“If you’re careful,” the teen warned. “He’s a Dutch, so he’s kind of feisty.”

The handoff was a little rocky as the little guy left the warmth of one arm to the massive hands of another. John scooped its bottom and kicking legs with one hand while the other held its upper body. The small Dutch settled down once John held him to his chest. “He’s not too feisty,” John said in a soft voice.

Her ovaries nearly exploded as she watched John cradle the black and white Dutch to his chest like it was an infant. The rabbit nuzzled its nose against his neck, his little tongue darting around licking John’s skin. “He’s giving you tiny kisses,” she said, trying to bury a squeal.

“It tickles,” he said with a low chuckle.

“I need a picture of this.”

“Your phone is in my pocket,” he reminded her. She slowly approached him, taking care not to disturb the rabbit, and felt the outside of his pants. “Watch it, Dr. Reese,” he whispered with a wink.

“You watch it, Mr. Donovan,” she said under her breath. She slipped her hand in his pocket, brushing her fingers against his rock hard thigh. When she had snapped enough photos, she began petting the rabbit herself. “He’s so soft,” she murmured, pressing her face against its fur, inhaling the scent of woodchips and hay.

“You want to take him home with you?” John asked, peering down at her. “He could be a good way to start your farm. They can’t pull a plow but they poop a lot.”

“Tempting,” she admitted. “But this little guy should stay with his brothers and sisters.”

Eventually John transferred the rabbit back to the capable teen and they exited the barn hand in hand. Victoria’s breath appeared before her face in the brisk autumn air. “Maybe we should get some hot cider,” she said, stuffing her free hand in her jacket pocket.

“Before we tackle the other items on your list?”

“Yes.”

“Excellent.”

“Are you having a nice time?” Victoria asked, enjoying the firm grasp of his hand in hers and the warmth of his body. John looked so handsome with his sandy blonde hair bound in a ponytail, and his Brawny Man outfit, she found it difficult to stop staring at him. He was a perfect fit for their environment, easygoing and confident with himself. For a second, Victoria hoped that by extension, she was a perfect fit for him.

John pulled her close and planted an affectionate kiss on her cheek. “Anytime I’m with you, I’m having a nice time,” he said with an easy smile.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two