Read Online The Seacroft: a love story (Paines Creek Beach Book 2) by Aaron Paul Lazar - Free Book Online

funny?”
    Olivia said, “Creepa Mousie” and they all started laughing again.
    “What? I don’t get it,” Finn said, grinning. He walked to the sink to wash his hands. “Who’s hungry for lunch? And after we eat, why don’t you two go for a ride on the beach? Popeye and Serendipity need some exercise. We haven’t ridden them more than a few times since the triplets were born.”
    Cody cocked an eyebrow at Vivian, who nodded tentatively and mouthed the word, “Okay.”
    After Finn made a half-dozen grilled cheese sandwiches, which he shared with Cody and Viv, he cut another sandwich into little pieces for the girls, then ran up to check on Libby, who wanted nothing but a glass of ginger ale and some Saltine crackers. Once she was taken care of, Finn took over care of the triplets. Cody and Vivian made their way out to the barn.
    Cody opened the big sliding door and beckoned Vivian into the cool barn. “Come on in. Meet the gang.” He stopped first at the stall of a fuzzy palomino pony, digging out a piece of carrot from his pocket. “This one we bought for the girls. Another year or two and they can take turns on her. Isn’t she cute? We call her Goldilocks.”
    Vivian leaned over the stall door to pat the pony’s face. Surprised at how velvety the pony’s muzzle felt, she smiled with delight. “Oh, Cody. She’s adorable.”
    “But too little for us to ride, I’m afraid. Hey,” he stopped and turned. “I forgot to ask, have you ever been up on a horse?”
    Shamefaced, she bit her lower lip. “Never. But I’ve always wanted to.”
    He linked arms with her and led her down the whitewashed aisle. “Well, then. It’s about damned time someone got you in the saddle.”
    The next stall they reached was empty, but Cody whistled and threw a handful of grain into the feed bucket. In seconds, an enormous white mare rocketed inside, thrusting her nose into the feed bucket.
    “There she is. That’s Serendipity. Don’t tell Libby, but Finn still calls her Dippy.”
    “Why?” Vivian leaned in to stroke the silken fur on her neck.
    “Because, she’s a bit jumpy from time to time. Kind of a hot breed, if you know what I mean?”
    Vivian nodded, but had no idea what he meant. “I see.”
    “I’ll ride her. She’s not the best for beginners.” He walked down another few stalls and peered inside. “And here’s your boy. His name’s Popeye. He’s half Pinto and half Percheron. A big, solid, sweet fella. You’ll love him.”
    Vivian stared at the beautiful black and white markings on the gelding. His mane and tail were full and lush, curling in glossy white strands.
    “My gosh, look at those feet!”
    “They’re called hooves, Viv.” Cody laughed. “Draft horses, like Percherons, have huge hooves. When you get into the really big breeds, like the Clydesdales, they can be as large as dinner plates.”
    Vivian clamped a hand over her mouth. “Oh my gosh.”
    “Yep. But this fellow here is only half draft horse, so he’s a nice in-between size.”
    “He won’t mind if I ride him and don’t know what I’m doing?”
    “Heck, no. He’ll take care of you.”
    They stood side by side, patting Popeye, who kept pushing his big head at Cody to beg for a treat. Cody fished a few pieces of carrots from his pocket. “Just for you, big fella.”
    Popeye gently bent his head over the door and nibbled the carrots from Cody’s outstretched palm.
    “He loves them,” Vivian said, keenly aware of the warmth of Cody’s body beside her. His profile stunned her with its beauty, if you could call a man beautiful. Strong brow, patrician nose, curved lips, jutting chin… she chuckled to herself. Yes. He was definitely beautiful.
    He turned suddenly and met her gaze. For an instant, she felt a connection, and heat flooded her body. Cody turned away first, and in that minute, she realized he was embarrassed. Not her, the ungainly, awkward, ugly duckling, but him, this godlike creature who could have any woman on