Into The Spotlight Chapter 11
Sorry for not updating sooner – things have been so hectic with applying for university and college work has suddenly built up. And then to make things easier I had a crash when I was doing Cross Country training a few months ago (ironically, also on a young horse - that I was riding for a friend!) and I broke my wrist. It's a lot better now but it's still a bit awkward to type.
If you're still with me here – thank you so much!
It had been another week since I had last week Edward, and it just felt like the seconds between had dragged and dragged. I was finally well enough to drive again – my Doctor said my recovery was much speedier than what he imagined – and I was currently making the 45 minute trip to his yard.
I was so excited to see Edward again, but equally nervous. I made an effort with my appearance today, applying natural looking make up, removing the hay from my hair and brushing it out properly. I wore my favourite skin-tight jeans with a simple deep blue shirt and of course my sneakers.
My back was beginning to twinge and my muscles felt sore in the upright position, but I saw a pristine white sign with emerald green borders which immediately made me forget about it:
'Pinewood Competition Yard and Livery
Home of the great Cullen riders
700 yards turn next right.'
I couldn't help but smile eagerly as I drew closer, turning right where another similar sign directed me.
I slowed as I crawled down the long gravel path, gawping at the stunning white post-and-rail paddocks, beautiful horses grazing contently on spotless green. There were flower pots lining the courtyard, a multitude of colours and there was even a fountain – a fountain!
I parked alongside other cars in an unmarked space on the courtyard and climbed out of my car slowly. The gravel crunched below my feet and I followed a sign that pointed toward the main stable area. This place was so massive to the point where it needed signs!
I walked through a gate, and was greeted by a busy and noisy yard, but it was just as stunning as the outside. Horses' head hung out two parallel rows of stalls, pristinely painted white with black doors. More flowers hung outside, decorating the stables. Each stable had an individual horse's name engraved on a silver plaque; their black leather head collar's hanging next to the doors on a hook. Order and presentation seemed to be top priority around here, which made me feel a tiny bit embarrassed about my disorganised yard.
I wandered down the row, keeping to myself, looking for that gorgeous familiar mop of bronze hair, but I saw none. There was a large barn room in the centre of the yard, and the sign above read 'Tack and Feed'.
Groom's rushed about, carrying saddles, bridle's, feed and brushes. Horses were constantly being lead in and out, and I counted at least 30 stables in this part alone. Groom's slowed when they noticed my presence, and I could hear mumblings between them as they cast sly glances, which made me feel incredibly self-conscious. I walked to the end of the yard, wondering where in the hell Edward was. It would've been nice if he could've met me!
There was a small building that had a sign saying 'Office' and I hesitated outside, debating whether to walk in or not. I took a deep breath and reached forward.
"Miss Swan?" A voice asked from behind, and though it wasn't the voice I was hoping for, it was a familiar voice and it was comforting when I was in a strange place.
"Oh Jasper, thank god," I said with a sigh of relief as I spotted him, a saddle casually leant against his hip.
"If you're looking for Edward, he's grooming Black Jack," he said quietly, indicating to a small path that was a hidden behind the office building. But there was a sign that clearly said 'Do not enter without permission, including PineWood Staff.'
Jasper obviously saw my confusion and hesitation at the bold sign and chuckled. "Don't worry Miss Swan, you can go on in."
"Are you sure? It says I need permission…" I mumbled quietly.
He laughed quietly at my silliness. "I'm sure Edward gives you permission, or anyway I'll give you permission."
"Okay…" I said quietly, and Jasper nodded at me once more before I turned down the hidden path. I turned back to say goodbye, but he had already left.
Instead, I met eyes with a short girl who I assumed was a groom, with honey-coloured hair. I attempted a half-smile at her, but I was met immediately with a dark glare, that felt like she was shooting daggers at me. I was confused by her hostility and it made me feel deathly uncomfortable. Her eyes widened when she saw me took a step down the path, and she suddenly fished her diamante plastered phone out of her jacket pocket and dashed off to make what I guessed was a private phone call. I told myself it was a coincidence but something told me I was the topic of conversation. I dismissed it anyway, and opened the rustic gate.
I went through into what seemed like a mini version of the yard I was at before – it was spotless again, with similar flower arrangements, but there were only three stables around here, which were considerably larger that overlooked fields bordered by trees. There was also not another soul in sight, not even Edward.
I walked toward the stables, peering into the first one to see a beautiful Arab palomino mare, who had the softest face I had ever seen. Her name plate read 'Princess Rose', and I stroked her face silently before I was startled by the sudden noise of movement in the stable door. There was a loud bang, just like someone had bumped into something.
"Damn it Jack, stand still," came a male voice, and even cursing it was the most beautiful voice I knew. I crept up to the next stable and saw Black Jack standing in the stall in all his glory, his coat impossibly shiny. And there was a man bending over to brush his back fetlock, a sight I didn't mind seeing. I took it all in for a second, deciding to be forward for once in my life.
"I like the view," I said with a flirtatious tone, and Edward jumped up with a surprised yelp like he had been burned. He spun to look at me, his face going from shock to happiness.
"Bella, you're here!" he exclaimed as he opened the stall door and paused for a moment before taking me into a comforting hug, and I settled against him as I drew in his musky smell. I felt him place a kiss on the top of my head and I smiled contently in return.
"Why wouldn't I be? You invited me," I teased him when we drew apart.
He laughed with me, and we began chatting about anything and everything while we groomed and tacked up Black Jack.
"So can you ride again soon?" he asked as we exited the stable, Edward leading Black Jack.
"Hopefully next week," I said, beaming, eager to get back in the saddle.
"That's brilliant!" he said, matching my grin.
"Well, there's just one thing. I'm really nervous I would've have forgotten everything so… do you think you could help me, maybe?" I asked shyly, and he halted Black Jack. Maybe it wasn't the complete truth – I was dying to get back in the saddle but any excuse to spend time with Edward I would use.
"Of course, I will be there," he told me honestly, reaching over to squeeze my hand. I shivered at the touch and smiled in thanks.
We had walked to the immense indoor arena that was a few minutes away the Edward's private yard, complete with a vast viewing area. But it was completely deserted today.
"I thought it would be better if we were alone," he told me as he gathered his reins and mounted swiftly and I nodded in agreement. Besides, in a place like this there was probably another arena somewhere.
I stood in the centre as I watched Edward go through his paces, warming his horse up. I couldn't help but smile at the two of them moving around the arena.
"Alright, Miss Swan," he said in a serious tone but with a hint of a cheeky smirk, halting in front of me. "What do you want me to do first?"
We had worked for nearly an hour, doing different exercises using a variety of techniques including using poles, and there was definite improvement. I could see Black Jack was getting tired, so I called Edward back to the centre.
"You did well today, you really did. You've just got to remember to open up when you're extended and you'll cover more ground. Just walk Black Jack to cool him off," I told him as professionally as possible, Edward cracking a cheeky grin. He turned his horse away while he walked him around on a loose rein and I met him by the exit, opening the gate for him.
Edward dismounted and ran up his stirrups, coming back to my side. We walked together in close proximity, our hands brushing numerous times and I just wished he would hold it properly.
"So, um, thanks for today Bella. It really helped me. Could we maybe do it again sometime?" he asked shyly.
I didn't hesitate with my answer. "Yes of course!" I said, maybe a little too keen. He laughed at my enthusiasm and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, squeezing it tightly.
We had reached Black Jack's stable and Edward let go of me to sort his horse out and I watched from the stable door.
Then I had an idea. "Why don't you come to my yard next time? You could ride Napoleon; see how different his extension is to Black Jack's. It helped me to ride other's horses."
I wanted to smack myself. Of course he knew that. He probably had access to the best horses in the country.
"That sounds good," he replied with a genuine smile.
Then the palomino from the next door began making noises, and Black Jack seemed to respond, making Edward chuckle.
"So who's she? She's beautiful."
"Oh, that's Jack's girlfriend," he explained with a laugh. "She keeps him calm and happy. She was a present from Rosalie a few years ago, when Jack was getting impossible to handle. Rosalie wasn't too happy when I said I'd named her Princess Rose. It's crazy how much she changed him, though she's sad when he leaves to compete."
"Aww, that's so cute," I murmured, imagining the two playing together.
"Yeah, she's perfect," he said, but he was looking straight at me with his perfect emerald eyes.
I ducked, trying to blanket my blush with my locks.
"Anyway, um," I began, checking the time on my watch, "I should probably be heading back now."
"Can you not stay for a little bit? Even for just a cup of coffee?"
I licked my lips subconsciously - I was pretty thirsty. "Maybe just one…"
And one turned into many, in the cute little kitchen above the office. The conversation flowed and never once become awkward. We talked about horses, friends, family, music and movies, and he touched my hand on more than one occasion, catching my breath each time.
It was when I stood up to stretch that I realised how the sun was suddenly a lot lower in the sky, and checking my watch again I realised two hours had passed.
"Shit, I need to go," I told Edward, ignoring the disappointed look on his face. "I have a buyer for one of my colts visiting tomorrow morning and I have to get him ready tonight," I explained as Edward jumped up to lead me out.
"Oh, well when can I see you again?" he asked hopefully, opening doors and gates for me as we walked back through the yard. It seemed to be dinnertime and the horses were all going crazy, kicking doors and neighing as I sped walked down the walkway, Edward jogging to keep up.
"I don't know, whenever you're free," I said as I fished my car key out of my pocket.
He seemed taken aback by my comment and I guessed it was my lack of enthusiasm, but I was too occupied thinking about how much I left to do. "I'm sorry, just-"
"I understand," he murmured, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Next time I'm available, I'll pop over."
He opened my car door and helped me settle in. I paused, staring down at his beautiful face and I his sweet actions flashed through my mind.
I wanted so badly to kiss him, but cowardly Bella couldn't do it. I went for the second best thing; leaning through the open car window I placed a finger on his chin and tilted his face so my lips could gently touch his cheek for a second.
He sighed as I pulled away, and I smiled innocently back at him. The car roared to life, and I looked at him one last time before pulling away.
I really hope you're available soon, Mr Cullen.
This is only half of what I was planning on putting in this chapter but I felt again it was better having a shorter chapter than a long chapter where not much happens.
SO SO sorry again, and I don't want to make anymore promises about when I'll next update, because I'm not like other authors who can keep to a schedule. (So much respect for you guys!) I'll just say that it will be updated eventually – this story will be finished!