Page 36 of Mateo & Nicole

It wouldn’t matter how much he told her; she’d always see herself as less than others that surrounded her.

Nikki’s eyes all but sparkled as they continued their ride. They’d passed a fox, numerous pheasants, and other birds in the trees. Paxton had missed the rabbit that skittered across the trail because he’d been distracted by a different critter.

Each and every animal that captured the kid’s attention had him twisting and squirming in the saddle. Mateo had long since gotten used to his movements, but that didn’t mean his heart didn’t stutter with each jerky motion. He’d sworn Nikki’s kid would be safe. He wasn’t going to let her down.

Nor would he let down this little boy.

They made it to the picnic area. Nikki dismounted first so she could get Paxton from the saddle and his feet on solid ground. Mateo followed suit.

“Okay, kiddo. I have a big favor to ask of you. It’s really important. Do you think you can help me out?” Mateo said.

Almost immediately, Paxton straightened his shoulders and puffed out his chest. Between that stance and the cowboy gear he wore, he definitely looked like he belonged here. And that fact made Mateo’s heart swell. Paxton grinned and nodded. “Okay, good. I’m gonna need you to find the best place to put our picnic blanket. Do you know how to pick a good spot?”

Paxton nodded resolutely. It took everything in Mateo’s power not to react to just how awesome this kid was.

Mateo held out the blanket to the boy. “Can you carry it under your good arm? Or do I need to help?”

“I can do it,” he said firmly.

Mateo could feel Nikki’s eyes on him throughout the whole exchange, and she only approached him when Paxton hurried off with the blanket in hand.

She sidled up beside him and slipped her hand into his. “You’re really good with him.”

He cut her a look out of the corner of his eye. “He’s a good kid. Makes it easy.”

Nikki leaned into him, and the tightness in his chest increased. He couldn’t remember the last time a woman made him feel this way—like he belonged solely because he wanted to be claimed by her. Spending time with her had been amazing. It had fueled his desires in a way that hadn’t happened in years. But being here with her boy?

It completed him in a way he hadn’t realized he needed.

Mateo pulled his hand free and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close and kissing her temple. He could get used to this—being here with her, with Paxton—having them be a part of his family.

“Thank you,” she whispered just as Paxton called out to them.

“Here!”

Mateo glanced down at her. “For what?”

She turned her eyes up to meet his. “For including him. For making him feel special.”

“He is special.” As much as he wanted to kiss her, to claim her lips for his own selfish needs, Paxton called out again.

“I can’t get the blanket spread out. Can you help me?”

Nikki’s lips parted with a soft laugh and a smile. “You’re being summoned.”

“I can’t think of a better reason to leave your side.”

She laughed again with a roll of her eyes as she shoved him in the direction of her son.

He walked backward, his palms up. “You’re going to owe me, though. Next chance I get, I’m stealing that kiss.”

Nikki’s blush said it all. She was enjoying this as much or more than he was. Nothing could get more perfect than the moments he spent with her. Fate was finally smiling down on him—giving him everything he’d ever wanted and more. If he stayed on this trajectory, in a few months he could see himself asking for her hand.

Of course, he wouldn’t be telling her that. Nikki needed more time. He could sense it. But as for his heart, he knew exactly what he wanted, and it was to be part of her family.

Mateo winked at her. “How about you make yourself useful and get our supplies? I’m sure Paxton is completely famished after his hunt for the perfect spot.”

Nikki was practically glowing. He hadn’t seen her this happy in all the time he’d known her.

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