Page 76 of Unexpected Love

I know she’s trying to lighten the mood, to pull me out of my thoughts before they can fester. And before I can argue further, Abbey pulls me into a hug, holding me a little tighter and longer than she usually does.

“We could head over to the farm early. I’m sure Mom would love some help with the afternoon chores. Or it’s early enough, we could go for a short hike.”

“See.” Abbey gestures to Gage as she pulls away from the hug. “You’ve got plenty of options. Get out of here.”

“Thank you, Abbey.”

“Of course. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” I give her another quick hug before turning back to Gage. “I just need to grab my stuff from the back. I’ll meet you at the cottage?”

“I’ll wait and walk you to your car.”

I don’t bother arguing with him. Number one, it’s not worth it because I won’t win. And number two, I’d feel better having him walk me to my car.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

He leans forward, pressing his lips to my forehead. “Of course, Rebel.”

thirty

GAGE

I watchAva as she nuzzles her nose against the horse's forehead, and I can’t help but be amazed by her. Ava didn’t let Brian’s appearance at the bookstore hold her back. It might have taken her a minute to gather herself, but once she did, it was full force into the next activity.

I followed her back to the cottage, where she exchanged her things from last night for a new set of clothes for tomorrow. There wasn’t a discussion on whether or not she would spend the night at my place again, but I wasn’t complaining. I love that Ava likes spending time at my place. I love that it brings her comfort and makes her feel safe. And no matter how cheesy it is, I sleep better when she’s with me.

The only discussion we had while at the cottage was whether or not she wanted to go on a hike, head to the farm early, or do something else. She decided on the farm. She wanted to enjoy the fresh snow in the open fields and help with the afternoon chores with the animals.

The horse is a new addition to the farm. Something I’m sure is my dad’s doing. When my parents were married, there were always a few horses around, but they sold most of them after the divorce. Mom couldn’t afford the extra burden of taking care of the horses.

“She’s beautiful.” Ava looks over her shoulder, a smile on her face. “Should I be calling you ‘Cowboy’?” she teases.

“No, definitely not.” I laugh as I step up behind her. “I may know how to ride, but that’s as much of a cowboy as I am.”

“Damn. I thought this might finally be my chance to live my cowboy romance fantasy.”

“Well”—I slip my arms around her waist, pulling her back against me, her ass snug against my hardening length—“what’s to say we still can’t live out your fantasies?” I whisper in her ear.

“Hmm.” She shivers against me. “You make a good point.”

“Gage!”

I groan at the sound of my sister's voice behind us, my head falling to Ava’s shoulder.

It’s not that I’m not thrilled to see her and introduce her to Ava, but I would have liked a little longer with just the two of us.

Ava’s soft laugh makes me squeeze her slightly. I love that sound, and I’m so glad it’s a sound I hear often. Ava steps out of my embrace, turning to place a hand against my chest as she steps around me to greet my sister.

“Olivia. I’m so glad to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from Gage.”

It doesn’t surprise me that Ava immediately pulls Olivia into a hug. That’s who Ava is. And I’m not surprised by the smile on Olivia’s face either. She’s always wanted a sister, and the fact that I’m bringing someone home to meet the family—something I’ve never done before—would imply that this is very serious.

“It’s really good to meet you, too,” Olivia offers shyly.

“Hey, Pickle. Have a good snow day?” I pull Liv into a hug, giving her an extra squeeze. It’s been a bit since I’ve seen her, and I’ve missed her.

“You know snow days around here mean I have to help with farm chores. It’s not like it’s a real day off.”

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