Page 8 of Summer Redemption

When we get close to the barn, I notice Noel and a woman in the large paddock working with a beautiful appaloosa. Fletcher is standing against the fence and watching the pair until his head whips around and his eyes lock onto Eden. The look in his eyes is so hot that I almost take a step back.

“They’re like that all the time,” Macklin quips next to me, clearly noticing the way I’m taking in the interaction.

Before I can say anything to him, Fletcher’s eyes meet mine and his eyebrows pull together. He’s looking at me like he should know me. I barely hold myself back from sighing.

“Daddy,” Macklin shouts, “this is Dr. Sunshine. She’s an animal doctor.”

I grin at the little boy and give his hand a squeeze. “Hi,” I greet Fletcher, “I’m Sunshine Holloway and I’m taking over the home visits from Dr. Harris.” His shoulders relax as he smiles softly while looking between Macklin and myself. “Dr. Harris called about me coming by to check everything out and get a feel for the animals?”

I could mention how I used to be in the same graduating class as his brother and worked with Dr. Harris at his side on this very ranch. But I don’t.

I’m already exhausted, and the day has barely begun.

“Of course,” Fletcher nods toward the barn. “Let’s go in and you can meet everyone.”

As we start to walk toward the barn, with Macklin as a shadow or a miniature Fletcher, the man keeps looking at me. If he’s expecting jazz hands or a big musical number, he’s going to be disappointed.

The moment we step inside the barn, I notice Huxley as he loves on a horse. “You’re so pretty, Buttercup,” he coos.

Macklin runs right over to his uncle and Buttercup gives all her attention to the little guy. The way she effectively and immediately dismisses Huxley almost makes me giggle. But I swallow down the sound.

“That’s not even right, Buttercup,” Huxley mutters as he pouts.

When he looks up, he doesn’t look at Fletcher or Eden, who he’s pulled into his arms like he needs her close so he can breathe. Huxley’s eyes meet mine as if his gaze is pulled by a magnet. His eyes are still as dark and warm as I remember them, reminding me of cozy feelings and fleece pajamas.

I have to blink a few times to stop the tears from welling in my eyes. The last thing I’m going to do is cry. Not in front of him.

Huxley’s eyes widen as he breathes out a sharp breath. He takes a step forward, one I’m not even sure he realizes he’s taken.

“Sunshine?” His voice wobbles and I’m stuck watching his throat bob in fascination.

Swallowing should not be that sexy. Damn it.

I shift from one foot to the other, part of me wanting to run while the other waits for the inevitable. He’s going to say something stupid.

Or callous.

Or cruel.

That’s how it always was when he was around. There might be years between then and now, but people don’t change all that much. At least, I don’t think they do.

CHAPTER 4

HUXLEY

I must be dreaming. It’s the only explanation for Sunshine Holloway standing in front of me right now looking like a fucking vision. Without being too obvious, I pinch myself as the silence stretches between us. There’s a look of expectation on her face, but I have no idea what she’s waiting for.

When I take a step closer to her, unable to stop myself, she crosses her arms across her chest like she’s determined to hold her ground. The simple movement, like she’s readying herself, has my stomach sinking and twisting at the same time.

The feeling makes me feel like I could be sick, which is the last thing I want to have happen in front of the only girl I’ve ever had a crush on.

But she’s not a girl anymore. My eyes roam over her and I have to admit, even though part of me hates it, she’s all woman now.

Her soft curves are begging for my hands to map them. The way her flannel pulls across her tits makes my mouth water. The jeans she’s wearing hug her perfectly.

Fuck, everything about her is perfect. She looks like she’s ready to take on any job on the ranch, but there’s an air about her now that was never there when we were growing up. It’s a quiet confidence that has me swallowing hard and taking another step closer to her even though it’s the last thing I should do.

“Huxley,” her voice is ice fucking cold and I can’t stop myself from flinching. She gives a nod of acknowledgement, but that’s it. It’s almost as if that’s all she’ll allow me.

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