Page 159 of Here With Me

“After those two, he’s never had anythin’ serious,” I explain.

“Maybe I’ll make it my mission to find him someone, then.” He smirks as if he’s pleased with himself for coming up with the idea. “Is Ellie single?”

“Oh my God, don’t be playin’ matchmaker with my clients. Especially the ones I like. They don’t deserve to be tortured by my brothers.”

He presses his mouth to mine as he lowers his hands down my back and cups my ass. “I’ve never wanted to rip a dress off you as badly as I do right now.” The growl in his voice and his erection poking into me nearly have me giving him the green light to do just that.

“Save that energy for later, Mr. Underwood. Are you finally ready to stop denyin’ me?” I ask, adjusting the collar on his dark-green button-up. He’s paired it with a nice pair of black slacks.

“I’m worried I’ll crush you or re-break your ribs.”

“That’d be an injury worth sufferin’ for.”

He gives me a pointed look. “Not funny.”

“Oh, c’mon. My momentum and energy are up. If it weren’t for the crutches, I’d be out ridin’.” I pause with a smirk. “The horsesandyou.”

“Very cute.” He kisses the tip of my nose, then lifts and carries me out.

For the past month, I’ve visited the horses every few days so they don’t forget about me when I’m back training full-time. After the fire, they were relocated between the retreat barn and boarder stables. It took a while for the family barn burn area to get cleaned up, and construction on the rebuild beganshortly after.

Donut’s been through so much in such a short amount of time, so I’ve spent extra quality time with him. I brought in an equine specialist to help monitor his behaviors so he’s mentally prepared for me to ride him again without being triggered. After spending several months getting Donut at the level he was, some of what he learned has been repressed due to the trauma he suffered.

If Craig hadn’t already suffered a painful death, I’d wish one upon him for nearly killing me, my horses, and Fisher.

It was a beautiful day for a wedding, and the weather didn’t disappoint. Ayden and Laney renewed their vows in a small, intimate ceremony on the ranch with their families and everyone who works here. Although I couldn’t walk down the aisle with one of the groomsmen, I stood with my crutches next to Serena and Mallory, and once it was over, Fisher held up my dress as I hopped to the white tent for food and drinks.

This is the first big event where Fisher and I can be openly together, and even though my brothers like to give him shit, they treat him like family and are much nicer to him than they were to Jase.

After dinner, the tables were moved to make room for dancing, and I went to the bar.

“Be careful how many you have, or I’ll be carryin’ your ass over my shoulder,” Fisher whispers in my ear as I lean against the counter.

“I thought you liked the taste of Buttery Nipples on me?” I taunt, licking my lips.

“Mm...in that case.” He pulls me into his chest. “Is it too soon to leave?”

Arching a brow, I wait for him to admit he’s messing with me, but I know he’s serious when he doesn’t.Finally.

“Hell no.” I down the final shot, then grab my crutches and lead us to his truck. “I can’t wait to ditch these.

“Very soon. Then you’ll be back to runnin’ shit as usual.” He smirks as he drives us to my house.

I didn’t bother saying goodbye to everyone because I’ll literally see them tomorrow night at Sunday supper, but I let Momma know we were taking off so she doesn’t worry.

The moment I open my front door, Fisher slams it shut and lifts me until my legs wrap around his waist. The sounds of my crutches falling mixed with my heavy panting echo throughout.

“Are you sure this is okay?” he asks, walking us to my bedroom as his erection digs into me.

“Yes, I promise. If anythin’ hurts, I’ll tell you. But right now, all you need to worry about is gettin’ me naked and inside me as soon as possible.”

“Tsk, tsk, Goldie.” He carefully drops me on the mattress and hovers over me. “I’ve been holdin’ back for over a month and ain’t rushin’ this now.”

My head falls back on a groan, and I wish he’d put me out of my misery instead of being a gentleman just this one time.

“Don’t worry, my love.”

He removes my shoe and boot before planting a knee between my legs. Then he slides his hands up my bare thighs and moves my dress up. “I’ll get you there in eight seconds.”