Page 53 of Pigeon

“I’m going to work at the shop tomorrow, but that leaves Petey free,” Trigger says.

“I’m riding out with Cash. Horse, Pooh, and Toes will be with us, too,” Petey confirms.

“What needs to be done before we leave?” Gunner questions.

“Nothing, really. We’re ready to start hay, and evening chores won’t take long. The dogs and I will push the unneeded horses out to pasture tonight, and that frees up time from cleaning as many stalls. I think we’re good,” Ivy answers.

“Then it’s time for us to get out of your way and head home. Love your fucking place here, Ivy,” Gunner says before brushing a kiss across her cheek. “I’m as excited about the kids spending time here and learning to ride as they are. Thank you. Anything you can do to help Luke with his shyness and confidence, I can’t even tell you how much it’ll be appreciated.”

The kids are gathered up, and everyone heads for home. Turning to Ivy, I pull her into my lap and hold her close.

“I hope I haven’t gotten Ava and Gunner’s hopes up. I just know that animals, horses in particular, can help with a kid’s confidence. I just hope Luke is receptive to it,” Ivy says in a concerned voice.

“They’re not expecting a miracle, Ivy. They just want Luke to see that he’s no different than the other kids, and his challenge shouldn’t hold him back from doing the same things they do.”

“I look forward to working with the kids. I like kids, and they listen better than adults, especially when you’re teaching them to ride. Adults tend to worry more about falling than about learning how not to. Kids are more fearless, willing to try something new, and they trust what you tell them.”

“Those kids are going to love you,” I tell her before adjusting her body, so her mouth is accessible to mine.

Acting like teenagers, we spend long minutes making out before heading back to the barn to start the evening chores.

“You okay by yourself for a while?” Ivy asks while shifting from foot to foot.

“Yeah, I’ll keep watching the game. Why?” I ask, confused by her behavior more than her words.

Ivy takes a deep breath and then lets it out slowly before sitting on the couch next to the chair I’m in. Wringing her hands a few times, she speaks in a quiet, subdued voice.

“I want to take a bath.”

I’m at a complete loss as to why this seems to be a big deal to her. Watching her, though, I know that it is, and I feel my temper start to rise.

“Why’s that an issue, Ivy?” I ask while trying to keep my voice calm.

“I don’t get to take them very often, and I’m enough of a girl to enjoy the hell out of them,” she responds, first surprising me with her words but also that she said “hell.” I’ve noticed that Ivy doesn’t swear, or if so, very seldom.

“You take your bath for as long as you like, and I’ll hang out down here. When you get done, do you trust me enough to explain what you’re not telling me?”

I watch Ivy’s body give a small jerk, but after a minute, she nods her head.

“Enjoy your bath, Ivy.”

She grins, jumps up, plants a kiss on my mouth before rushing up the stairs. I wait until I hear the water running before pulling out my phone. I hit Pippa’s contact.

“Hey, Pigeon,” she answers.

“Question for you, honey.”

“Ask me anything,” she offers with a laugh.

“Why would a woman be nervous about taking a bath?” I ask before explaining the conversation and odd behavior that Ivy displayed.

Pippa’s humor disappears immediately, but she stays quiet, thinking for a moment.

“A naked woman is vulnerable, or at least, can feel they are. Baths take time. Showers are quick. You’re in and out and dressed in a few minutes. Baths, especially if you like them, take much longer and leaves you vulnerable longer. Has she mentioned any reason why she avoids them?”

“No, this is the first I’ve heard of it. She was obviously excited about taking one, though.”

“Why not take them if she enjoys them so much? Most likely, it’s because she knows she’s safe with you there. Maybe she wasn’t safe or didn’t feel she was before. Don’t push for answers. She’ll tell you when she’s ready,” Pippa advises.

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