Page 46 of Love in the Wild

He sighed as his gaze roamed over her face, studying her as if looking for cracks in her facade. “Give me a reason why a real relationship between us wouldn’t work.”

“Why would I do that?” she asked.

“Because I asked. There are lots of reasons. Pick one, and give me a reminder.”

Hadley started to back away, but his hands on her back gently held her.

“Please. We shouldn’t be doing this, and I need reasons to push you away when I don’t want to.”

A hollowness opened up in her chest, gaping and dark as the logic behind his request became clear. They shouldn’t entertain thoughts of something more. Things probably wouldn’t work out between them, and then she’d end up with her first heartbreak.

Memories of her mom crying on the couch after a man left her were vivid in Hadley’s mind.

“Okay. There is one reason.”

“Name it. In detail.”

She tapped her fingers against his chest as she chose her words carefully. “I’m a Christian, and I’m not sure you share my beliefs.”

“And that’s a deal-breaker for you?” he asked.

“Yes.” The single word came out clear and firm.

Gage looked away from her for a few seconds. “I’ve never been to church before, but I’m not gonna say there isn’t a higher power.” He shrugged. “I just don’t know enough to say there definitely is.”

Hadley tilted her head, searching for truth in his words. “But you’re not closed off to the idea of one all-powerful God?”

“That’s not the part I find hard to believe. There probably is a God. I’m just not sure He cares about people like me.”

A smile bloomed on Hadley’s lips, and she didn’t try to hide it.

“Why are you smiling?” he asked.

“Because I think I could convince you that there is a God and that He cares about you.”

“Good luck. I haven’t found many people who care about me.”

Hadley lifted her chin, confident in the task laid in front of her. Maybe the one thing she’d thought would keep them apart wasn’t as much of an issue as she thought. “I don’t need luck.”

Gage chuckled. “I like your determination.”

“It comes in handy from time to time.” She checked her watch. “I do have to head back to work now. When will I see you again?”

Gage shook his head. “This isn’t a good idea.”

“I’m not finished with you. I have something to prove,” Hadley said.

He was quiet for a moment before lifting his head. “Okay. Tomorrow.”

She smiled up at him. “I knew you’d come around.” Pressing up onto her toes to reach him, she pressed a kiss to his bearded cheek.

Hadley took a step back, and Gage released her. She grabbed her cup of sweet tea and flashed him a smile. “See you tomorrow, hunny bun!”

She drove back to the ranch with giddy energy humming just below her skin. She had a new goal and plenty of questions for Stella and Vera during their next Bible study meeting.

14

GAGE

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