Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 301

Aria’s POV

I'd barely contained the pure, unadulterated thrill from my gallop when Aiden smoothly brought us back, effortlessly reigning in Thunder. He dismounted first, his movements fluid and powerful, handed Thunder to one of the stable hands, then turned to guide me toward the stables, the unspoken promise of selecting my own horse hanging in the air.

While I was fiercely confident with jet skis and pianos, choosing a horse felt utterly beyond my expertise. I gazed at Aiden helplessly, feeling like a complete novice, my earlier bravado deflating slightly. "I have no idea what I'm looking for," I admitted.

Aiden's lips curved into that small, knowing smile I'd come to adore as he pointed to a magnificent white horse, her coat gleaming under the stable lights. "How about Snow? She belongs to Ethan Reynolds. Pretty gentle temperament, from what I know."

"She's perfect," I agreed immediately, captivated by her elegant stance.

The difference between these personally owned horses and the rental ones for regular visitors was striking. Even the "gentle" Snow looked far more majestic, her eyes intelligent and alert, than any of the placid tourist horses. I certainly had no complaints.

The stable hand led Snow out, her hooves clicking softly on the cobblestones, and Aiden suggested I take some time to let her get familiar with me first. After Snow had grown accustomed to my scent, nuzzling my hand with a soft whicker, the handler passed me the reins.

I couldn't contain my excitement as I led Snow out of the stable and back to the practice area. Meanwhile, Aiden retrieved Thunder from the staff, who'd been patiently waiting.

Walking side by side, each leading our powerful horses, we created quite a picture. Several passersby lingered their gazes on us, probably wondering if we were filming some fancy TV drama.

My entire focus was on Snow. Aiden patiently walked with me, letting me and the horse build rapport before finally suggesting I mount.

"Nervous?" he asked, looking up at me once I was seated comfortably in the saddle, the stirrups adjusted.

I shook my head, my eyes bright with anticipation rather than fear. "Not at all. Just excited."

The sparkle in my eyes must have betrayed my eagerness because he smiled knowingly. "Let's start with a slow trot. After Snow gets used to you completely, then you can pick up the pace."

Despite my overflowing excitement, I was a good student. I followed his instructions exactly, first taking Snow around at a gentle trot while Aiden and Thunder followed closely behind us, his presence a comforting anchor.

Snow truly was gentle-natured. On our second lap, I felt confident enough to increase our speed, urging her into a smooth canter.

Riding horseback felt surprisingly similar to navigating a jet ski across open water, a powerful, graceful surge beneath me, and I found myself loving every minute of it. Aiden and Thunder had started out following us closely, but as my confidence grew, he hung back, watching from a distance, giving me space.

After completing two full, exhilarating laps, I returned to him, my cheeks flushed, my eyes shining with accomplishment. "Aiden! I can ride a horse now!"

"Indeed you can, Mrs. Carter," he agreed, his voice warm with genuine approval, his smile reaching his eyes.

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