It was a little after five pm when I heard the familiar clip clop of Bruno's dinner plate sized hooves. I couldn't help but dash out of Kody's temporary stable, my cheeks flushing crimson as a stupid smile worked its way onto my face.

"Oh my gosh!"

I turned around to see Jackie stood next to me, her mouth wide open, blonde hair all skewwhiff with pieces of hay sticking out of it.

I stuck my tongue out at her. "Told you I wasn't lying."

After I settled Kody into his new housing, she spent the next hour following me around fishing details out of me before confirming I was lying. Bruno's absence and Kody's presence did nothing to persuade her as she refused to believe she was going to meet Oliver Burnley.

"I can't believe he's actually here!"

She watched him walk his way down the long concrete driveway like a lion watches a deer. The way he walked was mesmerizing. He possessed a timeless swagger I'd only ever seen in movies.

He walked up to me with a broad smile, my heart melting in an instant as his chocolate brown eyes locked onto mine.

"Hello again. You got home safe and sound then?"

I nodded as my cheeks continued to burn up. "Yes, thank you. How was Bruno?"

I looked at the brute of a horse covered in white sweat, a green mush foaming from his bit yet a sparkle still in his eye.

"He loved it. He's a fantastic animal. He knows his job and does it as best he can." He stopped as he gave the old chap a hearty pat on the neck. "I don't suppose you'd allow me to borrow him again sometime would you?"

I heard a whimper escape from Jackie and Oliver's dark eyes darted over to her. "Oliver Burnley." He held his hand out to her. "Pleased to meet you."

Jackie's face turned new shades of red as she grasped his hand, introducing herself back.

He turned his attention back to me with a dazzling smile. "So, may I have the pleasure of borrowing your fine animal again, please?"

I nodded in my dumbfounded state. "I will need Kody as some sort of insurance policy though." I couldn't help the giggle escape me as I said this.

He grinned. "Not a problem. In fact..." He looked past me into the stable yard. "If you have a spare stable, could he stay here by any chance? I will pay you for his livery of course."

Before he'd barely finished his sentence I was confirming my acceptance. I tried my best to hide my grin. "Not a problem. I presume full livery?"

He nodded as Bruno nudged him in the ribs with his need to rub his wet head on Oliver's pristine hunting jacket. Seconds later, the red velvet jacket was covered in chestnut hairs with traces of green slime here and there.

"Bruno!" I said, mortified that he would do such a thing to Oliver. Did he not get who this guy was? I grabbed his reins as Oliver stood chuckling.

"It's quite alright. It's never been a good days hunting unless you come home with dirty clothes." He gave me a cheeky wink which did nothing but make me think I was going to have a heart attack.

"Of course." I darted my way round to Bruno's saddle to loosen his girth. If anything, I just wanted to calm my racing heart and hide my burning cheeks.

He followed me round, smiling. "Already done."

I felt like such a fool. Of course he would have loosened the girth. "Oh ok. So full livery for Kody? With or without exercise?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I have no need for him to be kept fit. I think today has made my mind up that the old boy has had enough of being in the field. You can ride him though, if you want to?"

My mouth dropped open. Was this for real? Oliver Burnley was not only putting his horse on livery in my yard but was offering him to me to ride?

"If you don't, I will!"

My eyes flew past Oliver to Jackie who looked just as gobsmacked as me. It would seem this latest offering was too much for her to bear in terms of keeping quiet.

I ignored her, making a mental note to tell her off when he'd gone. "Thank you. That would be a fantastic privilege."

"Not a problem. I'll be looking for a new horse of course but with nearly twenty meets over the coming few weeks, I won't have much time to look for one. Are you happy for me to use Bruno in the meantime?"

Twenty meets? Christ! Bruno would be in his element. "Sure. He'll love it."

"Marvellous." His eyes gleamed as he smiled at me. "I'll come and exercise him myself, if you don't mind?"

Taken aback was rather an understatement to this latest scenario. Words failed me.

As the seconds ticked by, he jumped in, saving the moment. "For the pure reason I would hate to see you put in another position like today."

"Oh. Of course." I managed a weak smile as the thought of not riding Bruno every day left an empty odd feeling yet a sense of relief.

"Fabulous. I'll see you in the morning!"

He turned with a wave, walking his way back down the long driveway. It suddenly struck me he was walking home.

"Do you need a lift home?"

I clamped a hand over my mouth as soon as the words escaped. I'd only passed my test three weeks ago.

He grinned as he turned back round. "No. I'm good, but thanks anyway."

My cheeks burned as I watched his retreating form. A black Range Rover turned onto the bottom of the drive, its tinted windows giving away nothing of the driver. Within a couple of minutes, he'd jumped inside and was gone.

"Are you stupid?"

I whipped my head round at Jackie's voice. "Huh?"

She laughed as she pushed my shoulder in a playful gesture. "Did you really think Oliver Burnley was going to walk home?"

I floundered for words before letting out a nervous laugh. "I don't know. It just...came out."

She grinned as she took Bruno's reins from me. "Suddenly beginning to see what all us oldies rave over?"

My cheeks flushed again. Jackie was the same age as Oliver. The other grooms I employed along with her were always gossiping about the tasty men around this area. Oliver was always a hot topic. Considering his social status and age, I'd never really put much thought into him. Until now. Right up until bed time, the only thing on my mind were his dark eyes and his charming smile.

*So, here ends chapter 2! Thoughts? Opinions? Are you resonating with Izzy ok? Anything you would like to see in particular? I reply to all comments so chat away and please remember to leave me a vote if you enjoyed this :-)*