Is this destiny?

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

"This way, Miss Casano…"

Becca 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 Becca 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 façade.

The changing room was huge, with comfortable-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.

Becca 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, Becca smiled. She never thought that an amazing guy like Gabriel would spare her a glance, and here she is… in the riding club, surrounded with shiny things, thanks to Gabriel who is waiting for her outside. Becca was nervous when thinking about the day ahead and she wondered what Gabriel planned, because other than 'riding and dinner', he didn't say much but she hoped that it includes kisses. A lot of kisses. And maybe more.

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

"Are you new here?"

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

Becca nodded. "First time."

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

Becca 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…", Becca turned to the attendant who finished putting things in the locker. "I am ready."

The attendant understood that Becca will not stay for a chat with other ladies and led the way outside.

Gabriel changed into riding gear swiftly and stepped outside.

He nervously glanced at the time every five seconds while waiting for Becca to come out.

Gabriel can't go to the changing room for women, so he provided instructions to the attendant not to leave Becca's side and to make sure Becca is well taken care of, but he didn't mention anything about preventing Becca from interacting with others. He hoped that this was not a miscalculation from this side. After all, people will not attack Becca 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 flaunting her status and swatting away all the girls who had any desires to get close to Gabriel.

Gabriel knows that Becca is a smart girl, and he also knows that her self esteem is not very high. If anyone says anything to upset Becca, 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 Becca emerge from the other side of the hallway.

Becca paused at the sight of Gabriel who was wearing white tight-fitting trousers and black leather riding boots that matched his black 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 Becca. "You look good in riding gear."

"You too.", Becca returned the compliment and placed her hand in Gabriel's.

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

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

Gabriel understood that Becca is asking about the attendant escorting Becca. "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."

Becca thought about Gabriel's words before nodding faintly. "It feels similar to two years ago, when I enrolled in my high school. Everyone stared at the new kid..." Becca 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.", Becca said honestly.

Gabriel laughed 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 Becca 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…"

Becca 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 Becca that is mellow because it's her first time.

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

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

Becca 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.

Becca 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 Becca and extended his arm toward her. "Come and meet Starbreaker."

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

"Star, this is Becca, my girlfriend…"

Becca 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, Becca got closer and patted the horse who didn't complain, but he was not too friendly either.

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

"Is that your horse?", Becca guessed.

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

"What are you thinking?", Gabriel asked when he noticed that Becca 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."

Becca 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 Becca felt goosebumps run down her spine.

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

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

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

Becca 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.

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