Page 151 of Giddy Up, Daddy

“Oh, I understand. It’s stiff, but it doesn’t hurt like a sprain.”

“That’s good.”

He repeated the process with the other one, standing up when he’d finished. I owed him a better answer to his question about physical correction. Before either of us could say anything else, the back door banged open and slammed closed, announcing Wyatt’s arrival. His presence halted our conversation.

“Horse is in the barn. I rubbed him down. Fed him. Didn’t want him thinking he was bad.”

“Does that work for you too?” Alden asked mischievously.

“You should try it and see. I did a good job today.” Wyatt winked as he strutted over to us. His attention was suddenly diverted to me. He leaned into my body and touched my waist.

“Can you back up, Wyatt? I’m almost naked.”

Undeterred, he continued eyeing the bruises and pointing them out. “You looked fucking majestic on Topaz! Your hair was blowing, your tits were perky. It was like watching a movie trailer.”

“Wyatt,” I huffed in an exasperated tone. His dark-red hair flopped across one eye and he pushed it out of his face while he straightened. Did he always look ruggedly handsome? Probably.

Something of a playboy, Wyatt had a reputation. Then again, that had been back when he was riding the circuit. A lot of them had reputations. He and Luke Rhineheart started many rumors especially with the amount of times they’d dated each other. Wyatt used to bet with our crew to see how many people he could get to fall for him at one show. That was a long,longtime ago, I reminded myself.

Luke wasn’t reckless any longer. At least not since settling down with Elias and Emma. Maybe Wyatt had changed over the years. Or maybe not? Regardless, his intense gaze left me feeling like a pile of goo.

“You’ve got a hell of a bruise here, sweetheart,” he said, murmuring. “Put some Arnica on it when you get home.”

Alden studied the spot, nodding in agreement. “Sorry, darlin’. I only had one chance to get you off Topaz. Those bruises are where I grabbed you.”

“It’s fine,” I said quickly. “But I’m in my bra and panties. Tell Wyatt to be a gentleman!”

“Iama gentleman,” Wyatt answered, waggling his eyebrows. “Would you like me to strip down to my boxers so we’re even?”

“No! You’re close to my–” Their combined gazes brought another rush of heat to my face. Neither of them had done anything inappropriate. Still, I couldn’t stop the arousal consuming me. What the fuck was my problem? Too many nights being alone. That was my problem. “–woman parts.”

“Want me to kiss it better?” Wyatt grinned.

“Absolutely not!”

“Might take your mind off it,” he said flirtatiously.

“Give her space, Firecracker,” Alden chided, using his ring name and call sign simultaneously.

Our small town had unreliable cell service but the radio service worked when there was an issue. There were even dispatchers at the firehouse and police headquarters who manned emergency lines 24/7. We often communicated that way, and all knew each other’s call signs, using them interchangeably with names.

Wyatt pouted, sticking his lower lip out until Alden raised his eyebrows. Was he in a mood too? Aroused and lonely? He’d been involved with people romantically but no one ever stuck around. Maybe under his rough exterior, he had a secret soft spot like Alden. My eyes flicked to his cupid-bow-shaped mouth. Wyatt kissed almost everyone in our friend group back when we’d played stupid party games in our twenties. But I couldn’t remember if we had made out or not. I was pretty sure I’d remember since he was incredibly attractive.

Wyatt grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and leaned against the kitchen island. “Did I make you uncomfortable, trix?” he asked in between large gulps of water.

He and Alden sometimes shortened my call sign to a sweet term of endearment based on my love of trick riding. That and back when they were both in the circuit, I’d play tricks on themuntil one of them caught me and responded. Back then it was more of an attention getter, but a playful swat on the butt went a longer way then.

“Nah. If you touch me inappropriately, I’ll grab your balls and squeeze until you get out of my face.”

“I might be into that.”

“Kennedy needs rest. Let her be,” Alden said, growling as he spoke.

“Sorry, Daddy. I’ll behave,” he quipped.

Alden set his jaw, and shook his head. He stepped to the counter, tugged Wyatt close to him and cracked his palm off his jean-clad ass twice. Wyatt yelped and the water bottle went flying.

“Don’t call me a title without my permission. A Daddy sets rules, enacts consequences. Is that something you wanna explore?”

---