RED NOTES AND KISSES-Chapter 46: FRIDA -

Frida found it nearly impossible to climb onto Little Red for reasons she had conveniently forgotten to share with Laurel, her temporary bestie and, for all intents and purposes, Laz’s stepmother.

The early morning air was crisp, laced with the earthy scent of dew-kissed grass and fresh hay from the stables.

A golden sunrise painted the horizon, casting long, warm shadows across the paddock as birds chirped a gentle melody overhead.

The stable hand gave her a final boost, and as she settled into the saddle, she swallowed nervously, her hands gripping the reins like a lifeline.

Laurel, perched confidently on her own horse, Bernie, looked the picture of ease.

"Race you to the finish line?" Laurel said with a teasing grin, her voice light with excitement.

Frida’s stomach flipped. "Wait, Laurel, I-"

But it was too late. Laurel gave Bernie a nudge, and the stallion took off in an elegant gallop, kicking up a trail of dirt behind him.

Before Frida could protest further, the stable hand smacked Little Red on the flank.

The horse sprang forward, charging with alarming speed. A cloud of dust rose in their wake, the earthy particles stinging her eyes and filling her lungs.

"Um, Laurel!" Frida screamed, her voice raw with panic. The wind whipped across her face, tugging at her hair and making her eyes water.

She clung to the reins for dear life, her heart hammering so loudly she could hear it over the pounding of hooves.

Her entire body was a knot of terror, her fingers aching from their death grip on the reins.

The ground blurred beneath her as the horse galloped faster, each jarring bounce threatening to unseat her.

"Laurel!" she screamed again, her voice cracking.

Laurel’s laughter rang out ahead. "What’s the matter, Frida? You’re too slow!"

"Too slow?!" Frida could barely comprehend the absurdity of the comment as her horse raced ahead at what felt like a fatal speed. Her hands trembled, her legs shook, and her chest constricted painfully.

"I-I can’t riiiide!" she finally managed to yell, her voice trembling as the words were carried away by the wind.

"What was that?" Laurel asked, pulling Bernie to a stop and turning to look behind her. Her smile froze, her face draining of color as she saw Frida’s horse barreling toward the fence.

"Oh my God!" Laurel shouted, panic lacing her voice.

At that exact moment, three cars screeched into the gravel driveway.

Evelyn, Leo, and Danny tumbled out, their faces frozen in horror as they took in the scene.

"Oh my God," Evelyn gasped, slamming her car door and sprinting toward the paddock in her heels. "Has she lost her mind?"

"Jesus Christ, what’s happening?" Leo shouted, his voice cracking as his gaze followed the wild horse.

"Frida!" Danny yelled, his hands gripping his hair. "She’s going to crash!" ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

Frida tugged at the reins desperately, her fingers burning as Little Red showed no signs of slowing.

Her throat was raw from screaming, and her vision blurred with tears.

Every muscle in her body screamed in terror as the fence loomed closer, its sharp edges etched into her mind like a death sentence.

She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable.

"Shit!" A deep, commanding voice cursed beside her.

Her eyes flew open to see Laz riding up alongside her, his dark hair tousled by the wind and his black riding outfit a sharp contrast to the morning light.

His tailored jacket with silver accents emphasized his broad shoulders, and the fitted black pants tucked into polished boots showcased his effortless control.

With a practiced grip, Laz angled his horse to intercept Little Red. "Hold on!" he barked, his voice a lifeline in the chaos.

But Little Red had other ideas. The horse reared and swerved suddenly, throwing Frida off balance.

She felt herself falling, weightless and helpless as the ground rushed toward her.

Before she could hit, strong arms encircled her waist, pulling her onto Laz’s horse in one fluid motion.

Frida’s chest heaved as she clung to him, her face buried against the solid wall of his chest.

The scent of leather, soap, and something undeniably him filled her senses.

His arm held her securely while his other hand expertly wrapped Little Red’s reins around his palm, slowing the wild horse.

"Holy shit, Frida!" Leo exclaimed panting from the fence. His wide eyes darted between Laz and Frida. "You almost fucking died!"

"Jesus, is she okay?" Danny shouted, running toward them.

Laz barely acknowledged them, his attention fixed on the trembling woman in his arms. "God, you’re going to be the death of me," he muttered, his voice exasperated but tinged with relief.

Frida’s entire body shook as she clung to him, her fingers digging into his jacket. She didn’t even realize she was crying until she felt the wetness against her cheeks.

"It’s okay. You’re safe," Laz murmured, patting her hair gently. His voice was low and soothing, like the steady hum of a heartbeat.

"Laurel!" Evelyn’s voice cut through the haze, sharp with panic and fury. "What the hell were you thinking?! She could’ve died!"

Laurel stood frozen, her face pale and her voice shaky. "I-I didn’t know she couldn’t ride! Oh my God, I’m so sorry!"

Frida finally opened her eyes, glancing at the chaos around her before her gaze locked onto Laz’s dark, intense eyes.

His worry was unmistakable, and the sight made her stomach flip.

Laz dismounted gracefully, keeping her in his arms until her trembling legs touched the ground.

He didn’t let go until she steadied herself, his hands firm on her waist.

Evelyn stormed over, her face red with anger. "Frida, are you trying to give me a bloody heart attack? What were you thinking?"

Frida bit her lip, her voice small. "mom...I thought I could get the hang of it... It didn’t look hard."

Evelyn scoffed, throwing her hands up. "Because you think a horse is a bloody anatomy textbook you can master in seconds?!"

"Don’t yell at her," Laz interjected, his tone firm. His dark eyes locked on Evelyn’s, his presence commanding. "She was feeling adventurous, that’s all."

Frida blinked up at him, her surprise evident. Laz defending her? Against her mother? That wasn’t in her bingo cards for the year.

Evelyn groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Fine. But she’s not mounting that damn animal ever again!"

Laz smirked, his gaze softening as it returned to Frida. "Don’t worry, Evelyn," he said, reaching for Frida’s hand.

Her breath hitched as his thumb brushed over her knuckles, sending a jolt up her spine.

"I’ll teach her how to ride."

The intensity in his eyes sent her heart racing, the morning sun catching the faintest flicker of a smile on his lips.

Frida could barely breathe, butterflies swarming in her stomach as her fingers unconsciously tightened in his.

The chaos around her faded, leaving only him, his touch, and the unspoken promise in his gaze.