Shiver (11 page)

“Maybe not everything, but I did know this! Does mom know?”

“No one knows. I didn’t even know until last night,” I answered wryly.

“Ew. Okay, I don’t need to hear any more.”

“Shut up. I actually called for a reason. Does Rob have a few minutes to talk to Ethan? It’s about his mom.”

She was silent for a moment. “Oh, yeah. Of course. Hang on.” I heard her whispering to Rob.

He came on the line. “Happy New Year, Lissa.” I could hear the smile in his voice.

“Same to you. Would you mind a little shop talk on a holiday?”

“Of course not. Put Ethan on.”

I passed my phone to Ethan, and he introduced himself while gesturing that he was going to go into his room to speak. I nodded and headed into the kitchen to make us some kind of breakfast.

Rob and Ethan talked for a solid hour, but when Ethan walked out, I saw a sense of relief on his face. He tossed my phone on the counter where I’d been making pancakes. His arms wrapped around my waist from behind and he kissed my neck. Swoon. I tilted my head to give him better access.

“Mmmmm. Pancakes. Thank you.” He snagged one off the plate and started eating. I turned in his arms to look at his satisfied expression.

“So? Good talk?”

He nodded. “Really good. Your brother-in-law is so nice. Just so nice. I told him everything I know that’s been going on. And he reiterated what you mentioned about the importance of NA and her need to make the decision to stay clean for herself. I haven’t always been there for her, so part of me just wants to protect her and keep her in a bubble. But it’s not doing her any favors.”

“That’s understandable. That you’d want to protect her.”

He shrugged. “She’ll always be my mom. And she’s been sick. I do know that, even though it wasn’t fair to me growing up. Rob gave me the number for the NA group in her area, and he actually knows the counselor there. He said he’ll help pave the way for her transition. She should stay at the clinic for a few more weeks while we get everything set, and as long as she agrees, they’ll make sure it all goes smoothly. And I’ll fly out as soon as I can to check on her and make sure she’s settled.”

“That sounds great, Ethan. Really. I’m so glad he could help.”

“I can’t even tell you the relief I feel. This changes everything.”

“Do you think she’ll agree?”

“I really think so.” He nodded. “She’s just been scared to leave the facility and worried she’s not strong enough to do it on her own. Rob explained how valid that fear is, and she shouldn’t do it on her own. She needs to make the decision on her own, but then she needs a support system and that accountability. I’ll need to call and give him permission with the clinic on Monday, but Rob will talk to her doctors about the plan and make sure they think she’s ready for this step. Based on what we talked about, he feels that she is.”

“So does this mean we can tell your dad to go fuck himself?”

“I love that you just mentioned my dad and fuck in the same sentence.”

I shrugged. “He’s not my favorite person. Sorry.” Then I whispered, “I’m not sorry.”

He pulled me into a hug and I snuggled against his bare chest. “Don’t be. He’s not anybody’s favorite person. And this whole stupid situation has wasted months of our lives together. I’m done with it.” He stopped and cleared his throat. “Listen, when I go out to California for this, will you come with me?”

I pulled back. “Really? I don’t mean to add to the conversations going on here, but are we moving too fast? I mean, is this all”—I waved my hand between us—“real?”

“You wanna have the ‘us’ talk?” He smiled.

“Well, we’ve talked about everything else. May as well go for broke. I mean, we work together. You could get sick of me!”

“Lissa.” He pulled me close again, breathing into my hair. “This is the most real thing in my life. You fascinate me. You consume me. You challenge me. This is real, and we owe it to ourselves to see what we can make of it. I can’t think of anything better than working with you and spending day and night with you. I don’t want it any other way. Can you handle that?”

My eyes were welling up as I nodded my head up and down. He shifted back and looked me in the eyes, using his thumbs to gently brush away my tears. “Yes or no?”

“Yes.” I sniffled.

“Good. Now I have one more important question.”

“What’s that?”

“Do pancakes reheat well?”

“They do.” I nodded.

“Good.” He hoisted me up and threw me over his shoulder, smacking my butt as I laughed and squirmed. “I need to see if these clothes fall off as easily in reality as they do in my mind.”

Chapter 15

W
e woke the next morning, completely wrapped up in each other. Actually, I could barely breathe, but I’d happily have taken my last breath to stay where I was. I snuggled in closer, knowing we needed to get up and get going but not really wanting to leave our blissful bubble.

“Stop it,” he growled.

“Stop what?”

“Moving. Touching. We have to go. Someone has absolutely no clothes here aside from a dress that doesn’t cover enough to be considered professional.”

I gaped at his description. “Well, someone certainly didn’t seem to mind that dress two nights ago.”

“Someone had to protect your virtue.”

I tried to suppress a laugh. “That worked well.”

“Did you just snort?”

“Oh wow, look at the time! We need to go! I need clothes!” I jumped up and grabbed one of his T-shirts and a pair of sweatpants to throw on.

He laughed and rolled out of bed, strolling over to me on full display. I eyed him up and down, frozen in lust and holding his clothes in front of me. He stopped with his chest brushing my hands between us.

“Do you think your boss will get upset if you’re late?”

“He might.”

He just shook his head and plucked the clothes from my hand, dropping them to the ground. “I bet you have a few minutes leeway.”

After being thoroughly distracted and utterly seduced, I jumped out of bed a second time and threw the originally discarded clothes on.

“Get up, lazy. I can’t ride all morning like this. You have to take me for clothes and my truck, and then I need to start my job before I get fired.”

“I think we’ve determined you can’t get fired.” He waggled his eyebrows at me.

“Holy sexual harassment.”

“You love it. Now go make me coffee while I shower so we can get to work.”

“Wow,” I mouthed as I stared after him.

I fed Charlie and made coffee, pouring us each a travel mug so we could get a move on. Ethan was done and dressed quickly, and we headed out of our bubble to rejoin reality.

“So what’s the plan for today?” I asked breathlessly, reluctantly breaking off our steamy kiss. We were back at the barn after running by my place for a quick change of clothes and to pick up my truck.

“Same old. We need to get our morning done, and then Lawrence will be by to watch. You probably know he heads home tomorrow?”

I nodded.

“He’ll be back in May when they’re ready to be picked up. I’d like to be able to put on a show with how well those guys are broke. You game?”

“Oh yeah. Totally. They don’t need to do anything big, but there’s no reason they can’t do everything on a small scale.”

“Exactly. So let’s make that the priority for the next couple of weeks. If you can continue to manage and streamline those afternoon sessions, I’ll organize our mornings. How about a couple of trot sets this morning? We can do them together and pony a few since we’re running a little late.” He smirked at me.

“Not my fault. I was taken advantage of.”

“Right. A victim.”

“It was horrible.”

His jaw dropped a little. “Horrible?” He laughed, stalking over and picking me up, pushing me against the wall. My legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. In contrast to our aggressive position, his lips floated over mine seductively, then moved across my cheek, brushing my ear before making their way down my neck. He chuckled softly as he felt me shiver. “I know your secret now,” he whispered.

“What secret?”

“The spot that will make you. Melt. Every. Time.” His words were marked by gentle kisses back up to my mouth, where I sighed into him.

“Still horrible?”

I smacked his head and laughed. “Yes, it’s horrible we have to get some work done instead of fooling around all day. Now put me down.”

“Never.” He grinned and gave me one more scorching kiss before carrying me over to a tack trunk and gently setting me down.

“Well, this is a disturbing scene.” A large voice boomed from behind us.

I scrambled upright as Ethan stiffened, going cold. A man in a dark suit, who could only be his father, strode into the room. He was an older but pompous version of his son, handsome, in his midfifties with graying hair. His dark eyes bored into me with disdain. Refusing to be intimidated, I stood to look in his eyes.

“You must be Mr. Rex. I’m Lissa.” I reached out to shake his hand, which he gripped firmly.

“Actually, it’s Mr. Forster. Ethan took his mother’s name.”

“Dad,” Ethan interrupted, saving me from needing to respond to that. “Why are you here?”

“We need to discuss our arrangement. Privately.” He nodded in my direction.

Ethan walked up and took my hand, holding me still. “Lissa doesn’t need to go anywhere. She knows everything and has already helped more than I can say. And there is no arrangement anymore. We no longer need your money. But thank you for your generous offer of help.” He smiled blandly while Mr. Forster’s jaw tensed.

“I see. And your mother?”

“Is no longer any of your concern. Nor am I. You lost that right ten years ago. I’m sorry I gave you any sort of invitation back in.”

“And Heather?” Mr. Forster’s eyes narrowed.

Ethan shook his head. “Heather has never been any of my concern. She knew the deal from the beginning. Good luck with the new office. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a lot of work to do.” He started to walk out, leading me away.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, son. A horse trainer fucking the help? I didn’t know I’d raised such a cliché.”

My jaw dropped and Ethan stopped short without turning around. He took a deep breath.

“You didn’t raise me, Dad. I raised myself.” He turned to face his father. “And no one will ever speak about Lissa that way. This woman is an extremely important part of my life. She deserves respect.”

With that, we turned and walked into the barn, greeting José and then wordlessly pulling two already tacked horses from their stalls. We both swung into the saddle, and I followed Ethan’s lead as he walked down the lane and into the back field.

“Are you ready to talk yet?” I glanced sideways after the quiet started to get to me.

He shrugged. “What is there to talk about?”

“Well, how about how incredibly hot you were defending me back there?” I held my breath, hoping I was breaking the ice.

He was quiet for a split second before his shoulders started to shake in silent laughter. I smiled as I watched him.

“Come on. Let’s finish this day so I can take you back to my house and do you.” He grinned lecherously at me.

“Hey! I thought I deserved respect!”

“Oh, I’ll show you respect. I’ll respect every single inch of you.”

My eyes widened. “Well, all right.”

He shook his head. “I had no idea you were so easy.”

I just shrugged. It was true, at least when it came to him.

We rode on in easy silence until we passed by Ginger’s oak tree. We noted the fresh dirt, standing out in stark contrast to the grass around it. Together we walked over and pulled up.

“She was a great horse.” Ethan was smiling softly. Most men don’t show their affection and attachment to their horses like women do. I’d often wondered if their feelings ran as deep as ours. I don’t know about the masses, but when I was watching that moment, I wondered if Ethan didn’t feel even deeper than I.

“I could tell.” I nodded and got a little choked up. “She clearly had a great life.”

“I wouldn’t be here now without her. And here, with you, is where I’ve been heading all along.”

His hand reached out and we brushed fingertips, standing side by side on our horses.

We finished our morning trot sets, and Ethan tacked up an older gelding to help us on our next adventure—riding the babies out. They’d been great in the stall but didn’t actually turn, stop, or go on command yet. I’d ride them while Ethan led me from another horse and we got them used to all the new sights and sounds before turning me loose.

Tango was my babysitter for the day, and I gave him a pat as I led the first filly out. Lawrence strolled into the barn at the same time.

“Well hello there, sugar britches!” He lifted me into a hug, startling the horse and almost making me let go of the reins.

I smacked his shoulder. “Your horse almost got away from me, you jerk.”

“Well at least it would have been my own fault.” He shrugged.

I turned to cock my head at Ethan, who was watching us in amusement. “You look… pleasant.”

Lawrence let out a bark of laughter behind me. “Yeah, man, you do look less like there’s a boot up your ass. Have you had a good couple of days with my girl here?”

“I think we’ve finally established whose girl she is,” Ethan said with a raised brow.

“Well, finally! For the love of gettin’ lucky, I’ve been working my ass off to get you to that realization.”

“Watch it, redneck. You have no idea what I’ve had to do to get her to come around.”

I scoffed. “Oh please. You two are ridiculous. Ethan, get on Tango. And Lawrence, leg me up on the filly here. Let’s get to business.”

“You see how she bosses me around.” Ethan shook his head.

“Yeah, you’ve entered old married status already. Careful there.”

“Well, now that Ethan is finished—what’d you call it, Lawrence?—mounting me and biting my neck? Right. Can we move on?”

“Sweetheart, we’ve already discussed the neck-biting.” Ethan grinned wickedly.

“Oh my gosh! I was kidding!” I started to laugh. “Okay, Lawrence, you were right from the beginning. Ethan has been infatuated with me for years, and it took your subterfuge to turn him around. And now it’s all settled, and we are completely comfortable naked together. Now can we get to work?”

I turned to get ready to hop on the filly but heard crickets for a second, and I wondered if I was only funny in my own head until I heard the boys laughing. “We’re all friends here, finally, right?” I turned my head to look at them.

They nodded their agreement, and Ethan added, “As long as Lawrence stops referring to you in any way other than completely and utterly platonic, we’re friends. Now, would you stop stalling and haul your ass on this horse, my dear?”

I rolled my eyes and stalked over to the filly’s left side, lifting my left foot behind me to get a boost from Lawrence. He walked up and placed his hand around my ankle and lifted me mid hop. I landed, hovering over the saddle, gently placing my feet in the stirrups as I eased into the seat. I gave the filly a pat and nodded to Ethan to move off.

He led me around the barn and surrounding trees and fields. We trotted a bit and decided to call it quits on a good note. Halting at the barn entrance, Lawrence held the filly while I dismounted, loosening her girth and giving her a pat.

“That seemed easy,” Lawrence remarked.

“Yep. We’re basically amazing,” I said with a deadpan expression.

He scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Careful or your helmet won’t fit over your giant head anymore.”

I laughed as Ethan passed the filly’s rope to me. I handed her off to José, thanking him, and moved to the next horse. We repeated the same basic exercise nine more times, doing a little more or less depending on the horse and their reaction.

We all walked into the tack room together, where I repeated my back-straightening routine of lying on the floor with my feet up, emitting a long sigh.

“God, that feels good,” I said as I stretched my arms over my head.

“Honey, I’m not sure you should be doing that right now,” I heard Lawrence say.

I looked over to see Ethan’s lust-filled gaze, and I grinned wickedly.

He stomped over and hauled me to my feet. “Stop calling her honey, you asshole.”

Lawrence just smiled back. “All right, y’all, I need to hit the road. It’s been an… interesting time here. But I do look forward to coming back.” He walked up and gave me a bear hug, despite Ethan’s glare, and I wasn’t surprised that I felt a little twinge of sadness at his leaving. He was quickly becoming a true friend.

The boys shook hands and Ethan clapped Lawrence on the back. I loved how they were forming a friendship too. Ethan didn’t seem to have any real, close friends that I was aware of, and Lawrence would be a great one.