After the race between Grace and Heidi officially wrapped up, the group set off on a relaxed ride through the forest and along the lake. Raphael and Grace rode side by side, hoofbeats soft and steady as dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy, scattering shadows across their shoulders like something out of a painting.
“Didn’t know you were that good at riding,” Raphael said casually, reins in hand, knees perfectly aligned with his horse’s movements.
Grace lifted her chin just slightly. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”
“Clearly I’ve got some catching up to do with my own wife. Should be punished for that.”
The tips of Grace’s ears flushed red. For some reason, the way he said it made her feel like there was something more behind the words. She narrowed her eyes. “Don’t be c
