“She loves introducing people to her babies. I swear those horses are better trained than any I’ve ever known. They come when called like dogs. Do tricks like pups, too.”
Sutton looked out the window at the darkening sky. “I like watching them, petting them, even. But I can’t seem to imagine getting on one.”
My lips twitched. “Why not?”
“That saddle isveryfar from the ground.”
I chuckled as I navigated my SUV down the aspen-lined lane. “Fair enough. But you might get the bug if you watch Luca and Arden ride. It’s pretty damn fun.”
Sutton arched a brow in my direction. “I’m surprised your team lets you ride. There aren’t any restrictions on the kinds of activities you can do?”
“Oh, there are. But what they don’t know can’t hurt them. I’m surprised you knew that since sports puck isn’t really your thing.”
Something flashed so quickly over Sutton’s expression, I couldn’t quite pin it down. Her mouth curved, but the action looked strained. “I think I read an article about pro athletes and their rules somewhere.”
I forced my gaze back to the road as we hit the bridge that crossed the creek. I could just start to make out the lights from within the house—a place that felt a hell of a lot more like home, knowing Luca was there. That Sutton soon would be, too. It wasn’t an empty, cavernous space anymore. It felt alive.
I pulled to a stop in front of the steps but didn’t shut off the engine. Instead, I turned to Sutton, really taking her in. Her blond hair hung in soft waves around her shoulders. Her turquoise eyes looked even lighter thanks to a navy color accenting the corners of her lids. She was the kind of stunning men fought wars over. But it was so much more than that.
“You flew to Seattle to be there for me.” My words were coated in a grittiness I couldn’t shake because she’d come. Spent money to do it when I knew she was desperately trying to save. Left Luca when they were usually joined at the hip. For me.
Sutton’s expression softened. “I should’ve ridden with you from the beginning. I’m sorry?—”
I shook my head, cutting her off. “You were there when I needed you.” I couldn’t resist touching her. My hand slid along her jaw and into her silky strands. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you today.”
Sutton’s lips parted, and whatever she wore on them made them shimmer in the lessening light. “I wanted to give you a little of what you’ve given me. It’s not enough, but it’s something.”
Fuck.She would destroy me.
My thumb stroked across her jaw, dangerously close to those beautiful lips. Her scent filled the SUV, wrapping around me in a stranglehold. Cinnamon and sugar with just a hint of vanilla. Maybe it was all the hours she spent in the bakery. Those scents were branded into her skin.
They teased and tugged, pulling me closer. Because I wanted to know if her skin tasted as good as it smelled.
“Cope!”
Luca’s voice cut through my lust-induced haze and had us both jerking back. I couldn’t help the curse that slipped free.
A small laugh escaped Sutton. “Little ones always have impeccable timing.”
I grinned back at her. “He’s lucky he’s fucking cute.”
We slid out of the SUV, but Luca was already running down the steps and rounding the vehicle. He threw himself at me, hugging me hard. “Are you okay? Mom said you needed to say goodbye to Teddy.”
Fuck.It wasn’t just Sutton who would destroy me. Luca would, too.
I hugged him back. “I’m all right.”
Luca looked up at me, turquoise eyes shining. “Was it sad? Saying goodbye?”
“It was everything,” I told him honestly. “Sad but also funny and happy. We told lots of stories about Teddy.”
Luca worried his bottom lip. “Think you could tell me some of those stories one day?”
My chest constricted as I forced the lump in my throat down. “I’d like that.”
“Good,” Luca said, then grinned up at me. “I set up a movie marathon for us. All threeMighty Ducks,plus popcorn and brownies and lots of other snacks. Arden helped me after we rode horses.The Mighty Ducksalways make me feel better when I’m sad. The snacks, too.”
I chuckled. “How can I say no to that?” I glanced up at the doorway where Arden waited. “Thanks for hanging with Speedy.”
