Page 11 of The Billion Heirs Boxed Set

“Good.”

She didn’t ask what kind I’d gotten or if I’d used it or if I’d made myself come. I was thankful because just telling her I bought one was hard to share. So much harder than everything else I’d divulged. I’d bought one that had tons of five-star reviews, a fancy kind that not only vibrated against my g-spot inside but had a suction-like thing that went over my clit. It… God. I’d been embarrassed and fearful of using it, but the pull on my clit had been so intense it had wrung an orgasm from me before I could even think twice.

I’m trembling. I’m not sure how I kept from doing so in Austin’s presence.

A vibrator is one thing. Austin Bridger is another.

When you’re ready.

I’m so far from ready!

I let out a breath. I didn’t tell Dr. Lake I was considering a one-night stand. A fling. A get-back-on-the-horse night of sex. Ripping off the proverbial Band-Aid. Whatever the term, I want to have it because I worry it will never happen. This feeling. Desire. Attraction. I don’t want it to be me and my sex toy for the rest of my life.

But I am feeling. For Austin Bridger.

He doesn’t know about my past.

He doesn’t know anything about me.

A thrill shoots through me because all I saw was interest in his gaze. Not pity or concern. Not fear of damaging the already broken Carly Vance.

My idea for a fling is growing. Maybe it’s just what I need. A night with a man who doesn’t know about my past. Who wants me. The complete version of me.

If he gives it to me, maybe I can be whole again.

I turn when someone enters the stable—a blond woman not much older than I am but who was able to complete veterinary school and nab the dream job as head veterinarian here on Bridger Ranch.

“Dr. Davis.” I correct my stance. I’ve got to make a good impression on the boss. Lazing about lusting after the new ranch owner isn’t the way to do that.

“Please, Carly. It’s Lexie.” She offers a kind smile and pats Ivory.

“Okay.” I nod.

I’ll try, anyway.

“How are you and Ivory doing?” She eyes the horse.

“Great. She’s gentle, and my God, so beautiful.”

“Isn’t she?” Lexie gives Ivory another gentle pat on her flank. “I knew she’d be perfect for your first day. I didn’t want to overwhelm you.”

Of course. Everyone is tiptoeing around me as usual. I appreciated it at first, but now? It’s getting on my last nerve. I’m fragile in some ways but not all.

“I want to work,” I say, tipping my chin up. “I need to work, to be around animals.”

“Well, we’ve got plenty of animals here,” she says with a laugh. “But I’ll need you to help with paperwork as well.”

I nod. “Absolutely. Whatever you need.”

“Blaine is on vacation for three more weeks.”

I cock my head, trying to remember the name. “He’s the other vet, right?”

“Yeah. A year out of vet school. This is his first vacation—some big family thing—and somehow it got scheduled the same week I had a vet tech leave because his wife got relocated, so I’m very glad you’re here.” She smiles.

It’s a friendly smile. Lexie is pretty, in her blue-and-white western shirt and boot cut jeans, her hair in a low ponytail and a felt cowboy hat atop her head. She totally looks the cowgirl part.

“I’ll brush down the other horse, but what else can I do for you today?” I ask.