Ella woke up to Xavier calling her. She didn't want to get up so early, so she pretended to be asleep, staying under the warm covers with her eyes closed. Outside, it was probably very cold.
She really wanted to go for a walk, but wished it could be later, when the sun was out and the cold had eased a bit.
“Ella, get up or I'll lie down again, but it won't be to sleep.”
Those words made her get out of bed, take a shower, and get dressed.
Xavier had instructed her to wear boots and gloves. For the first time, he wasn't in a suit. In jeans, a button-down shirt, and boots, he looked even bigger, and the shirt made him even more imposing.
“Where are we going?” Ella asked.
“Horseback riding.”
“You can't be serious.”
“Why? Don't you like it?”
“Actually, I love horses, but I don't know h
