Page 74 of Shiver

A short man with dark hair is wearing a cowboy hat, standing by the edge of the water with two huge brown horses.

I hear a sharp intake of breath and turn to see Luca staring at the horses, eyes wide and jaw clenched.

“Everything okay?” I ask him, stopping about thirty feet away from the man.

“No”—he shakes his head adamantly—“I amnotokay, Samara,” he tells me, his chest heaving.

“What’s going on with you?” I ask him, confused.

“Horses. No one said shit about horses!” He sounds near hysterics.

“What’s wrong with horses?”

“They’re terrifying. That’s what!” he tells me, his voice thin. “They’re these giant, omnivorous beasts, and everyone tells you they’re sweet as can be, but what’s to stop them from knocking us off and kicking our skulls in? Not to mention how goddamn high off the ground we are! And the shit! They take massive shits, Samara! How is this supposed to beromantic? Why would anyone choose this for a day away on vacation?!” His arms are flailing in front of his face the same way his mom’s do when she’s passionate about something.

I can no longer contain my laughter. It bubbles out of me, spilling over as I lean forward, grabbing my thighs to keep myself upright.Luca De Laurentiis, six-foot-four hockey god, is afraid of horses.

By the time I catch my breath, my cheeks are burning from smiling, and Luca is shooting daggers at me with his arms crossed over his chest.

“What’s so funny, princess?” he asks, his tone sounding so grumbly, it’salmostcute.

“Come on, Luca. It’ll be fine,” I assure him, stifling another laugh.

His eyes narrow at me. “You’re right, princess. Itwillbe fine. Because we’ll be sharing one of those beasts since you know so much about them. You’ll keep me safe.” He smirks.

“Absolutely not,” I tell him, my tone firm.

“It’s that or nothing.”

I look over my shoulder to the man waiting by his horses, feeding them each a carrot.

Releasing a quick breath through my nose, I reluctantly agree. “Fine,” I say before stomping off toward the horses. The sand slows me down, and I lose some of the dramatic impact.I’ll never admit this, but I’m actually glad we’re sharing a horse because I’m a little afraid of them too.I’m not a fan of relying on another being for my safety.

The man introduces himself as Yandel and then the horses. The larger one is named Nitro, and the smaller one is Poppy.

He hands us carrots and apple slices, instructing us on how to hold our palms open to feed them. Luca refuses, standing behind me and using my body as a shield. My smile refuses to fade. I love knowing this about him.

“Alright, give me one of those carrots.” He huffs, grabbing one from the bucket on the ground.

He stands with his spine ramrod straight, arm extended out and palm up with the carrot, but when I look at his face, his eyes are clenched shut, and his head is turned away. “Luca, look.” I point to the horse as she gingerly takes the carrot from his palm. His eyes burst open just in time, and a grin spreads across his lips into the most breathtaking smile.

“I guess that wasn’t so bad,” he says, his voice quiet.

“We’ll be riding the same horse. Is that okay?” I ask our guide.

He nods. “I’ll follow behind then.”

I stick my foot in the stirrup and feel Luca’s warm hands squeeze my hips as he hoists me up onto the horse’s back. Once I’m sufficiently settled, he follows suit, groaning as he does. A cool, salty breeze wraps around us. “This was a horrible idea. Your parents have atrocious taste,” he murmurs as he settles in behind me.

Another giggle slips past my lips, and I take the reins, just how Yandel had shown me. I see him mount the horse beside us, and we take off at a slow trot.

“I think I’m gonna be sick.” Luca groans behind me. He’s got a death grip on my hips, and I feel his words vibrate through my spine, his chest pressed firmly into me.

“You’ll be fine, and if you puke, you better do it over the side, or I’ll kick your ass,” I nearly hiss at him.

“Noted,” he says, trying and failing to hide his chuckle.

We maintain a slow, steady pace, and the sun’s rays heat me all over. The sounds of the waves crashing against the sand are so soothing that I barely even realize it when Luca starts to relax behind me, loosening his grip.

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