to leave, a stiff drink was the only way to calm him down."
"That whole mess wasn't my fault. The woman refused to believe me when I said I wasn't interested."
"True. And anyway, she shoulda known better. No one can tie down Han Jisung."
As Minho shakes his head fondly at the memory, I feel a heat of Jisung's gaze land on me.
"No one has yet. But lately I think maybe the right person could..."
Minho turns to Jisung, clearly about to pick up the thread. I jump in before my brother can dig any deeper.
"So the whiskey's for special occasions only. Makes me wonder when the first time you drank it was."
The mood in the cellar changes, Minho and Jisung sharing a meaningful glance before Jisung turns back to me.
"That would have to be when I moved in that one summer. It was the year before your folks passed."
"You were pretty young, (Y/N). Do you remember?"
"Sorta. I mostly remember followin' you and Jisung around..."
"I'm sure I wasn't any too kind about it either. I was pretty keyed up that summer. My dad was hittin' the bottle even harder than usual."
"Mom and Dad thought takin' Jisung in would convince his ol' man to finally dry out..."
"It worked. For a while." Jisung said.
"I can't believe I'd forgotten that."
"Mom and Dad tried their best not to bring it up."
"No...they didn't want me to dwell on it."
Minho reaches out to clap Jisung's shoulder in support.
"When they took me in, they told me they wanted me to have a normal summer. That they'd handle the adult things."
"Sounds like them. Now I see where you learned it from, Minho."
"Speakin' of your parents...I think we oughta drink to the people who made this partnership possible."
Minho raises his glass and I follow suit.
"To the biggest-hearted folks I've ever known." Jisung toasts.
"To Mom and Dad. I miss you both every day." I say.
As we drink, I fight the sting of tears. Minho clears his throat.
"We said we were getting' to know each other. So your turn, (Y/N). When would we have pulled this bottle out for you?"
"Probably the time I Got my heart broke."
"He still in town? Cause I could always have a real serious talk with him..." Minho asks with his brows furrowed.
"He actually wasn't from around here, so I think we can hold off on that for now."
Jisung turns to me, eyes gentle.
"What happened, (Y/N)?"
"The usual thing. He told me he loved me, and I believed him. Right up until he was sellin' the same story to another girl. I shoulda known the guy was all talk, but I was young. Not gonna like, for a while there... I felt like I was dyin'."
"Sounds like how I felt after Lucy."
"I could've used a drink back then. Not to numb the pain, to celebrate getting' through a really hard thing."
"And celebratin' is what you deserve. If you ask me, you dodged a bullet." Jisung smiles.
"I've always admired that about you, (Y/N). The way you pick yourself up, brush the dirt off, and go at it again with twice the passion."
"Thanks, Minho. That means a lot."
We all bring our glasses together again.
"Thanks for includin' me, y'all. I can't even begin to tell you what this means to me."
"Like I said, it's been a long time comin'. I'm sorry it took me so long to make good on it, (Y/N)." Minho smiles at me clapping a hand on my shoulder.
"We're here now. That's what counts."
Minho pulls me in for a quick hug. When he lets me go, I notice his eyes are glistening.
"Alright, y'all. Back to work before we get turnt. I'll hold onto this for the next special occasion." Minho orders.
"Welcome to the team, (Y/N)." Jisung says with a big welcoming smile.
"Glad to be here. Now get movin', Jisung. Daylight's a wastin'."
"You heard the woman. Get!"
We all laugh as we head out. The warmth blooming inside me isn't from the whiskey so much as the feeling of belonging, finally. Late in the afternoon, after I've cleaned up from my chores, I decided to take Agusga for a run around the rodeo paddock.
"I know that ride out to the meadow this morning was a long one. You sure you're up to run more now?"
"Neeeigh!"
"If you say so. H'yah!"
I challenge Agusga with tight turns around the barrels, then nudge her to pick up speed around the outside of the paddock. Maintaining my speed, I lean into Agusga's turn...and clear the barrels in record time!
"Hell yes! That's what I'm talkin' about! Yeet Yeet!"
I take another turn around the paddock and Agusga responds to all my signals, almost before I can signal to her what to do.
"Yes!"
When I finish, I spot Jisung leaning over the paddock gate, watching me with a wide smile.
"You're lookin' damn good out there."
"Thanks. Felt inspired after watchin' a certain someone at the rodeo."
"Well, I dunno about him, but I'd be happy to teach you a few pointers."
"You? Teach me? You sure you're up to my level?"
Jisung holds up his hands in mock surrender.
"I'm just the purse-winnin' saddle bronc rider from Thunder Valley, but hell, what do I know?"
"And I'm the girl who grew up on this ranch. I'd say we both know a thing or two..."
"Point taken. Let me rephrase...can I share what I've learned?"
"Oh, fiiiine."
He hops the paddock fence and ambles over. My heart pounds as his hands cover mine to show me how to hold the reins...
"It all comes down to the details. Handle 'em like this if you're in a speed event. The horse'll respond faster—"
Before he can finish his instructions, Minho runs up to the paddock, a wild look in his eye.
"(Y/N), get off that animal! We've got a big thunderstorm rollin' in! Maybe tornadoes."
"But I haven't heard any sirens."
Just as I say the words, a clap of thunder rattles the paddock.
"(Y/N), secure Agasga in her stall. Minho and I'll round up the horses out in the pasture." Jisung tells me
"I can't, Jisung. My hands are full. Pip'll have to help instead. The mare just went into labor, and she's spooked somethin' fierce. We can't take risk losin' her, or the foal. If we do..."
"The ranch is sunk."