Then, she asked the most important question, "Who's going to teach me?”

Since they got to the race course, she hadn't met a horseback-riding coach.

“I am," Bennett answered. Hearing this, Claudia pursed her lips and said worriedly, "I'm scared."

“Don't worry, Mrs. Dreskin. Mr. Dreskin is an excellent rider," one of the employees of the race course commented while holding Windchaser's reins.

Embarrassed, Claudia glanced at Bennett and said, "No, I know that. It's just that I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up."

"You don't have to Learn everything today. We'LL keep coming back until you master riding."

Bennett took the horse's reins and added, “Say hello to Windchaser.” Claudia said sheepishly, "I don't know how to greet a horse."

Bennett taught her how to introduce herself to Windchaser. Per Bennett's instruction, Claudia extended her hand and let Windchaser sniff it. Then, she slowly yet confidently moved toward Windchaser's shoulder and petted him. Soon, Windchaser was wagging his tail. Claudia beamed and said, “Hello, Windchaser. It's my first time to ride a horse. I hope you can give me a great experience."

After saying that, Claudia felt that she was being silly. She looked shyly at Bennett.

Bennett glanced at the red tips of her ears and then taught her how to mount.

Windchaser was too tall for Claudia, so she couldn't mount successfully on her own. To her surprise, Bennett gave her a boost and helped her get on Windchaser's back.

While she was still processing the fact that Bennett just practically lifted her up onto Windchaser, Bennett mounted smoothly right behind her.

Bennett pulled the reins, lowered his head, and whispered in her ear, “Don't be nervous. Windchaser Likes you, and I won't let you fall off."

His warm breath against her neck gave Claudia goose bumps.

His familiar woodsy scent enveloped her, making her feel calm despite the fact that her heart was pounding against her ribcage.

She was getting really nervous.

And she was nervous not because she was on a big, mighty horse but because Bennett was right behind her.

And he was basically hugging her from behind.

Who wouldn't feel uneasy?

“Can we ride for a while?"

Claudia paused for a few heartbeats. She couldn't tell what Bennett meant at all. She just replied mindlessly, “Okay.”

Bennett nudged Windchaser, and the horse started walking forward. There were a lot of people at the race course. Breck and Duncan even wanted to race.

It took Claudia a while to snap back to her senses.

She had to Learn how to ride properly and carefully.