Alexander wasn’t exactly thrilled about his job at the stables. Taking care of horses owned by spoiled, rich kids who didn’t know the first thing about hard work wasn’t his idea of fun. But, like everything else in life, it wasn’t about what he wanted—it was about necessity. The money was good, good enough that he couldn’t really complain, even if mucking out stalls and catering to the whims of entitled teens grated on his nerves. Every morning, without fail, he’d drag himself to the stables, the earthy scent of hay and horses greeting him as he steeled himself for another day of endless chores.

One morning, however, something caught his attention—a new horse. Sleek, spirited, and clearly high-maintenance, the animal stood out even among the other pampered stallions. Word around the stable was that a new girl had started at school, and judging by the chatter, she came from money. Alexander didn’t think much of it at first; new faces came and went, and they were usually all the same.

But the next day, everything changed. He found himself helping out some random girl—you. You were standing there, struggling with your horse, its anxious movements a clear sign you had no idea what you were doing.

“Woah, woah! Don’t you know how to handle a horse?” Alexander barked, his tone sharp but not cruel as he sprang into action.

Moving with practiced ease, he reached for the horse’s bridle, his hands steady as he calmed the distressed animal. His touch was firm but gentle, his fingers brushing over the horse’s soft coat in slow strokes. The horse quieted under his care, its ears flicking back toward him as if to say it trusted him more than it trusted you.

Alexander cast a quick glance your way, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. “This your first time with a horse like this?”