Chapter 4

Raina and Asher had decided on just picking up a movie to rent to go with their beers and pizza. They spent the remainder of the night just goofing around as they usually did. Trading stories back and forth as the movie played in the background. It was a nice ending to a rough night. After Raina had walked Asher to his truck and said their goodbyes. She glanced over to Leon's house and noticed his truck was in the driveway. There were still lights on in the house so she figured he must've just got home not long before. A long sigh passed her lips as she walked back into her house. The house was dark and quiet as she crept back up the stairs trying not to wake her parents who must've been crashed out. She closed her door behind her and then began to get ready for bed.

Finally she laid in bed and tried to fall asleep. A million thoughts of the night played over and over again through her mind. She glanced over at the hoodie that hung on the chair to her desk. Was it Leon who had saved her tonight? If not him then who? Thanks to the whole episode she didn't even have a chance to speak with him. Let alone hang out. After tossing and turning for quite awhile she finally was able to fall asleep.

It had been a few days since the party fiasco. Raina was out in the stables preparing her horse Artemis to go for a ride. Her parents owned quite a bit of acreage straight out behind their house. She patted Artemis as she was about to hop on she heard a voice.

"I thought I saw you coming out here..." Leon spoke softly as he moved toward Artemis. He rubbed the horse then gave her a small pat. "How you doing old girl?" Raina watched him still a bit shocked he had came out.

"What's up Leon?" she asked as she tried to avoid eye contact a bit unsure as to what else to say. Leon looked at Raina seeming a bit uneasy and worried about something.

"Ah, not a lot. Just saw you come out...haven't talked in awhile. I was wondering how you're doing.." he said as he continued to pet Artemis. Raina looked at him, realizing that maybe he had been concerned about what had happened at the party.

"Oh, I'm fine. Just figured I hadn't been out riding in a bit...kind of been missing the feeling. Would you like to join me? Apollo is all set to go, just gotta put his saddle on." Raina flashed a smile towards Leon. They had been riding together before. Especially during the summer, they would have races. A couple different times along with Luke and Asher they would ride out to the back of the property then find a place to camp for the night. Leon gave her a nod as he moved to the other side of the stable to retrieve Apollo and get him ready. In the mean time, Raina decided on just leading Artemis out of the stable as she waited on Leon. It was beautiful out and reaching a perfect temperature. They had a couple hours before the sun would completely set. Soon she heard a mix of human and horse footsteps coming up behind her. Turning she saw the guys making their way towards them. "Ready girl?" she asked Artemis as she mounted her. Turning towards Leon, "It's been awhile since you've rode with me...think ya can keep up?" Raina stuck her tongue out as she pulled made a slight tension on the reins a bit while applying pressure with her legs and moving forward in her saddle a bit. Then with two clicks of her tongue, Artemis took off. Leon shook his head and petted Apollo.

"We gonna let them show us up like that?" Leon and Apollo took off after the girls. It didn't take to long before they caught up to them. Raina figured as much. With Artemis getting up in age, Raina doesn't like to push her that much. She smiled back towards Leon. After facing forward she let go of the reins and stuck her arms straight out to either side. The pair had done this multiple times before. Raina closed her eyes and enjoyed the breeze. Leon stared at her a bit in awe then smiled. He always enjoyed watching her ride. It was like she was set free from everything terrible that weighed her down. They continued riding till they came to their usual break stop beside the creek towards the back left side of the property. After dismounting they both lead the horses so they could drink. Raina patted Artemis and Leon moved towards her.

"So...I never did get a chance to talk to you the night of the party...I heard what had happened. I feel pretty guilty about it. You would've never gone through that if it wasn't for me...I'm sorry." he spoke softly as he then pulled her in for a hug. Raina was caught of guard. But soon she relaxed and hugged him back. This smell...where had she smelled it before. She couldn't place her finger on it but it comforted her. Finally she shook her head and pulled back to see his face that looked full of regret

"How was it your fault? It was my choice to go...even though I know how I get sometimes." she said while trying to make eye contact with him but he was looking down at the ground she placed his hand on her cheek. His eyes instantly shot up to hers. "It's not your fault and I'm fine, I promise." Raina said as she gave him a reassuring smile. She didn't know what emotion he changed to, but he pulled her in close like he was going to kiss her. Raina closed her eyes and then felt a small stroke from his thumb on her cheek. Suddenly his warmth disappeared and he let go of her. When she opened her eyes Leon was heading back to Apollo then mounted him.

"The sun is about to set...we need to get moving." he said curtly. Raina stood there in a bit of shock. Wait a second...what just happened? Leon slowly started to ride off. Quickly Raina moved to Artemis and mounted her.

"Leon! Leon! Wait up!" Raina yelled as he began to pick up speed. The remainder of the ride back was a bit awkward and quiet. When they finally reached the stable more silence followed as they removed their saddles. Once they had removed everything off the horses, Leon turned towards Raina. He smiled that beautiful smile.

"Thanks for the ride Raina, I really needed it...I'll see you later!" he moved to leave the stable and quickly waved goodbye as he exited the stable. Raina's heart sank. Did she make him uncomfortable?

"Sure. No problem I'll see you later!" she called after him. Turning back to Artemis a sigh escaped her lips. "I shouldn't have done that..."