Page 103 of Saddles

“Would you go with me to see my dad in the hospital?” I’m dreading it, but I know I need to do it.

He nods solemnly before standing. “Only if I can take you to Chino’s for dinner, too.”

“That would be amazing. Like a date?” It’s sad to see him pull a fresh pair of jeans out of the dresser and hide his magnificent jewelry.

He glances over to see me pouting. “Don’t worry, they come off just as easily. I’m just in a hurry to get you home. And yes, like a date.” His arms frame me, pinning me beneath the blanket. “Let me spoil you.” His lips brush my forehead before he turns away. “But we need to get going so Sawyer and Scott have a warm place to get back to.”

I hate to agree. All I really want to do is pull him into bed with me.

Yet I know that the sheriff is also waiting on me to make my statement.

The cold reality of seeing the two brothers yesterday rattles me.

It’s not as scary though, knowing Ford will be with me.

Chapter 33

Ford

Watching her drive the snow machine while I keep a hold of Roscoe, she impresses me all over with how easy she controls it through the deep powder.

I need to remember to ask her what other hidden talents she has.

Fuck, if the wind wasn’t so damn cold, I’d get hard trying to imagine them all.

She navigates us back following the trail she and the boys made yesterday.

It’s so much faster than by horseback. Maybe next winter I’ll just wait for it to snow.

Well, that wouldn’t have worked last year when there was barely enough to make the ground white.

What am I going to do next fall? Will April be able to tolerate me that long?

Fuck, I’ll worry about it when it gets here.

At this point, I’m along for the ride, and I sure like the one that’s sitting between my thighs…and it ain’t the Skidoo I’m thinking of.

When we cross the small bridge leading to the backside of the main ranch house, my stomach flips.

Back in the real world. Will it be the same with her out here with all the distractions?

Ah shit, Mason is leaning against the bottom step of my house, waiting for us.

We coast to a stop and Roscoe jumps off to run towards Caesar and romp in a drift.

The sour look on Mason’s face tells me he won’t offer quite the same greeting that the dogs have.

“Ford, you have no idea how happy I am you’re here.” He pulls me in for a hug. “I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again.” He leans back, his hands gripping my shoulders as if he’s trying to crush them through my thick coat.

“April, thanks for bringing this asshole back. Things aren’t the same without him.” Mason gives me a crooked smile, but I can see the sadness in the lines around his mouth.

His dark eyes glance at April, then into mine. “You got a good one, worth sticking around for,” he whispers before he lets go and walks away.

It’s strange that he already knows her, and comforting that she’s accepted.

I’m the only one trying to fuck everything up.

April tugs off her helmet, her short hair standing up in every direction like a halo.

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