Page 30 of Jag

I listened as River told me some of the things her dad had already shared. I noticed the more she talked about her mother, the more hurt that came into her voice.

“I don’t know why I still let the things she’s done have an effect on me. It’s over. I’m here, and I refuse to buckle to her way anymore.” She tilted her head to look up at me. “And I’m sorry for putting a damper on such a lovely day with you by talking about my mother and ex. Boy, aren’t I a prize to take on a date?”

I wanted to ask what happened with her and the ex, but it wasn’t the time. Instead, I grinned and leaned in. This kiss was soft and slow, and it was the first time I remember ever wanting to show a woman gentleness. Hard, fast, and explosive was how I liked it. But with River, I took my time enjoying her taste. When she shivered as the wind blew, I broke our kiss.

“Let me get your jacket.” I moved to get off the table.

“You’re a dangerous man, Dom.” I frowned as I stood in front of her.

“What makes you think so?”

“Because you listen, you’re attentive to what’s happening around you, and you’re very easy to talk to. I bet you are one damn good attorney.”

“And hot.” She laughed like I wanted her to.

“And incorrigible.”

I chuckled and looked at my watch. “If we leave now, we’ll get into town in time that I could take you to dinner.”

“How do you feel about cold chicken and potato salad?”

“Homemade potato salad?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

“What other kind is there?”

“And where would we be eating this food?” I asked with a grin. I knew she was talking about her house, but I wanted her to say it.

“If you don’t mind, we can go to my house. Where I not only have those items, I have a half an apple pie. Plus, I have a nice plush couch to sit on. I think my tushy deserves it.”

“Well, we can’t have yourtushysore, so your house it is,” I said and grabbed her around her waist and lifted her off the table. In no time, we were back on my bike and headed to Shades Valley.

“That was really good, River. Thank you.” I rose with my empty plate and reached for River’s.

“I got it.” She stood, and as we started to walk, she flinched.

“Stiffening up?” I asked and took the plate before she dropped it.

“I don’t know how you ride all the time. My God my butt hurts and the inside of my thighs gives me an idea what it’s like to ride a horse. I’d bet money that’s where the saying ‘save a horse, ride a cowboy’ comes from. I mean, heck it would have to feel better. I’m going to start saying ‘save a bike, ride a biker.’” She abruptly stopped and looked at me. My lips twitched as I watched the pink form on her cheeks when she realized what she said.

“Hmm... I could get on board with that,” I commented and set the plates in the sink. “But not tonight. I’m going to head home so you can soak,” I walked to her and wrapped my arms around her, “this fine ass,” I finished as I placed my hands on her ass and started massaging.

River leaned her forehead on my chest and slipped her arms around my waist. I felt myself start to harden when she moaned.

“Oh my God that feels good,” she whispered into my chest.

“Ah, sweetheart, you’ll get used to it the more you ride. I’ll just have to make a habit of taking you out regularly, so you can get adjusted to it. Now kiss me, then you can go take a hot bath.”

“Bossy,” she mumbled but raised her head and did as I asked. I kissed her until we both were breathless, then turned us in the direction of the front door.

“Lock up, and I’ll see you sometime tomorrow.” I kissed her forehead and opened the door.

“I don’t know what time I’ll be home. I’m going shopping with Sami, Carly, Luna, and Bailey.”

“Well you girls stay out of trouble, and I’ll come by later in the day. Got a few things to take care of tomorrow anyway.” I stepped out on the stoop. “Don’t forget to lock the door.”

“I won’t,” she answered, and I pulled the door shut and waited until I heard the locks engage before I walked to my bike.

On the ride home, I thought about how the day had gone. The time with River and getting to know her was enjoyable. She might have started out a little tense when we headed out, but by the time we left the lookout place, she was relaxed.

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