Page 28 of Sweet Escape
Olivia smiles softly as she makes long strokes over her glossy coat, but Storm isn’t having it. She wants more affection, attempting to shove her nose into Olivia’s hair. Storm isn’t usually this demanding. She has a quiet temperament, and she’s easily influenced by treats.
Watching the interaction closely, I reach into my pocket, pulling out a peppermint. “Here. Try this.”
I place the treat into her outstretched hand and help her offer it to Storm as a placating gesture. Olivia’s face lights up and she releases a peal of laughter as Storm’s lips tickle her palm.
She continues to stroke Storm’s neck, and Storm rests her chin on her shoulder in what can only be described as an attempt at a hug.
“I think I’m in love,” she says, her bottom lip jutting out as she rests a hand over her heart.
I think I’m jealous.
“She likes you.”
She laughs. “I bet she likes everyone.”
“True, but not like this,” I say. “She’s never this desperate for attention.” I think Storm is feeling the same connection to Olivia that’s been plaguing me for weeks. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one; there’s something special about this woman. “Ready for that ride?”
She nods and does a little shimmy with her shoulders. The move is so cute, I can’t help but smile. I find myself doing a lot more of that when Olivia is around—smiling. I gesture for her to take a step back, then walk over to the barn to grab the mounting block. Normally, I’d just help her up myself, but I’m being extra cautious.
“Put your left foot in the stirrup, then hold on right here and swing your leg over.”
She goes through the motions as I talk her through each step, and once she’s safely in the saddle, I climb up behind her, caging her between my arms.
“We’ll take it slow,” I say. “Just a short ride up the trail and back. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, let me know.”
On my signal, Storm starts forward, jostling Olivia’s ass against my lap. I stifle a groan, willing my dick to settle the fuck down. It’ll be hell if I have to ride with an erection tenting my jeans, but hard seems to be my default setting when Olivia’s around.
She scans her surroundings as we meander down the path, taking in the scenery.I wish I could see her face as she looks out over the place I get to call home. I guide her around the outside of the west pasture, the tree line leading to the waterfall on our left, the horses grazing beyond the fence on our right.
“What do you think?” I ask, examining the trail ahead of me more intently than necessary.
“This is amazing. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel being so high off the ground, but it’s almost like flying. I wish we could go faster.”
I slide one hand over her soft belly, leaning in next to her ear. “Someday, when you’re not carrying precious cargo, I’ll take you on a real ride.”
The words slip off my tongue, promising a future with this woman. Itshouldterrify me, but even if all we ever have is friendship, I’ll hold on to it with both hands.
“I’ll hold you to that.” I can hear the smile in her voice; picture it in my head—the way her blue eyes sparkle, her teeth digging into her plump bottom lip ever so slightly.
When we reach the end of the fence line, I turn back the way we came. As much as I want to prolong this experience, both Olivia and Storm will be needing a rest soon.
Once we’re back at the barn, I help her dismount safely, then lead Storm to her stall, keeping my hand on Olivia’s lower back as I guide her along with me. Griffin is mucking out Cooper’s stall, and he offers to take care of Storm while Liv and I carry on with our day. Reluctant to leave Storm’s side, Olivia gives her one last gentle pat before following me back outside.
“Thank you, Wilder. I’m really glad I got the chance to experience that before it was too late.” She pops onto her tiptoes to give me a hug, and I wrap my arms around her back, feeling her soft body melt into mine for an all too brief embrace.
“Me too. You’re more than welcome to come out here and visit with her whenever you want. I’m sure Storm would love the company. Especially if you bring treats.”
“I’d love that. Should we go somewhere to plan this party now?”
“We can head to the big house and take Mama up on that snack. She might have some valuable insight, too.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Emmy Lou’s sweet laughter floats through the open windows as Olivia and I make our way to the big house. When we step inside, Mama’s chasing Emmy around the living room. How did I ever live without this?
I waited more than two years after Jess died before conceding that I needed help and agreeing to move back home. It was the most difficult time of my life, but Colorado held all of my best memories with her, and it felt like I would be leaving her behind.
We bypass my family, and Olivia follows me into the kitchen.
