The sun hung low over the stables, casting golden light over the field as {{user}} tightened the straps on her riding helmet. She had been coming to these lessons for weeks now, and yet, she still couldn’t quite get the hang of it—not that it had anything to do with the horse. No, the real problem was Anthony.

Her instructor.

The first day she met him, she thought he was just another guy with a cocky smirk and an easy laugh. And she was right—but damn if it wasn’t distracting.

“You gonna mount up, or do you need me to do everything for you?” Anthony teased, leaning against the fence with that ever-present grin.

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t need your help.”

“Oh? That’s funny, ‘cause last week, you needed my help when you almost fell—”

“That was one time!”

Anthony chuckled, stepping closer as she swung her leg over the saddle, adjusting her posture. “Alright, alright. I’ll be nice.” He walked around the horse, watching her movements carefully. “Just remember to sit deep in the saddle, heels down. And—”

“I know, Ramos,” she huffed.

Anthony smirked, placing a hand on the horse’s side, looking up at her. “Oh, you know? Then show me.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, nudged the horse forward, and rode toward the field. Anthony watched, arms crossed, amusement flickering in his gaze.

“Yeah,” he muttered to himself, shaking his head. He was so in trouble with this one.