Page 66 of Love Me Fierce

I glance at Vivian. That kiss wasn’t planned, but fuck do I want more of them. Out here, her stormy eyes look like a piece of the sky, the sun drawing out more of the blue and making the golden flecks dance.

My cock gives a needy throb inside my jeans.

“Uh, yeah, we’re on our way now. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, Greta’s reading to Matty. Can we build a fort later?”

“If it’s okay with Grams and Grandpa.”

He muffles the phone. “He said yes!” Greta hoots in the background.

We end the call and I lead Vivian down the trail. Back at the horses, I stand close to give her a hand, but quick learner that she is, she settles into the saddle without my help. At least the walk down gave my blood time to cool. Riding a horse with an erection is fucking torture.

“Who taught you to knit?” I ask once we’re underway to shift mythoughts away from how I’m going to kiss her again as soon as possible.

“My great aunt Gwen,” she replies. “She used to make us sweaters and mittens, even though we rarely needed them in Southern California.”

“Do you still spend time with her?”

Vivian shakes her head. “She passed about four years ago.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“After Mom died, she was the one who took care of us. I miss her a lot.”

“Did you always know you wanted to be a nurse?”

“I think it started with raising McKenna. She’s eight years younger than me, so Mom’s death was a lot harder on her. Then I sort of became Aunt Gwen’s caretaker when her health started to decline. Nursing was a pretty natural fit after that.” Her eyes turn steely. “Plus, I’m really good at chemistry.”

“You could have become a chemist though. Or a pharmacist.”

“I’d rather work with people.”

“Were you always in pediatrics?”

“I did critical care before, but I was ready to get out of hospitals when I took the job at Finn River Pediatrics.”

“Has it been a good fit so far?”

Her gaze turns thoughtful. “I love working with kids, and new moms. Especially since Dr. Greely’s taken over. She’s so good with families. So patient and supportive.”

“That sounds really rewarding.”

“I’ve definitely found my calling.”

Makes me especially grateful that she landed in Finn River of all places. “Was it hard to move states as a nurse? I know it can be challenging for teachers.”

“There were some hoops to jump through, but it was pretty straightforward. Expensive though.”

“I hope it’s been worth it.”

Her bright smile hits me like a lightning bolt. “It definitelyhas.”

We pull up outside the barn. I slide off of Smoky and put her in the crossties and quickly untack, then lead her into her stall. Then I walk to Buck’s left side so I can help Vivian. Though she dismounts like a pro, I can’t help reaching for her waist. When she lands, pinned between Buck’s side and my chest, she sighs and leans into me. I press my nose into her hair, which is still hot from the sun and silky against my cheek.

She pulls me tighter, wrapping my arms around her middle. I brush my lips along the back of her ear, delighting in the way it makes her breath hitch in her throat.

She feels so good against me. The sweet curves of her body fit perfectly against my frame.

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