Page 76 of Paper Horses

I frowned. “You hated me during that ride.”

His lip tugged as he fought his smile. “Didn’t mean that ass rubbing against me didn’t turn me on.” He grabbed his hat and opened the door. “Let’s see what you’ve got in you, Olivia Icinda.”

With a shake of my head, I walked through the door, squealing when his hand landed a loud smack on my bottom.

“That’s a sound that will stick with you,” he muttered as he closed the door.

I rubbed my butt, scowling at him. He strolled past me, his long legs eclipsing my pace but leaving me a view I couldn’t deny enjoying. The way his jeans hung loose on his hips and his T-shirt showed the definition in his back and those arms. Good God, those arms were sexy. I’d never been into anything to do with the country, but maybe that was because Hudson had been my definition of that for me. Even before he’d become this walking hunk of brooding sexiness, he’d been my only association with the country.

I hadn’t gone riding since leaving Hudson. Horses reminded me too much of him, of us, of what I’d lost. So, when he slung the saddle on the horse, Ivy, I stood there unsure what to do next.

“Show me what you've got, city girl.”

“You say that like it’s an insult, and it’s not.”

“Round here it is.”

“Says the city boy.” I scratched my head, trying to remember what to do.

“Haven’t been a city boy in over a decade, and I don’t think I ever was. Not at heart.”

I looked over at him, seeing how his brow had creased with the thought.

“Yeah, you never really were,” I told him, seeing the creases fade as his eyes lit.

Chewing on my lip, I took a step forward. My hand smoothed over the leather, the memories coming back to me. Days of laughter, of smiles, carefree and in love.

The wind whipped through my hair as I looked back at Hudson. His smile was huge, and I laughed, the sound freeing as it bubbled from my throat.

“Where do you think you’re going, honey?”

My insides curled in knots because I knew what that meant, the pleasure that awaited me when he caught up with me.

“You only get to say that if you catch me!”

I turned back around, urging the horse into a faster gallop. His hooves beat in a loud rhythm as land swept past us. The mountains provided a gorgeous view, the fields of wildflowers adding hues of color that I knew would ensure this memory was one that would remain vivid. Excitement buzzed over my skin and through my veins as I leaned further into my saddle.

Within minutes, Hudson was beside me, his brown mare breathing heavily as he glanced over at me and winked. My face ached from my smile, my stomach hurt from my laughter, and I couldn’t imagine that I’d ever been so happy. But I knew with Hudson, I would continue to be.

He reached over and took my reins with the confidence of a skilled rider. While he’d taught me all there was to riding, and I was comfortable now, I was nowhere near as good as he was, and as he eased our horses to a slowed pace, a rush of pride settled in me. This was what he was meant to do, his calling, and I would do everything I could to encourage him to follow it.

I had yet to tell my mother about my new love of riding. Her state the last time I’d been home had been delicate, but Gabe knew. My father, I had yet to approach, knowing he would destroy it, make it seem like something worthless, belittle me for it. So for now it was my secret, something just for me that I shared with Hudson. Something so different from who I was at home.

Hudson stopped his horse and hopped down as I brought mine to a halt. He led the horses to the stream that trickled through the field and put his hand out to me. I took it, loving how his powerful hands held my waist while he brought me down. My feet didn’t hit the ground, though. He readjusted me, and I wrapped my legs around him, threading my fingers through his hair and kissing him. My heart felt like it might burst from my chest because the power of that kiss wove its way into me, calling to the claim he had on me and reaffirming it. Heat bloomed in my belly, and he chuckled against my mouth as if he noticed it.

“I think I’m in the mood for a snack. Some sweet honey to tide me over until we get back.”

I shivered, causing his laugh to grow as he laid me on the ground. Hovering over me, he nudged my legs apart with his knee. I gazed up into his eyes, which were the color of freshly tilled earth.

“I love you, Hudson Thomas.”

“Oh yeah? You sure you don’t just love my tongue?”

I tossed my head back and laughed, a move he took advantage of, kissing my neck and pushing my shirt up.

“That and everything else.”

He picked his head up, those chocolate orbs growing serious. “I’m going to marry you, Olivia Icinda. When you graduate. That’s as long as I can wait because I know with certainty that you are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.”