39 A Day in the Kerr Residence [Part 3]

[Ethan's POV]

I was planning to teach Kate how to ride a horse, but I forgot one important thing. She was not wearing the appropriate clothes for it. The pretty girl who was looking at me with an eager expression was wearing a pink floral dress. She was also wearing fashionable ladies shoes that were not suitable for horseback riding.

'What should I do?' I thought. 'Should I ask Grandma for help?'

"Um? Is there something wrong?" Kate asked me while holding Casper's neck with her hands. She was gently brushing his mane with her fingers and Casper had his eyes closed the whole time. He seems to be enjoying Kate's care and attention.

For a brief moment, I wished I could trade places with Casper. How envious! After much deliberation, I decided to tell her the truth. Although she might get disappointed, it couldn't be helped.

"Kate, sorry, but I think I won't be able to teach you how to ride a horse today," I replied with an awkward smile. "Your current dress is not suitable for horseback riding."

"My dress?" Kate lowered her head to look at her clothes. "What's wrong with my dress?"

"It is not advisable to ride horses wearing a skirt."

"Eh? But I saw this lady in the T.V riding a horse with a skirt."

"It's possible that she was wearing leggings underneath her dress."

"I'm not wearing leggings, but I am wearing a sports short under my dress," Kate said. She was about to lift her skirt in order to show it to me. However, I hurriedly stopped her from doing so. This girl really doesn't act like a lady at times.

'Shorts huh?' I pondered if it was possible. I guess it's barely passable. The question is, will she be comfortable riding a horse wearing that? What about her shoes then?

"Very well, let's try it first." I gritted my teeth. It was too soon to give up. We could always stop if it became unbearable for her.

"Good! You will allow me to ride you right, Casper?" Kate asked the obedient horse in front of her. Instead of answering her, Casper blinked at her with his intelligent eyes. Kate giggled and positioned herself on the horse's left side.

I held on to Casper's reins in order to allow Kate to mount him. Since it was her first time, I knew it might take her a few tries, but I was sure that she would be able to get the hang of it in time.

"First, put your left foot in the stirrup. Good, just like that. Then put your weight on it and stand up," I instructed her while maintaining a firm hold on Casper's reins. "After doing so, swing your right leg over to the other side. Just be careful not to hit Casper's body."

Kate did as I instructed and managed to lift her body with ease. She swung her right foot over the horse's rump, making sure that she didn't accidentally kick Casper in the process. After doing so, she sat on the saddle. Kate stood with her back straight with a confident smile plastered on her face.

How cute!

"Are you feeling uncomfortable somewhere?" I asked, just in case. "If you think that you need to move to a more comfortable position, you can do it. I will hold Casper for you."

"Don't worry, I don't feel any discomfort," Kate replied with a smile. "What's next?"

After looking at her expression, I knew that she was ready for the next step. "Alright, keep yourself steady and put your weight on the saddle. Try to maintain your balance first while holding his reins."

"Also, if you need to regain your balance, feel free to hold the horn in front of the saddle. It's perfectly fine to do that. Understood?"

"Mmm!"

I nodded my head in satisfaction. Kate was good at following instructions."The next step is to give him a gentle squeeze using your legs."

Kate did just that and I watched as her body swayed in place when Casper started to walk.

"Keep your weight firmly on your heels," I reminded her while walking alongside her.

"Got it!"

Casper was a good horse. His pacing was not too fast, and not too slow. He was like an old mentor who was patiently teaching a student the basics of horseback riding.

"Good, now the next step is making a turn. Shift your weight a bit in the direction you want to turn and lightly pull the reins in that direction."

Kate did as I told her and Casper obeyed her awkward command with grace. I watched as her face lighted up in satisfaction at being able to make a simple turn.

"Ne~ could I make Casper run at a gallop? I think I can manage it!"

"No," I said firmly. "Don't get carried away. The basics are important. Learn the basics first, then we can talk about running."

I unconsciously used a commanding tone. Kate showed a surprised expression and gave me a second look. The corner of her lips curled up and her eyes gave me a challenging look.

"Alright, whatever you say, Sir Ethan," Kate said teasingly.

Her voice tickled my ears and made my heart itch. Not good, I was unable to stay composed. This girl was going to be the bane of my existence!

I gently rubbed my face using my hands in order to calm down. While doing so, I heard a faint snicker coming from the lady who was sitting with her back straight on top of the horse. She was talking to Casper as he walked at an even pace. The horse's ears moved from time to time.

Kate closed both her calves at the same time and Casper began to trot. It was immediately followed by a short burst of laughter. I could only watch helplessly as the girl waved at me from a distance.

I wasn't able to stop myself from grinning at her boldness. Kate was like a horse. Wild and untamed. How I wished I could be the man who would be able to rein her in. If that happened, there was no way in hell that I would let her go.

Only a fool will do that, and I am no fool.

[End of POV]