I know it's short, but I'm just introducing a new character!
Chapter 5
Paradise Isles, Starfish Estate, Terrace
9:00 A.M.
June 15th
The sun beat down as Julia mounted her white thoroughbred, Tempest. She had planned on a ride by the beach for the morning, just her and Tempest. That, of course, did not stop her from looking ah-dorable. She was clad in gleaming black tall boots, white breeches that contrasted perfectly, and a purple camisole that brought out her eyes. Her hair was down, flowing over her back and shoulders. She had opted not to wear a helmet (which, of course, her mother didn't know).
Beneath her, her horse pranced, tossing his head in excitement as he stepped onto the sand. Julia easily settled him, urging him into a gentle canter. Just as Julia relaxed completely, another horse and rider blew by them at a hard gallop. Tempest bucked in surprise, and Julia surprised by the rider and her horse bucking, tumbled off, landing in a heap on the hot sand. She laid there for a moment, staring at the periwinkle sky. The ground reverberated with footsteps as the rider galloped back, stopping sharply in front of her and swinging off his horse.
"Are you all right?" He extended his hand, which she took, brushing sand off her clothes.
"I'm fine, thanks." Julia replied, annoyance clear in her voice. Finally, she looked up, planning on giving him a good talk on just what she thought about his riding, when she saw his face. She could automatically tell her was a HART. He had bright, friendly green eyes, dark brown hair (though not as dark as hers), and a trim, muscular body. He was about half a foot taller than her, and looked down at her with concern.
"Listen, I'm sorry about that. I was giving Apollo here," He patted the huge chestnut horse that stood beside him, "a good gallop, and I thought I could get by you. Obviously not." He shifted his weight, looking for words. He didn't seem especially awed by her beauty, but then again, he might just be hiding it. Finally, after a few awkward moments, he held out his hand. "Henley Brooks." Slowly, Julia removed her glove, reaching out her manicured, soft hand and shaking his large, warm hand.
"Julia Hall." She replied, giving him a flirtatious smile. "And don't worry about it, I'm fine. Just a little banged up." She tapped her shoulder, which didn't actually hurt at all, but if he thought she was hurt, he would probably stick around. And he sure was ah-dorable.
"Are you sure you're alright?" He asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I think so." She replied, mounting Tempest. "You should, um, ride with me, just in case, you know, I have a concussion or something." She stumbled a little over the words, but he didn't seem to notice.
"Sure," He replied, mounting Apollo, who pranced restlessly. The trotted off together, the hot sun beating down.