Page 75 of Stables

Dixon pulls away, still holding me firmly, his breathing is fast and hot that washes over my chest.

I’m sure mine matches.

He touches my forehead with a lingering kiss, then pulls me to my feet. “Let’s get everything done, we’ll pick this back up later.”

My legs are shaky when he lets go.

Did he have to adjust himself when he walked into the living room?

How does he have so much restraint?

It makes me want him even more knowing he can control himself that well.

I get Paisley all cleaned up, and let her down. “Go find a pretty dress, baby girl. We’re going to visit some friends.” I hope.

Nerves make my hands tremble.

When I’d meet new people with Matt, they’d either look at me with pity, or disgust.

It’s like everyoneknewwhat an absolute douchebag he was, but no one would do anything about it except judge me for being with him.

I wonder what kind of looks I’ll get when I’m out with Dixon?

Will he get the sympathetic expressions, saddling himself up with a girl like me?

At least my face isn’t bruised anymore.

I don’t think I’d go if it was.

“I’ll take care of the horses,” Dixon calls before I hear the front door latch.

It’s a refreshing change. Matt never lifted a finger for the animals, always bitching about how much they cost, but quick to spend the money I’d make.

Even when I was nine months pregnant, I had to feed them.

Libby stepped in while I was in the hospital delivering Paisley, thank goodness.

I bet Dixon would never do that.

My stomach rolls with strange butterflies.

Daddy Dixon.

He’d make a good father, I think.

Paisley likes him so much already.

She follows me out into the garden where I check the timers to make sure everything is still running correctly.

I don’t have anything to bring with me to dinner tonight.

I can’t show up empty handed.

Everyone likes tomatoes, right?

Dixon is fastening Paisley’s car seat into the back of his Tundra when I show up outside with her and a plastic bag.

“Bringing groceries to the store?” His brow raises as he picks Paisley up to strap her in.

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