It Paid Off || Maddie, Anyone

Alex was at the stable near his place. In the stall with him was a calm, black Quarter Horse gelding. Alex pulled his phone, figuring on inviting Maddie over to meet his new friend. He'd named the horse Damon. It just seemed to fit the horse. Alex dialed Maddie and told her to come over to the stables and that he had someone for her to meet.

How will it go?

Maddie had gotten Alex's phone call and she agreed to meet him, she wondered what he was planning as she headed to see him, feeling excited at the same time. 

Maddie got to their meeting point and saw him, she felt goosebumps.

"Hey,"Alex said with a smile when he saw her. "I have someone I'd like you to meet, this is Damon,"he said with a nod to the gelding beside him who was looking at Maddie with calm eyes.

" He's a beauty" Maddie said as she petted Damon who let her touch him

Alex nodded, "It paid off, those three months saving up a bit from paychecks,"he said. He smiled as he rubbed the horse's neck and Damon flicked his ears, seemingly enjoying the attention from the pair.

Maddie smiled as Damon rubbed his head against her

Alex smiled as he watched Damon rub his head against Maddie. Alex lightly shoved Damon in the shoulder and Damon perked his ears and looked back at Alex with innocent brown eyes. Alex smirked, "I know."

Maddie smiled.

Damon nodded his head up and down before nudging Alex roughly in the shoulder with his nose. Alex smirked and shoved Damon's nose lightly away. Damon nickered at him and Alex smiled. "He's been like this since I bought him, he's a freaking loveable little bundle of love,"he said to Maddie, rubbing the horse's neck before he turned back to saddling up Damon, rechecking the tightness of the girth around Damon. Damon looked back at Alex as Alex tightened it up a bit. Alex shot a glance at him, "Yeah, I know, it's your favorite part of the ride,"he said sarcastically.

Maddie smiled softly.

Damon snorted softly as Alex grabbed Damon's bridle and slid it on Damon before latching all the straps. Alex looked over at Maddie, "I'm going to take him out if you wanted to come along?"he offered, putting on his helmet and taking the reins on Damon.

" Sure" Maddie said, Damnon nickered at them.

Alex nodded and smiled. "Then come right along,"he said, leading Damon out of the stables and over to the arena before he jumped up in the saddle. He looked down at Maddie and offered her one of his hands. "Wanna ride? I can let you up here behind me, Damon's not going anywhere in a rush,"he offered.

Maddie put her hand in his, as he then got her up behind him on Damon. Maddie then placed her arms around his waist.

Alex smiled and helped her up behind him on Damon. Damon just flicked his ears and stood quietly as the two got sorted out. Alex gave Damon a nudge with his heels and Damon started to walk forward. This brought back many a good memory for Alex. "God, it's been too long since I've ridden a horse."

" Yeah. You know, I could see him when you're working and make sure he's ok." Maddie said

Alex nodded. "The stable hands here will keep him fed and everything, it's part of his boarding here, and I said he could be used for lessons, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind a visit from you every so often,"he said. "I'll come down to ride him when I can and try to show up here before I head to shift, before 10 pm, and I'll try and stop after work as well before heading home."

" Maybe I could do some riding with Damon too" Maddie said

Alex nodded, "Sure, I hear there's some great trails around here. I think Damon would enjoy that. His tack will be in my locker at the barn, I'll give you the combination later and if anyone asks about it when you show up, you can just tell them you're with me, alright?"he said, looking over his shoulder at her as he had Damon walk over some poles laying on the ground.

"Sure" Maddie said

Alex nodded and looked back to in front of them and Damon, guiding the horse back to the rail without using his reins. Once again he nodded, only this time he was nodding his approval of the horse's response. "Very nice,"he murmured, patting Damon on the neck.

Maddie smiled.

Alex kicked his feet lightly out of the stirrups and just sighed. He felt pretty at home here and the moment seemed perfect. He found himself smiling. These were the good times.

Maddie smiled as they shared a kiss

Alex smiled as well. He looked at her. "I love you, Maddie,"he told her. He did, so...might as well be honest.