Page 25 of Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire

“Okay.” Mindy turned and gave Travis a hug. “Thank you. This has already been a great day. Can I come back tomorrow or is that too soon?”

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and hugged her back. “You can come every day. I don’t want you to get bored, though.”

Mindy looked up and smiled. “I won’t. I promise. This is a dream come true.”

Travis grinned at Willow. Then he turned his gaze back to Mindy.

“I’m glad you like being here. I enjoy having you.”

Willow stepped away from the gate. “Let’s head back. You both have things you need to do.”

Mindy hung her head. “Okay.”

“If you finish your lessons and if it’s all right with Travis, you can come back this afternoon to see Snow. But no going in the stall without Travis. Understood?”

Mindy nodded quickly. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll finish my lessons right away.” She took off running for the house.

Willow started following her daughter. “She’s really enamored with Snow. She’s been wanting a horse for years. This is a great experience for her. Thank you.”

Travis fell in beside her.

He was walking a little better, though he still limped. But he wasn’t using his crutches, which surprised her.

“You’re welcome. She’s quite the little firefly. I wasn’t wrong with that nickname.”

Willow laughed. “I would say fireball or firecracker. Firefly is much too tame for her antics. But she’s a good kid, and I’m really proud of the way she’s handled this stalker thing. She hasn’t complained once about having to move so many times.”

I love the sound of her laughter. I’d like to hear it all the time.

“Willow, I’d like for us to talk like we did the night of my nightmare. I miss it even though it was just that one time. Just getting it out to someone was very cathartic. And I enjoyed talking to you.”

She walked toward the house. “We have been avoiding each other, except professionally. I’m sorry about that, too. I agree, it was nice to share with another person. Raising a child alone is difficult. More than anything, I wish Alex was still here, but he isn’t, and Mindy has turned out wonderfully, despite my missteps as a mother.”

He hooked a thumb in a front jeans pocket. “I’d say you’ve done very well.”

“Thank you.”

“Let’s lighten the mood. What PT do you have me doing today?”

She burst out laughing. “Physical therapy is lightening the mood? You’re quite the character, Travis Morgan.”

He smiled. “Ah, but you’re smiling. I’d say my ruse worked.”

She still had the smile. “I guess it did. To answer your questions, you’re lifting some weight with your leg and doing wrist and elbow curls with your arm. Now, doesn’t that sound like fun?”

“Oh, yeah. Looking forward to it.” He rolled his eyes. “Not. But I guess I’d better get it over with. Lead the way, mon capitaine.”

I can think of something else I’d rather do, like kiss you until we’re both breathless, but that won’t happen. Yet.

Chapter 6

Willow walked with Travis to the house. PT was on the agenda, but she wanted so much more, though she didn’t think Travis was ready for that. Was she?

“You know, we might need to change your bandage more than twice a day. Maybe we should do it before every meal. You’re definitely more comfortable when the dressing is fresh. Are you not?” And I relish the feel of your skin under my hands when they unintentionally or deliberately brush you.

“I am.”

As she treated him this time, she felt a shift in their relationship.