Ba went to the changing room with one female attendant who was leading the way.


    "This way, Miss Casano…"


    Ba smiled awkwardly. She is not used to this treatment and she does not think it''s necessary, but Gabriel arranged for an attendant to help her get ready and escort her to where the horses are without leaving her side for a minute, and Ba didn''t want to argue with Gabriel in front of strangers. She thought that he must have his reasons and hoped that Gabriel is not a possessive freak under his pleasant fa?ade.


    The changing room was huge, withfortable-looking sofas and side tables in the middle and enclosed areas along the walls that are used by females to change their clothes. One door lead toward the restrooms, and another one toward showers. Everything looked luxurious.


    Ba noticed a few women looking her way, but no one said anything, so she proceeded to get changed in riding gear that her attendant provided, per Gabriel''s instructions.


    The riding outfit fit her perfectly and she wondered if Gabriel will like it. At the thought of Gabriel, Ba smiled. She never thought that an amazing guy like Gabriel would spare her a nce, and here she is… in the riding club, surrounded with shiny things, thanks to Gabriel who is waiting for her outside. Ba was nervous when thinking about the day ahead and she wondered what Gabriel nned, because other than <em>''riding and dinner''</em>, he didn''t say much but she hoped that it includes kisses. A lot of kisses. And maybe more.


    Ba stepped out after changing and the attendant helped her keep her summer dress and t shoes in the locker.


    "Are you new here?"


    Ba turned to see that the petite woman in her mid-twenties is talking to her. Ba noticed that the woman''s blonde hair was neatly braided, without a single strand of hair out of ce and then Ba''s eyes moved to the two other women who were observing the scene.


    Ba nodded. "First time."


    "I don''t think I saw you around. Did you attend the fundraiser at the Tyson resortst weekend?"


    Ba blinked while wondering if all rich girls attend fundraisers. It could be, since this woman asked her like that is normal.


    "No, I didn''t. If you excuse me…", Ba turned to the attendant who finished putting things in the locker. "I am ready."


    The attendant understood that Ba will not stay for a chat with otherdies and led the way outside.


    Gabriel changed into riding gear swiftly and stepped outside.


    He nervously nced at the time every five seconds while waiting for Ba toe out.


    Gabriel can''t go to the changing room for women, so he provided instructions to the attendant not to leave Ba''s side and to make sure Ba is well taken care of, but he didn''t mention anything about preventing Ba from interacting with others. He hoped that this was not a miscalction from this side. After all, people will not attack Ba physically, but he is concerned that someone might say something they shouldn''t.


    Victoria was not good at many things, but she was amazing at unting her status and swatting away all the girls who had any desires to get close to Gabriel.


    Gabriel knows that Ba is a smart girl, and he also knows that her self esteem is not very high. If anyone says anything to upset Ba, Gabriel will deal with that person, but that does not mean that damage will not be done.


    He exhaled the breath he was holding when he saw Ba emerge from the other side of the hallway.


    Ba paused at the sight of Gabriel who was wearing white tight-fitting trousers and ck leather riding boots that matched his ck jacket. She didn''t realize that their clothes are matching, but she thought that he is extra-handsome.


    Gabriel smiled and extended his hand toward Ba. "You look good in riding gear."


    "You too.", Ba returned thepliment and ced her hand in Gabriel''s.


    Gabriel dismissed the attendant, saying that he will call her when they are back so that she apanies Ba in the changing room.


    "Is that necessary?", Ba asked when the attendant left.


    Gabriel understood that Ba is asking about the attendant escorting Ba. "Just in case. I don''t want to risk someone spoiling your mood. How is your experience so far?"


    "It''s OK. A woman was curious about me."


    "That is expected. People here know each other, and you are a new face. If someone is unpleasant, don''t feel pressured to be polite."


    Ba thought about Gabriel''s words before nodding faintly. "It feels simr to two years ago, when I enrolled in my high school. Everyone stared at the new kid..." Ba gestured toward herself before adding: "...and some were not friendly."


    Gabriel smiled. "Exactly. This is the same, just with more snobby kids."


    "You are not snobby.", Ba said honestly.


    Gabrielughed at her innocence. "People are snobby for various reasons. Some to hide their insecurities, and some to show their dominance. I am not snobby with you because I don''t need to pretend."


    Before Ba could respond, Gabriel pulled her closer to him and put his arm around her shoulders. "Let''s go and pick a horse. We have a long day ahead of us…"


    Ba caught onto the detail that Gabriel said that they will pick a horse (implying one horse), and she assumed that it''s one horse for her because he will be teaching her.


    They reached the stables and Gabriel asked the stablemaster to pick one horse for Ba that is mellow because it''s her first time.


    "I have the perfect one, Mr. Long…", the stablemaster said while smiling meekly at Ba. "Give me five minutes to prepare her."


    Gabriel nodded in approval. "We will go and say hi to Starbreaker."


    Ba followed after Gabriel while wondering who Starbreaker. She looked curiously left and right at all the horses that were in their stalls and she didn''t notice that they stopped in front of one.


    Ba was startled when the horse neighed loudly.


    "Did you miss me?", Gabriel asked warmly with a big smile on his face while opening the stall. Gabriel got in and patted the horse''s neck while talking softly: "Sorry, boy… it was crazy recently and I didn''t have time to visit."


    Gabriel turned to Ba and extended his arm toward her. "Come and meet Starbreaker."


    Ba looked with her eyes open wide at the massive dark brown Andalusian horse and she heard Gabriel introduce her…


    "Star, this is Ba, my girlfriend…"


    Ba fidgeted, unsure why she is feeling sheepish in front of a horse that looked at her with smart eyes like he understood.


    Under Gabriel''s guidance, Ba got closer and patted the horse who didn''tin, but he was not too friendly either.


    Ba saw that Gabriel fetched a saddle from the side and started setting up the horse for riding.


    "Is that your horse?", Ba guessed.


    Gabriel confirmed and Ba understood why Gabriel requested only one horse. It is only one for Ba, but not because he will not ride one, but because he owns one.


    "What are you thinking?", Gabriel asked when he noticed that Ba is observing him keenly.


    "I hope that my horse will be smaller."


    Gabriel chuckled. "We can get you a pony. They are in the children''s section."


    Ba wanted to pinch his arm as a punishment for teasing her, but Gabriel avoided her and pulled her into his embrace.


    "If you want to touch me, there is no need for violence.", Gabriel murmured close to her ear, and Ba felt goosebumps run down her spine.


    "It looks to me that you are the one who wants to touch me.", Ba breathed while hoping that her heart will not thump out of her chest.


    "Mmm…", Gabriel hummed. "Always, Ba…"


    His breath moved over her cheek and trailed toward her lips which opened slightly, anticipating a kiss that never came.


    Ba looked at Gabriel''s smug expression when he pulled away and she really wanted to give him a few good pinches for teasing her like that.


    ---


    If you are not reading this at ''W e b n o v e l .. c o m'', then the content you''re reading is stolen! Please support the author by reading this novel from the original source.