Page 101 of Love in the Wild

“Yep.”

“And?” she asked, bouncing on her toes.

“It went well. I filled him in on the things going on, and he didn’t run me off his property. I kinda expected more of a lecture or something. I don’t know.”

“What did he say?”

Gage shrugged, tightening his hold around Hadley’s waist. “He taught me how to groom the horses.”

Hadley laughed. “Yeah, that sounds about right. Mr. Chambers thinks idle hands cause trouble.”

“He didn’t let me sit around, that’s for sure. He also gave me a Bible and told me to read some of it.”

“Really? What part.”

“The book of John. He said it was his favorite, and it had a lot about Jesus in it, so it was as good a place as any to start.”

Hadley grinned. “That’s what he told me.”

Gage tilted his head. “When?”

“When I told him I wanted to learn more about the Bible. That’s how I knew he’d be a good teacher for you. He was a good teacher for me last year.”

“And now you understand it all?”

Hadley chuckled. “Not hardly. I’m just getting started, but I know enough to know I trust Him.”

“Who?”

“God. Well, and Mr. Chambers. I trust both of them.” Hadley looked at her watch. “Oh, I need to head out.”

Gage’s shoulders slumped. “But you just got here.”

“I know, but I have to pick up some paint at the hardware store and get back to the youth training center.”

“Can I see you tonight?” Gage asked, desperate for more stolen seconds with her.

Hadley tapped a fingertip against her cheek. “Maybe, but it’ll cost you one kiss.”

Gage cradled her face in his hands. “How about two?”

She sighed, and a beautiful grin spread on her face. Seeing her happy was the best part of his days. “It’s a deal.”

He slowly leaned down and grazed his lips against hers, soaking in the warmth of her smile as he took his time tasting her. There had never been anything sweeter in this world than Hadley Morgan, and it would take the rest of his days to show her just how much she meant to him.

30

HADLEY

Hadley stepped out of the dining hall and savored the first breath of sweet, fresh air. A cool wind had the skin on the back of her neck prickling in the twilight. The days were growing warmer, and the lingering snow was melting in the shaded areas of the parking lot.

She took her time strolling over to Mr. Chambers's porch. Gage would be pulling up any second to pick her up. She hadn’t told him where she was planning to take them tonight, but she didn’t have any doubt he’d enjoy the spot she’d chosen.

A few of her friends laughed as they walked out of the dining hall. They got into their trucks and drove off, but Ridge’s truck slowed in front of the porch where Hadley sat.

The passenger window lowered, and Cheyenne rested her arm on the door. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Just waiting for Gage.”

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