“I am. I’m just not sure how yet. But Walt hurt his ankle over the weekend, and Nick and I have been taking care of his animals and looking after him, so things have been extra busy around here the last few days.”
“Oh no. I hope he’s okay,” Amber said.
“He is. We had lunch with him today and he said his ankle doesn’t hurt anymore, but we’re going to help out for a little longer, so he doesn’t overdo it. Did I tell you that I got the final logo for Rising Hope yesterday?”
“No,” they said in unison.
“I’ll text it to you. It turned out even better than I’d hoped, and the website will be ready next week. I can’t believe it’s all happening so fast. Can you believe I have four miniature horses? They all get along, and Nick and I have been working with them a few times a day. Wait until you meet them in person. They’re the sweetest, smartest babies.”
“You brag like a true mother,” Lindsay teased. “Should I be planning your baby shower?”
“Shut up. I just love them so much,” Trixie said.
“I like the baby shower idea,” Amber chimed in. “That’s a great reason to have cupcakes or a big chocolate cake with a horse on it.”
“Now I want cake.” Trixie laughed.
Lindsay waggled her brows. “You have beefcake somewhere on that ranch. I’m sure he’d love for you to gobble him up.”
“I don’t have time for that right now, although…yum.”
“Gosh, you two.” Amber giggled. “But speaking of your beefcake, I loved the videos of the horses you sent us yesterday. They’re adorable, and it was cool to see you and Nick training them together. It must be nice to have so much in common with your boyfriend.”
“What did you just say?” Trixie wanted to bask in the word boyfriend.
“About having so much in common with your boyfriend?” Amber asked.
“Yeah,” Trixie said a little breathily. “That’s the first time anyone has used the B word and I kinda love it!”
“Me too,” Amber exclaimed.
“I guess that means things are good on the new couple front,” Lindsay said.
Trixie sat on the bed. “Better than I could have ever imagined.”
“What’s he like with you?” Amber asked.
“Well, he’s Nick, so he’s rough and gruff, but tender in his own way.” She lowered her voice and said, “I have never been with a guy that I could be myself with in and out of the bedroom. You know how we always wish guys could read our minds, sexually speaking?”
“Not really,” Amber said.
“I totally do,” Lindsay said.
“Well, he and I are on the same wavelength all the time. I can’t get enough of him, and luckily, he can’t get enough of me, either. Thank goodness he has no neighbors, because we’re not exactly quiet. But it’s not just sex, you know? It’s everything. We laugh at the same things and give each other crap just for fun, and we can go without talking for long stretches and it’s comfortable and nice.”
“You two have always been like that,” Lindsay reminded her.
“I know, and I’m glad that didn’t change. But I think my favorite thing is falling asleep in his arms.” She sighed. “It’s the happiest, best feeling I’ve ever had. He’s amazing, and we’re amazing together, and now I sound like one of those gushing girls we make fun of.”
“I don’t make fun of them. I want to be one of them,” Amber said.
“You will be, Amber.” Lindsay raised her brows. “I guess that means Nick doesn’t suck in bed after all.”
“Oh yes he does, thank you very much. He also bites, nips, and does all the other delicious things you can think of.”
Amber blushed a red streak.
“Damn, girl. That’s awesome,” Lindsay said.
“You guys are too wild for me,” Amber said sweetly. “Jilly told us how he stole you away on the dance floor and staked his claim on you right in front of everyone. That’s so romantic. I want my own cowboy to fall in love with. Or maybe not a cowboy, because if they do all that stuff in bed, they might be too much for me.”
Lindsay rolled her eyes. “Amber, the right man is going to bring out the secret seductress in you, and you’ll love every minute of being out of control and wild with him.”
“I second that,” Trixie said.
Amber shook her head. “I don’t think so. Out of control for me is not a good thing.”
There was a knock at Trixie’s bedroom door. “Come in.”
“Hey, babe.” Nick walked in and stopped cold, raking his eyes down the length of her. “Wow. You look incredible.”
“Thank you. I bought this at Jilly’s the other day.”
“Don’t tear that dress off her while we’re on the phone!” Lindsay said loudly.
Nick’s brow furrowed.
Trixie laughed and lifted the phone so he could see the girls. “Sorry. I was talking with Lindsay and Amber.”
“Hi, ladies. Sorry to interrupt,” Nick said. “How’s it going?”
“Not as good as it is for you,” Lindsay teased.
Nick gave Trixie a what the hell did you tell them look.
“I swear I didn’t tell them about the body shots of champagne and—”
“You just did, darlin’.” He put his arm around her. “Let’s just say I’m a hell of a lucky guy, but I like to keep that stuff private.”
“Trixie’s lucky, too,” Amber said. “We should let you go. Good luck, Trixie. I’m sending all my good vibes your way.”
“Let us know how the meeting goes,” Lindsay added. “And I want details on the champagne tryst.”
Trixie laughed. “Thanks for calling. Love you guys.” She ended the call and slipped her phone into her pocket. “Do you really think I look okay for the meeting?”
“You could walk into a boardroom and command it.” He gathered her in his arms and said, “I’m so proud of you for going after what you want.”
“I’m getting good at that.” She went up on her toes and kissed him.
“Yes, you are. I got you a little something.”
Her pulse quickened. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to. It’s nothing big, but it’s a special day, and I thought you might want these.”
He reached into his pocket and withdrew a gold business card holder with the Rising Hope logo inscribed on the top. “Nick, this is gorgeous.”
“Open it.”
She did, and a lump formed in her throat at the sight of business cards with the logo to the left and TRIXIE JERICHO printed above RISING HOPE in the center, and below that, MINIATURE THERAPY HORSES followed by her contact information and website address. She threw her arms around him, feeling like she might cry. “Thank you so much! I love them. I ordered vests and other things for the horses, and a couple of T-shirts for when we eventually do visits, but I totally forgot about business cards.”
“That’s because you’re all about the horses. Someone’s got to be all about you.”