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certain he could hear it. After a few moments, a small smile broke over his face. He bowed his head slightly in a gentleman fashion. “You are absolutely right. My apologies,” he looked at me, studying me. “Which horse would you like?” I smiled as my cheeks blushed.  
    “Well, let me see... Luckily, the one you picked is not the one I wanted.” I giggled, “I just wanted you to know that I had not forgotten the terms.” In that one sentence, I did my best to relay to Conner that I remember everything about the wager, including what was at stake.
    “I am glad to hear it,” he stated.
    Backing away from him I kept my eyes glued on his expression. He gave me a whole hearted smile, shaking his head at me.  
    “I think this one,” I said pointing to my horse, Sophie. I rode her so often through the area Conner and I would be traveling. She knew the way so well, I trusted that I could have blindfolded her and she would have still made the trip safely.  
    Conner went to her stall to retrieve her. I watched him carefully at work as he fastened her with the saddle of my choosing. When he peeked back up at me, a bead of sweat ran down his defined cheek, sliding its way down to his neck, making my body quiver in response.  
    “Thank you,” I whispered once he finished.
    “It was my pleasure.” 
    We mounted the horses. If riding sidesaddle was not enough of a disadvantage, I had also agreed to my horse carrying the basket so it sat directly behind me.  
    “Are you ready?” he asked.  
    I nodded my head in reply. He counted us off, and then we raced out. The hot wind whipped against my hair, pushing it from my face. The smell from the stables cleared from my senses as I inhaled the fresh summer air.  
    Conner was in the lead most of the way and I let him stay there, although I was still determined to win. Mostly. I knew it would not matter who won the actual race, but after all his taunting, I was determined to at least try my best. I knew the ground well enough and my chance to take the lead was coming up.  
    There was a fence running across in front of us. My horse enjoyed jumping. In fact she lived for them. Conner's horse however was fast and loved to run but not jump so much. He would have to ride until he found a break in the fence, which was not far but far enough for me to take the win.  
    I gave Sophie a light kick to let her know the jump was coming. My hands tightened around the reins as she took off and leapt high over the fence. It was exhilarating. The wind in my face, the weightless feeling, it was completely wonderful.
    I did not turn around to see what had happened to Conner but I did notice he was no longer in the lead. I giggled to myself as I brought my horse to a stop, turning her around to wait for him. Seconds later he approached from my right. I laughed at the look on his smug face. He raised his eyebrow at me and my laughter grew louder. I closed my eyes as the amusement overtook me. 
    I did not notice when Conner had dismounted his horse until he was standing right beside me. Grabbing my waist, he pulled me from the horse. I squealed with delight as he guided me to rest my feet firmly on the ground. I settled my hands on his shoulders to steady myself. My laughter stopped but my smile remained. We stood in the middle of the field. The grass was yellow and high there. Tall pine trees were lined at our back.
    “I believe you owe me a secret, sir,” I said coyly, not able to hide my amusement. A crooked smile appeared on his face as he rolled his eyes. 
    “I do.” His icy blue eye sparkled as they stared straight into my brown ones. The silence grew between us with neither of us looking away.  
    Finally I spoke, “Well?”  
    He gave a slight chuckle then let out a long breath. “What do you want to know, Francesca?”  
    “Nope, that is not how this works. I want to know a secret no one else knows. How can I ask a question if I do not know what I need to be asking?” I was