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Ben saw Emma running towards them out of the corner of his eye, but tried to focus on River. He continued walking forward slowly, steadily, and reached out his hand to rub her neck.
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River, still pawing, stood there. Emma reached them, exhausted. "Thanks" she said, embarrassed
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Ben had grabbed a random halter he'd found on the fence, and he slipped it over River's head. He handed the lead rope to Emma, nodding awkwardly.
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"um..sorry for being rude earlier"
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Ben shrugged. "All good. You had a lot on your mind." He didn't look at her, just stared at his dusty and falling apart western boots.
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Ben kind of rocked on his feet a little, then turned towards the arena, where Ghost was standing where he left her, watching them. "Well, I should... Probably get back to riding..." He trailed off, unsure why this was so awkward.
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She nodded, leading River away
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Ben sighed, walking back to Ghost. He spent the next hour spinning, doing flying lead changes, and just seeing what Ghost could do in general. Once both he and the mare were sweating, he hopped off and walked her back to the barn. Ben began untacking Ghost, and scraping off the sweat.
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Emma headed to the house, exhausted already, when Brock came in and snickered. "That boy of yours run off?" He sneered, chuckling. Emma just nodded. "It's fine, I don't need him." She shrugged, walking into the kitchen to make some iced tea. Brock followed her with another chuckle, grabbing her arm. You need me though, baby " he crawled, Emma resisting against his grip but he just tightened it. "Let go!" She exclaimed, fighting against his hurting hold
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