Page 72 of Alaska Lights

“Sideways? Me? No way. Didn’t they do that in Victorian times? The women?”

I ignore him. He will get on this saddle. It doesn’t matter what he has to say.

“Come here, Honeybee.” I crook my finger at him.

He sighs while taking the three steps it takes to stand in front of me.

I press my finger under his chin, lifting his head. “You’re going to be a good boy and get on this saddle. Trust me. You’ll be comfortable.”

His lips part, taking in a sharp inhale, and I’m able to see the cute gap I’ve fallen in love with.

“Do you know how to get on a horse?”

He shakes his head, the curls bouncing from the motion.

“Put your foot in the stirrup and swing your leg over, then you’ll have to swivel to sit sideways. Grip the horn and use it to pull yourself up. I’ll help you. It’s okay.”

Leo listens to me without arguing, setting his boot in the stirrup. I walk behind him, grab his lean waist, and lift at the same time he pulls himself up.

“I forgot to add,” he says, gripping the horn. “I’m not wearing any underwear.”

A feral, guttural growl heats his nape. Leo pauses getting onto the saddle and swings his chin to his shoulder to look at me, batting those damn lashes.

I steal a quick touch, slipping my hand up the back of his thigh to the athletic ass I want to bury my face between. My mate really isn’t wearing any underwear. I don’t feel them under the sweatpants or see the waistband.

He gasps, a small, excited breath that I want to feel on my shoulder when his lips are against my neck while I’m driving inside him.

“A naughty boy,” I tsk at him, stroking his plump left cheek, wishing he were bare. “You’re asking for trouble.”

“Maybe.” He lifts himself up, swinging his leg over Mustache Man’s back. “I’m not sitting sideways.”

I toss my head back and laugh, jumping behind him to get settled. He wants to provoke temptation, not knowing that I am already tempted.

And I’m barely keeping the vampire snarling in my nerves at bay.

“You have to warn a guy when you move that fast.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” I hold the reins with my right hand while keeping the other on his upper thigh.

I slip one hand under his shirt, flattening my hand across his lower abdomen; his happy trail tickles my palm. I love it. Everything about him is perfect, and I want to know how Fate knew he was exactly what I never knew I needed. Or wanted, really.

Now that he is here, I can’t imagine my life without him.

I’m not sure how long we ride. The silence is comfortable, and I’m in a trance with Leo’s head on my shoulder. He doesn’t seem so big when he is leaning against me like this.

He’s delicate and soft.

I’m rough and set in my ways.

Leo has me wondering if a little softness is all I needed to enjoy the life around me, but I know the reason for my newfound happiness is right in front of me.

“You look good too, by the way.” His voice cuts through the night, an owl hooting to the right of us.

He squirms in his seat. “Really good.” He lifts his head from my shoulder, the spot missing the weight of him immediately. “I like how this shirt fits you.” He drags his palm across my chest. “It showcases your body.”

“And you like my body?”

He nods fast. “I seem to love it.”