Page 97 of Wildest Dreams

“I know,” I beam at him, “I just feel guilty.”

“Well don't. Get used to this Dixie, get used to me being here, used to me showing up for both of my girls, because this is how it's going to be,” and his fingers lace through mine, pulling me closer to him as our lips hover over each other’s. “I love you Dixie Walker, this is your life now. Our life. Now go, before my brother drags your ass out of this house,” he kisses me quickly and my blood pumps loudly in my ears as I smile against his mouth.

“I'm going,” I whisper, lips still locked.

“Good, go,” he smiles back.

“If your physio gets too handsy...”

That has him pulling away, laughing loudly.

“Baby, I’m pretty sure I told you last night that it's only ever been you...” And I nod. “But, if she does...”

I swat him and pout, sticking my bottom lip out as I sulk.

“I'm joking baby, if she gets too handsy, I'll let her know that I belong to my beautiful Dixie Walker.”

I smirk, leaning in for one more kiss before I reluctantly pull myself away from him and walk over to kiss Lainey on the head. Turning, I move towards the front door when he grabs my attention.

“Dixie?”

“Yeah,” I breathe, a permanent smile on my lips.

“Wear the cowboy hat when you ride me tonight.”

“Tripp!” my body flames in heat, my stomach knotting at the thought, but I have to calm myself down and I rush out of the front door and run until I am at the bunk house.

Tripp Rivera.

Hot as fucking sin, and he is all mine.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

DIXIE

Knocking on the door of the bunkhouse, I wait for a second or two before opening it. Stepping inside with caution, nerves ripple through me. All eyes are on me, and I hate it.

Riggs whistles which gains the attention of his cowboys. Some I have seen before loitering, some I haven’t.

“This is Dixie.” He calls out, looking at me with soft eyes and I appreciate him. “She is going to be joining us for the foreseeable until both of my brothers are back on their feet.”

I hear some light chatter at the back, a pair of eyes roaming up and down my body.

“She's Tripp’s girl, we all know we don't cross the line on the Rivera girls don't we now boys?” Riggs' voice claps around the room and Hudson smirks. He is the only one I actually know and have properly met.

Tripp’s girl.

Be still my beating heart.

Voices of agreement fill the room.

“Now, we're starting a little later today as Pacey was in surgery during the night, so we have a lot that we need to do. The new vet, Opal, is coming to the ranch today, and I need to getdown to the calves.” Riggs' eyes are back on me, “I'll be taking Dixie with me.”

They all nod.

“Hudson will lead half of you down to the bulls. James, can you go across to Maple Farm and grab a couple of the mares that are due for breeding? Opal will check them over to make sure we're good to go. Paul,” Riggs calls out and a young boy stands up, he must be around sixteen if that, “you stay back with Billy. The yard needs to be cleaned, horses need to be mucked out and if anyone asks you to do something, you do it, do you understand?” They both nod.

“Right then, let's go,” Riggs is authoritative, but they listen. “You,” he points at me, “you're coming with me.” I nod, dipping my head and following him outside. My eyes cast to the house and the urge to run over there and make sure everything is okay simmers in my stomach as Riggs catches my attention. “He'll be okay, I promise you.”

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