Tackling Tobias (Big Sky Universe)

“The ATVs ready?”

“Yep.” We hurry and scan the fence line. It takes longer than we want, but only one has been smashed by a tree. Turning on the floodlights on the vehicles, we repair the fence as best as we can. “Let’s just keep the animals away from this area.”

“Okay. We’ll come out early and fix it. You better get in. You aren’t wearing the proper gear out here as it is.”

“Remember what I said about showing up.”

“Just don’t push Ava on her past. Whatever she’s running from, she’s scared of talking about it.” I nod. I can go to Landon to get me the information I need.

“From now on, everyone is armed at all times. Understood?”

“Of course.” I don’t know what she’s running from, but I’m going to make sure she’s protected, then I’m going to strip her bare and work on that family I promised to have. Fuck, it’s freezing out here and my dick hasn’t gotten the memo.

It’s been an hour and a half since I ran into my future wife, and I’m nervous. The first time, I didn’t get a chance to be nervous. I open the front door and then lock it behind me. I don’t want anyone in this house but us until I say so.

I barely get the door closed when I crash into her. She screeches out again, this time from the hot chocolate that’s all over her. I act quickly without thinking, knocking the cup down and lifting her shirt off of her. Tossing it, I open the front door and let the breeze in. “I’m so fucking sorry.”

“What the hell?” John barks from the porch. Suddenly I’m blocking his view of her in just that pink bra. “What’s going on, Tobias?”

“It’s an accident,” she calls out. I slam the door on my foreman. He knocks hard.

“If your ass wants your job, I’d quit the fucking knocking. She’s fine with me.”

“Go up and wash off, please.” I give her my best “I’m sorry” look and turn her around toward the stairs. As soon as she’s out of sight, I open the door. “What the fuck? What part of ‘I wanted no one here’?”

“You forgot this, Tobias.” He sees the broken mug on the ground.

“Thanks. It seems I’m two for two on startling her. This time it’s hot cocoa. I hope she doesn’t have to go to the hospital.”

“True. It’s a long drive from here. She took her top off.”

“No…I did. It’s the first thing I could think of. It happened with hot coffee, and my dad had me take off my shirt right away to stop the burn from getting worse.”

“No. I’m just shocked. That’s what people would do, but with the door open?” His brows jet upward.

“It’s freezing balls out there. I figured it would cool her off quickly without ice.”

“Not a bad idea, but a bit crazy.”

“Welcome to the new Tobias Reynolds.”

“I kind of like this asshole better. Be nice and have a good night. I can’t wait to tell Louisa.” He laughs and shakes his head as he walks down my porch. I close the door and lock it. I look toward the stairs, but she’s not coming just yet. Damn, I hope she’s okay. I fucking burned her. I’m over here ready to kill the bastard who struck her, and I cause my own damage. Staring at the broken mug and sopping wet shit and floor, my anger at myself intensifies.

“Now to clean this mess up.” I walk into the kitchen and pull out the small garbage can from inside the pull-out cabinet drawer—a cool feature, I might add. Then I grab the towel on the oven and return to the mess I made. After picking up the broken pieces of ceramic, I sop up the mess and toss the old towel in the garbage. It’s going to need to be mopped. Fuck, I hate mopping. I walk to the broom closet and see the mop, which I have no intention of touching. There’s a Swiffer thing hanging on the hook, so I take it over there and use it. Once it’s spotless, I admire my handiwork. “That is much better.”

“Oh, I would have cleaned it up.” Her soft voice comes from behind me.

I turn my attention to her and do my best not to choke. She’s in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Both of them trace her curves so pleasantly, as if they were tailored for her. “I didn’t want it to seep into the wood. I’m sorry about that. Are you okay?”

“It’s a little tender, but I took a cooler shower than normal.” I close my eyes and try to breathe. My dick did not need the visual of her in the shower, but there it is. Like it’s on a fucking movie theater screen. My cock beats against my zipper, and I pray she doesn’t notice.