“How’s work going?” she asks, peeling the shell off the egg.
“Really good. I’m able to work from home, so that makes it even better with the kids. Quinton started kindergarten and Izzy is now in preschool for a couple hours a day. I’ve also managed to train Jules to nap while Izzy’s in preschool, so I actually have a few hours to myself every day. On the weekends, Griffin is home and spends all his time with them so I can get work done. He’s such a great dad. When you go out back, look at the treehouse he and Quinton just built.”
“Oh, God, you know I’ll never get Vincent out of that thing, right?”
I laugh. “Yeah, I have the same problem with Griffin at times. I usually have to lure him out with sexual favors.”
“What’s sectool flavors?” Quinton asks, coming into the kitchen.
Alison and I both laugh as my face heats up. “Oh, baby, please don’t repeat that.” I bend down to his level. “Remember what we talked about—about how you’re not supposed to be listening when grown-ups are talking?”
He nods.
“Good. Now, what do you need?”
“Daddy needs the splat-u-la.”
I laugh, but stand and get the spatula, handing it over.
He takes it and runs off.
“Does he do that often?” Alison asks.
“More than I care to admit.” I roll my eyes. “Once, he overheard Griffin and me talking about building a pool house out back. Griffin wasn’t interested, which is why we still don’t have one, so I thought I’d try bargaining. I told him I’d give him blowjobs every day for a year. Still, to this day, if the wind blows Quinton’s hair out of place, he yells, ‘Stop with the blowjobs!’” I’m laughing just talking about it and Alison laughs until her eyes water.
“What’s so funny?” Griffin asks, walking into the kitchen and grabbing two beers.
“I was just telling Alison about blowjobs.”
He chuckles and shakes his head, but walks back out.
“You’re lucky, you know?”
I look up to meet her eyes. “I know,” I agree. “So are you.”
Once the food is done, we all sit on the back patio and eat. Griffin grilled the steaks to perfection—something he’s getting better and better at. The first time he grilled was like the first time I cooked dinner: everything was burnt.
When we’re done eating, Griffin flips the switch that covers the pool so the kids can run and play in the yard. Quinton gets his Nerf guns and he and Vince have a gunfight. I think Quinton is winning though, because he’s up in the treehouse while Vince is out in the open yard.
The dog runs out, barking and chasing everyone around to join in on the play. Alison takes Jules and sets her in the grass as they play patty-cake, and Griffin and I run out to play ring around the rosie with Izzy.
“We all fall down!” we shout, throwing ourselves onto the grass. Izzy giggles and claps. “Again!”
“Hey, Izzy,” Quinton yells, “come help me beat up Uncle Vince.”
She laughs even harder and runs across the yard, launching herself onto Vince. He fakes a groan and falls back onto the grass. She stands over him and cheers, thinking she’s taken him down.
Griffin rolls onto his back and I crawl up beside him. “This is better than that fantasy I had all those years ago.”
He pulls me closer and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Good.”
“I love you, you know?”
He rolls us over until he has me on my back, pinned beneath him. “I love you more than I can explain.” Without another word, he presses his lips to mine.
“Ew, gross! Daddy is kissing a girl,” Quinton yells, making everyone laugh.
Griffin pulls away and jumps up, running toward Quinton. He snatches him up in his arms and spins him around. Sweet giggles fill the air.
When the sun starts to set, we all clean up the patio and go inside for the night. Alison and Vince are preparing to leave. They’re standing by the door, giving all the kids hugs and kisses.
“We should do this again. And soon. Let’s not wait until this new baby is a year old, huh?” I tell Alison.
She rolls her eyes. “If I could get this one to take some time off from work, we’d be here every weekend.” She motions toward Vince.
Quinton tugs on Alison’s shirt. “If you want him to not work, you should just trade him sectool flavors!”
Everyone gasps and Griffin looks at me with his lips pressed together.
My face reddens. “Why don’t you ever repeat anything your dad says?” I ask him, ruffling his hair.
He smiles and shrugs, then walks back to the living room and plops down in front of the TV.
Griffin pulls me against his side. “We need to have code words with that kid around.”
“Agreed. Let this be a lesson to you.” I point at Alison and Vince.
They laugh and give hugs before finally heading out for the night.
I give the girls a bath and get them in their PJs while Griffin plays with Quinton. Then it’s time to switch. He plays with the girls while I get Quinton in the tub. Once all the kids are bathed and dressed for bed, Griffin meets them in the study, and they all sit in the oversized lounge chair while he reads them a story before bed. I head downstairs to clean up the kitchen and turn off all the lights.
I lock the doors, pick up the toys, and turn off the lights in the living room before moving to the kitchen to load the dishwasher. After getting it loaded and wiping down everything, I sweep the floor. I’m about to shut off the light and head upstairs when Griffin walks in.
“The kids are asleep!” he quietly chants.
I laugh as I open the cabinet and pull out a bottle of bourbon. “Time to celebrate?”
He smiles and winks. “You know it.”
I open the cabinet to get two glasses, but find everything is already in the dishwasher. Instead, I take down two plastic sippy cups.
He snorts. “Really?”
I shrug. “It’s this or straight from the bottle.”
We both sit in the chairs at the island and fill our glasses.
“To us,” he says, holding up his sippy cup.
“To us,” I agree, clanking my cup against his and throwing it back.
“We did it,” he says, picking up the bottle and filling our cups once more.
“Did what?”
I pick up my cup and take a sip, this time savoring the liquid that will help me sleep more soundly.
“This,” he motions toward the kitchen. “We got the house. We got each other. We got the three kids and the dog.” He laughs. “We got it all.”
“Yes. We. Did.” I hold up my sippy cup and he clanks it with his. We both finish off our drinks and he takes away my cup.
“What are you doing?” I ask as he begins moving closer.
“It’s occurred to me that there’s one thing from your fantasy that I’ve never fulfilled.”
“There is?”
He nods. “I’m pretty sure you mentioned making love on this exact island.”
I laugh as I wrap my arms around his neck. “I do believe you’re right.” I pull him against me and land a solid kiss on his lips. His tongue dances with mine as he lifts me up and sits me on the edge.
It’s only now that we realize how tall the kitchen island really is.
I break the kiss and look down. “I think this may be harder than I envisioned.”
“I’ll just have to come up.” He places one foot on the stool, then climbs up on top of the island, covering my body with his. “That’s better,” he mumbles, closing the distance to kiss me.
I can’t help but smile as his lips move with mine. He’s one hundred percent right. We do have it all, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
WANT TO READ MORE FROM ALEXIS WINTER?
Just Friends: Mountain Ridge Book 1
Protect Me: Mountain Ridge Book 2
Business & Pleasure: Castille Hotel Series Book 1
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Baby Shock: Mountain Ridge Book 3-March 21st
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Just Friends
Mountain Ridge Series
She thinks I’m going to walk away?
Not happening. She’s mine. Forever.
I have it all…Money, cars, women and my mountain.
Then the spicy little veterinarian shows up on my ranch with an attitude bigger than she is and a body I want to claim.
I didn’t know what I was missing until I had her in my bed.
Only, she’s determined not to fall for me. She’s determined to be ‘just friends.’
I’ll do whatever it takes to prove to her I’m the man she wants…the man she needs.
But what if I’m too late?
What if she’s taken from me before I even have the chance?
Chapter One
“Ves, your next patient is here to see you.” Amy, my assistant, calls out to me from behind the counter in the waiting room.
I quickly push my papers back into a neat stack and stand away from my desk, pulling my white coat on as I exit my office.
As I walk out into the waiting room, I find Mrs. Stevens standing behind the counter, holding a little gray kitten to her chest.
“Who do we have here?” I ask, closing the distance between us and gently rubbing the kitten on its head.
Mrs. Stevens offers a wide smile that makes her blue eyes shine. “This is Lola. I found her in a box, on the side of the road. Can you believe someone would dump such an adorable kitten?”
Hearing the news causes a bout of pain to surge through my chest. I don’t understand how people can be so cruel and heartless. “Well, it looks like she’s found a good home now. Haven’t you?” I pet the kitten and she lets out a soft meow.
“Let’s go back to exam room one, and I’ll give her a once over before we start up her first round of vaccines.”
I lead Mrs. Stevens and Lola back to the exam room and pull on my gloves. “How’s Mr. Stevens doing? I’m sure he’s just as much in love with this new kitten as you are.” I feel my lips turn up into a smile. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are one of my favorite couples in town. They take in all the stray animals in need without question. I can only hope to find a man that loves animals as much as the Stevens do. Already I dream about spending my future working in farmlands that is overrunning with animals.
“He’s doing very well,” she says as I begin to examine the kitten. “He’s looking forward to this one getting a clean bill of health, so he can introduce her to the rest of the family.”
“Well, she looks pretty healthy to me. I think she’ll just need some de-worming and some vaccines, and she’ll be good to go home and meet them all.” I pick the kitten up and hold it softly against my chest. “What do you think of that, Lola?” I ask, looking down at her.
She replies by settling into my hand, purring loudly as her green eyes close to enjoy all the attention she’s getting today.
I gently hand her back to Mrs. Stevens. “Let me go get everything I need, and I’ll be right back.” I pull off my gloves and leave the room to get the vaccines from the cooler in the back.
Amy sticks her head through the swinging door as I’m preparing everything for Lola. “Hey, Ves, I just got a call about a horse at The O’Connor Ranch. Would you be able to drive up there and check her out?”
I look at my watch before turning back to my work. “I can head that way as soon as I’m done with Lola. Do you have directions?” I look at her from over my shoulder.
“I’ll have everything you need by the time you’re done.” She spins around, long, dark curls fanning out behind her.
I make my way back into the exam room with the tray of needed supplies. “Okay, Lola. Are you ready?” I ask as I pull on a fresh set of gloves.
Mrs. Stevens places her back on the table, and I pick up the syringe of de-worming. “How about we do the easy part first?” I place the end of the syringe against the kitten’s mouth and gently push down on the plunger, allowing her to taste the meat flavored medication. With one lick, Lola falls in love, leaving no trouble at all to get her to finish the rest of the dose.
“Good girl.” I coo, gently petting her head. “Was that good stuff?”
The kitten meows, wanting more.
“Okay, Lola, I’m going to give you the vaccine now. Hold still and it will be very quick.” I pick up the syringe and uncap it. Pinching the fluff of her neck, I insert the needle and push down on the plunger, injecting the vaccine. Lola meows loudly, but by the time she begins to lose her patience, I’m already done and releasing her to run back to Mrs. Stevens.
“All done.” I say as Mrs. Stevens picks Lola up against her chest.
“Thank you, Vesper. You’re the best vet in town.” She smiles wide before looking back down at the little kitten in her hands.
I laugh. “I’m the only vet in town.” I pull off my gloves, then reach out to pet Lola. “Hopefully, by the next time you see me, you’ll have forgotten all about that little poke.”
Mrs. Stevens starts making her way out of the exam room and into the waiting room. I join her at the counter. “Amy, Lola will need a six-month check-up.”
“Okay, would you like to go ahead and make that now, Mrs. Stevens?”
“Absolutely. We have to make sure we keep this little one healthy, don’t we?” she asks the kitten in her hands.
“It was good seeing you again, Mrs. Stevens. Tell Mr. Stevens I said hello.” I make my way behind the counter, heading for my office.
“I sure will, honey. And you tell your daddy that I’m making some of that pineapple upside-down cake he loves so much.”
I laugh. “You know if I do, he’ll be beating down your door for a slice.” I use my back to push open the swinging door that leads to the back of the building.
“That’s quite alright. We have enough to go around, don’t we, Lola.”
I smile at the love she has for her new kitten. “Have a good day!” I say as I slip past the door to gather my things.
I remove my white coat and hang it behind my office door as I make my way to the desk to shut down the computer and get my things. It’s already going on five, and The O’Connor Ranch is at least thirty minutes out of town. Luckily, it’s mid-spring, and daylight lasts a bit longer.
I climb behind the wheel of my SUV and place my purse and medical bag in the passenger side seat as I program the address into my GPS. Immediately, I roll down all my windows, letting the warm Colorado air blow through the vehicle.
I turn the radio up loudly as I drive through my small town—a town I’ve lived in my entire life, but also a town I love and never want to leave. I can’t help but notice the way it’s coming to life with the season. The trees have bright green leaves and the grass is lush and starting to grow thick. Our little main street has potted plants lining the business fronts; helping to bring beauty and charm to the town.
As I drive past County Line Road, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the rearview mirror. My strawberry blonde hair, blowing all around me from the air coming through the windows, and my green eyes are shining bright with the setting sun shining against them. I pull out my sunglasses and put them into place. Stopping at a stop sign, I pull the ponytail holder off my wrist with my teeth and tie my hair up into a messy bun. Looking both ways at the crossroad, I hit the gas and the car leaps forward, carrying me off to my destination.
Chapter Two
The sun is starting to set, causing the sky to look like a swirl of water colors—oranges, pinks, and purples. The mountain ranges up ahead are beautiful with the setting sun glistening off its peaks. The air is thick and warm and is consumed by the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the wet earth from the spring shower we had earlier today.
Some
people might get bored staring at nothing but land and sky, but there is a beauty in it that I find comforting. I could never be bored of looking at this view. There are a couple of foxes running wild through the field to my left, and I can’t help but watch them. My eyes quickly bounce from the road, to the animals, and back. I’m so lost in watching them play and run that I almost drive right by the ranch.
“You’ve arrived at your destination,” the GPS tells me.
As I hit the brakes and slow down the car, the entrance of the property appears to my right side. There is nothing but big, fenced-in fields. Off in the distance, through the trees, I get a glimpse of a red barn. It takes another half a mile of driving, but finally, I find the entrance and turn right, into the gravel.
I make my way up the long drive that has thick trees on either side. Finally, the narrow road opens up and the red barn comes into view. Further back on the property is the house that has been completely re-done in cedar siding with navy blue shutters and metal roof. It’s big for an old farm house out in these parts and looks to have a porch that wraps the entirety of the bottom level. There are a couple of old, wooden rocking chairs lining the front porch, and multicolored flowers that are growing up the antique wagon wheels and shepherds’ hooks.
I put the car in park and shut off the engine. Grabbing my medical bag, I step out, looking around the property.
“You must be Vesper Lawrence, the vet I’ve heard so much about.”
I tear my eyes away from the immaculate property with well-manicured fields, wild flowers, and massive threes, and spin around to find a man in a cowboy hat walking toward me, holding out his hand to shake.
“Yes, I’m Vesper. And you are?” I step forward, placing my hand in his.
Baby Mistake: An Accidental Pregnancy Romance Page 14
