Page 4 of Tack’s Bounty

Sophia chuckled at Lake’s disgruntled look. Pudding was a little asshole hiding from the farrier, but he’d been in a bad situation before she’d gotten him, with his hooves so long they’d curled and affected his walking.

“So, how long are you waiting until you call the hot SWAT officer?” Freedom asked.

Sophia thought about it. “I want to see if he calls me first or comes by.”

“So, a week is what you’re saying,” Lake chirped, giggling.

These women knew her well.

“Probably. I’m going to make a pit stop, then open the office,” Sophia replied, placing her plate in the dishwasher but refilling her coffee and sliding a lid on. It wouldn’t do to have an open drink near any of the animals.

As she walked away, she didn’t have to worry about the expression on her face. She thought back to how she’d felt when she’d seen him walking across the street in his tight SWAT outfit, his pants fitting like a glove. His chest had a large vest on, so she couldn’t see his pecs beneath the padding, but he easily topped her by eight inches and his shoulders were wide. She’d felt positively tiny next to him, which didn’t happen very often. She was five foot seven with what Freedom and Lake called her bodacious ass, a thick waist, and big tits. She’d put on weight while she was married, and Rufus had hated her big tits and butt. Well, she didn’t like that he couldn’t find her clit with a road map, verbal directions, or a flashing sign.

She hoped to see Officer Lawson again soon because he was the first man she’d been interested in since her divorce. He also hadn’t batted an eye when she yelled at that old biddy, Jolene.

Sophia couldn’t understand why Jolene was still trying to get Rufus and her back together. Even when they were married, Jolene constantly whined to have Rufus come over and do stuff at her house. Sophia was all for helping your parents, but every night for at least two hours was a little much to ask.

For now, she was going to get lost in her work and push Jolene from her mind. But at least her day had started off with the hot SWAT officer.

Chapter Three

Tack had gotten off work, showered, had supper, and then tried to watch a show with some of the guys, but he couldn’t relax. He glanced at the clock. It was late, eleven-thirty p.m., but Tack was restless. There was no way he was going to sleep tonight if he didn’t relax.

Maybe he should take a ride by her house. Sure, she was probably asleep, but he could see for himself that she was okay.

“Hey, Tack, what’s up?” Stinger wondered.

“Can’t settle. I think I’m going to take a ride,” Tack explained, getting up and heading toward the door.

Stinger nodded. “Let me grab my piece,” he insisted, heading toward his room.

Two years ago, Tack wouldn’t have thought twice about going on a ride by himself, but with the threats they’d handled over the years and the threats that could still be out there, his President, Pit, had laid down the law. No one rode alone, whether it was at night or during the day.

Tack walked outside and got on his bike, waiting for Stinger. Stinger came out, but he had Shield and Sledge with him. It seemed like Tack wasn’t the only one not sleeping yet.

“Should we head out by the mall? It should be quiet this time of night,” Stinger suggested.

“I’ll lead the way,” Tack stated, starting his bike and taking off before anyone could try to change his mind. He headed toward Sophia’s house. His gut was telling him he needed to drive by for his peace of mind. After serving, he never ignored his gut because those instincts had saved him, his brother, and his cousin multiple times.

He smirked as he rode. He’d figured he’d easily be able to ride by with his bike and not wake the neighbors. Four bikes were a lot louder. Tack wondered if Jolene would be running out to yell at them.

He made the turn, and instead of relaxing, which is what he’d thought would happen, his gut was screaming at him to go faster. He sped up and took the last turn onto her street, scanning the six houses as he raced by. His brothers had caught up as he pulled to a stop in front of her house. A figure on the front porch bolted as Tack brought the bike to a stop, setting the kickstand and rushing toward the driveway to reach the figure running toward the back of the house.

Motion lights came on as the figure ran in front of him down the driveway, then suddenly veered to the left into darkness. Tack followed until he had to stop when he lost sight. He breathed deep, trying to quiet his breathing to see if he could hear anyone moving, but the running and lights had woken Sophia’s animals. The donkey was braying the loudest with other sounds joining it. He walked back toward the driveway and spotted Sophia at the back door.

“Did you catch him?” she inquired, biting her lip.

Tack shook his head, coming up to the door. “No, lost him in the dark.”

“C’mon in. Your brothers are in the front room.”

He followed Sophia down the hall, not making any effort to keep his eyes off her rounded butt. Tonight, she had on cow-printed pajama pants in pink and blue with a pink camisole. He’d gotten a glimpse of her breasts under the camisole, her nipples hardening in the night air.

He tried not to think about them, but he had to adjust himself as he followed her down the hallway. She was quirky, sexy, and sassy. He was finding it hard not to pick her up, throw her over his shoulder, and scream ‘Mine’!

“You catch him, Tack?” Stinger asked.

Tack shook his head. “Lost him in the dark field.”