Tacker (Arizona Vengeance #5)(62)

Nora and I are doing just fine.

More than fine—she’s simply amazing to me. I’ve missed her greatly this week.

I was gone Tuesday through Friday, playing games on the East Coast. I have one more road trip next week to Dallas to play my old team, then it’s playoff time. Our team plane landed late last night, but I was up early this morning. Nora took the day off, and we’re going to spend it together. It didn’t even take her a lot to convince me to go on a horseback ride with her to start out, and then we’d figure out what to do after that.

Not sure if it dings my man-credibility or not, but the fact Nora’s waiting for me on the porch stoop when I pull up in front of her ranch house makes my chest constrict a bit. She pops up, leveling a broad smile as I bring my truck to a halt.

She’s at my door waiting for me when I open it and then to my utter fucking delight, she’s climbing up on the running board to wrap her arms around my neck and press her mouth to mine.

MJ never would have done that. She was more reserved by nature. Very loving and affectionate, but usually in a responsive way.

I don’t let myself feel guilt for making that comparison. It’s natural, and Nora has validated that for me. She’s also not threatened by it, so I let it ride, choosing to appreciate the difference instead.

I can’t say I would ever mind Nora climbing on me.

Just as one hand is going to her ass, she manages to pull away slightly to look me right in the eye. A woman who is not afraid to express her feelings, she says, “I really missed you this week.”

“Same,” I mutter, ridiculously overwhelmed by the emotion in her voice and feeling completely lacking in giving it back. Not that I don’t want to, but it’s hard… uttering feelings.

Nora knows it, and she purses her lips in a cute smile. “Ready to ride?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I say.

She hops off the running board, letting me exit my truck, and continues to chatter. “After, I thought I’d make us some lunch. I got a bunch of great deli meats and I can make some hoagies or something. And then after,” she winks at me over her shoulder, “there’s something wrong with my bed. I could use your help in figuring it out.”

Chuckling, I grab her hand, halt her forward progression, and pull her into me. Our arms go around each other, and Nora grins up at me. “I’ve missed having you next to me at night.”

Her eyes soften, as does her mouth, and I can tell they were the right words to say.

Dipping my head, I get close to her face so I can murmur, “I missed being inside you.”

Nora groans, her eyes fluttering closed. Bringing a hand to the back of her head, I press my lips to her brow just briefly before I promise her, “But we’re more than likely to break your bed versus fixing it later. Just so you know.”

Another groan from Nora, and she presses in close to me. My heartbeat pulses at her nearness. I inhale, letting just her scent alone consume me.

Maybe a horse ride is a stupid idea.

“Come on,” Nora drawls as she pulls away, taking my hand in hers. “Let’s go saddle up.”

I keep my thoughts to myself because her idea of saddling up and mine are probably two very separate things at this point.

She leads me over to the barn, and the happy nickers that some of the horses give as they poke their heads from their stalls are all reserved for Nora. Those animals love her with an unshakable bond.

I start to reach out to touch the nose of a dappled gray horse that’s especially friendly when Nora drops my hand and says, “What’s wrong?”

For a moment, I’m confused, but then I see Raul kneeling on one knee by a wooden box used to hold equipment. He’s resting a forearm on the edge and his head is hanging low, his trademark straw hat on the ground.

Nora rushes to his side, and I hustle over there as well. Raul’s head hangs heavy, but his eyes lift to meet hers. He gives it a small shake, his voice gruff. “I’m fine. Just a little dizzy is all. Too hot, I think.”

The man is sweating, but it’s not overly hot in here.

Nora goes to her knees, putting her face near his. “Raul… you’re scaring me.”

He gives an annoyed wave of his hand, dismissing her concerns. “I’m fine. Just a little hot is all.”

“And dizzy,” she says, repeating his own words. “Are you feeling anything else? Pain? Chest pressure?”

Glad she’s asking those questions. It’s what I’d be concerned about.

With a grunting effort and another head shake, Raul pushes up to a standing position. Nora tries to help him, but he shrugs her off. “I’m fine. Just needed a little break.”

Nora meets my eyes, and I can tell that doesn’t assure her at all. She also appears a bit stymied, because Raul is blowing her off in a pretty firm manner. I don’t have any such qualms about strong-arming him if need be, though.

“You look a little pale,” I say, coming to Nora’s side. My hand goes to her back, a show of support.

“I’m a little queasy,” he admits. Nora rolls her eyes, annoyed I got that info out of him. “Maybe a stomach bug.”

Maybe not.

I don’t miss the subtle drift of his hand to his chest where he rubs at the center of it.

Nora doesn’t miss it either. “Does your chest hurt?” she demands.