Page 73 of Where You Left Me

“Aw shit. You don’t go to church.”

She giggles.

“That’s not helping. Now all I’m gonna do is picture you as a sexy nun.”

CHAPTER 20

Mia

Fuckbuddy

When will you be home?

Me

About two more weeks.

Fuckbuddy

That’s too long. I miss you.

I’ve never seen Jones more attractive than now. Sitting on top of that horse, a cowboy hat on his head replacing his usual ballcap, he looks confident. He looks like he’s in control. With his legs straddling the horse and the reigns wrapped around his corded forearms, he holds power and dominance.

He’s hot as hell and I’m drenching my panties just standing here watching him.

I’m so distracted by him on that horse, I’ve hardly noticed the one Nico has brought over for me to climb on. It’s been years since I’ve been on a horse. But it should be as easy as riding a bike and I picked that up pretty well again.

Nico helps me put my foot in the stirrup before I hike my leg over the animal’s back. I adjust myself in the saddle and it takes a few moments to get more secure. If I remember correctly, it’s not very comfortable riding a horse.

Nico pets the mare’s neck. “All right, Miss Mia, this here is Buttercup. She’s the nicest horse on the team. Rumor has it, you’re a teensy nervous. So take a few deep breaths and try’n relax. You don’t want her sensing your anxiety.”

“Sure, because that’s how it works,” I mutter under my breath while my heart races.

“It’s the truth. And hell, I’d know. You’re talkin’ to someone who’s a seasoned panic attack survivor.”

I dart my gaze at him and when I do, he’s looking at Rosie. There’s so much damn adoration in his expression that my heart swells in my chest. Watching how much someone loves their person feels like a gift. Like experiencing a little slice of heaven.

“Rosie is lucky to have you,” I say.

“Nah, I’m the lucky one.” He turns his attention on me finally. “You good?”

“Yeah, as good as I’ll ever be.”

He nods and gives the horse a pat on his butt and she takes off in a trot. I join my friends, with Nico right behind me. Jones glances over his shoulder as I approach, and his mouth hangs open. He adjusts the cowboy hat on his head and his eyes go wild.

“Holy shit, I’m jealous of a fucking horse,” he chuckles, shaking his head.

“Don’t worry, I can assure you, you’re a much better ride.” I slide him a smile.

Nico and Rosie lead us on a trail through the woods around Gigi’s cabin. Maverick and Cammie follow behind them and Jones and I bring up the rear. It’s probably best this way so they can’t hear Jones and all his dirty talk. This man. Who knew riding horses and wearing a cowboy hat would turn him into a filthy-talking cowboy.

It’s beautiful out here. Always has been. The scent of pine trees mixed with dirt triggers my brain. Some of my favorite Maple Ridge memories are from time spent at Gigi’s cabin. It’s quiet and the air is clearer out here somehow.

Out here, the world moves slowly. It gives me a chance to play catch up to everything that’s been going on the past few weeks. I had so much anxiety about returning to Maple Ridge. Not only because I was fearful of seeing my dad in a distressed state following the stroke, but also because I was worried about seeing Jones.

My time with him has been nothing short of amazing. I never expected we’d pick up almost right where we left off. He had every reason to hate me for leaving him the way I did. But instead, he welcomed me back. Into his life, into his heart, and into his bed.

“Can you believe it with those two?” Jones asks, pulling me from my own head.

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