Page 213 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

Ellie bumped his arm. “These were a gift from the director of my upcoming film. He said I should bring them along as a good luck token. He’s hoping they’ll also help get me into character while I’m here."

She lifted her feet in turn to scrutinize the soles before resting them flat back on the dirt. “At leastsomebodygot to wear these in real life. You'd be amazed by the selection of used items they have in the wardrobe sheds. I always joke that while I'm out there playing different roles, everyone outside of Hollywood is living the life we actors only dream about.”

Only dream about?Nash blanched at the curious sadness in her statement. "Isn't it supposed to be the other way around? Doesn't everyone dream of what it would be like to be famous?”

Ellie shook her head. “I’m sure most peoplewonderwhat it's like, but I bet if it came down to it, they’d never really want to trade places with us."

There was that sadness again, the underlying theme that she was missing out on a life she didn't feel like she could have.

The idea generated an odd sort of determination in Nash, made him want to show her the best time he could while she was tucked away in Big Sky Country. He may not have traveled the globe like Ellie Blaire had, but Nash was certain this was the best place on earth.

Ellie sniffed, straightened her shoulders, and clapped her hands twice like she was ready for business. "I hope Buttercup still likes me today because I'm really looking forward to this ride. In fact, I was dreaming about it all night.”

Nash looked over to catch her gaze. His lower belly flooded with warmth. “Me too.”

He cleared his throat and motioned to the saddling station. He'd already gotten Pepper saddled up for himself, picked out a proper saddle for Ellie, and groomed Buttercup so she was ready to go. Nash gave Ellie a breakdown of the dos and don’ts before helping her onto the saddle.

“There you go,” he said proudly. “I’ll mount Pepper once you’re more comfortable. For now, go ahead and lead her in a circle around the saddling station. Slight tugs on the rein only. Think of it like a steering wheel; it doesn’t take much to change direction.”

When Buttercup failed to start walking, Nash noticed the death grip Ellie had on the reins. He grinned and reached up to shake out her arms like his pops used to do to him. “Loosen up your grip,” he said.

Ellie nodded and let her arms go lax.

Nash nodded in return. “Okay, that’s better. Now squeeze your calves around the horse just a bit, and she’ll start walking. So long as you don’t panic, she won’t panic, and you can have a nice, calm walk with her.”

Buttercup took a few steps forward.

“Good girl,” he crooned. “Be sure to praise her when she does something right.”

“Okay,” she said nervously. “Good girl, Buttercup. Good—” Ellie stopped as Buttercup went into reverse and began walking backward. “Oh no,” she squeaked. “Why is she doing this?”

Nash checked Ellie’s grip on the reins once more, already knowing what he’d see. “It’s okay, it’s okay,” he assured. “Remember what I told you about resting position? When you tug straight back, you’re telling her to stop or back up. If she gets mixed signals, she’ll be confused at best, ticked off at worst.”

"I don't want her to be either of those things," Ellie said with a nervous laugh.

It took a bit more practice, but soon Ellie and Buttercup fell into a rhythm, and Nash mounted Pepper and came up alongside.

“Horse riding is more complicated than I thought,” Ellie said as the horses walked evenly side-by-side.

“It is until you get the hang of it,” Nash allowed. “But you’re doing great.”

Ellie nodded. “I’m trying. There are a lot of rules to follow.”

"True, but like every good camp leader ever taught, break the rules and wind up like the fools. Follow each one and have lots of fun."

Ellie chuckled. “Is that what they really teach you at summer camp?"

"Sure. Didn't you ever go?"

"Only in the movies. I guess if you countpretendingto go to camp while you stay in hotels and trailers with your dad or your manager, I have. But no, not the real thing.”

"Oh, you're missing out. I had some of the best times of my life at summer camp, kid’s camp, and youth trips with my church. I’ve even gone as a youth leader to help out."

“More volunteering?” she asked.

He nodded. “The youth pastor guilted me into it, but yeah.”

“So that meansyouwere the one reciting the rule motto?”