Page 8 of Wild Bred

“You’re being protective of her. I haven’t seen you act like this…ever, actually.” Shaw’s expression turns thoughtful. “Why are you resisting your feelings? Seriously, Reid. Why don’t you just go for it? Make a move?”

“We already went over this. She’s too pretty, and too young for me. And she’s my neighbor. She and I are also, just…too different. It doesn’t make any sense, me going after a woman like her.”

“Haven’t you ever heard of opposites attract?” Shaw says, shaking his head. “I’m not buying the rest of your excuses, either. She’s too young for you? Nah. You’re both adults. And who cares if she’s your neighbor? It’s not like you live in some tiny apartment complex. You’ve got all that land between you. As for her being out of your league…okay. Maybe you’ve got a bit of a point there. But it’s not like you’re an ogre, Reid.”

“Thanks,” I say, breathing out a laugh.

Shaw narrows his eyes at me. “Is it because you haven’t been with a woman for eons? Is that why you’re afraid of pursuing her?”

“I’m not afraid. I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Well, I hope you come to your senses soon.”

“Can we please drop the subject?” I snap.

Shaw holds up his hands. “Fine. Subject dropped.” His gaze travels over to the television mounted above the bar. “Oof. Looks like a storm’s headed our way.”

I look up at the television and see the weather headline emblazoned in all caps splayed across the bottom of the screen.

“Great,” I grumble. “Just what I need.”

4

MACKENNA

“We need to talk.” I’m simmering inside as I approach Justin, but I manage to keep my voice even and in control. I’m not usually the type of person to stew on something, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how rude Justin was yesterday.

“About what?” Justin asks, looking up from the raw chicken he’s cutting up for the raptors.

“The way you spoke to Reid yesterday.”

Justin’s shoulders drop and remorse fills his eyes. “Yeah. I’m sorry about that, Mackenna. I know it wasn’t cool. I was just looking out for you, that’s all. You had been with him for a long time, and I was worried he was overstaying his welcome.”

“Bullshit. You came over because you were jealous.” I fold my arms across my chest. “Justin, nothing is ever going to happen between you and me. I see you as a friend—as my employee—and nothing more. If you can’t accept that, this isn’t going to work out.”

“Okay, okay.” He frowns at me. “I’m really sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“And if Reid comes over again, for any reason?—”

“I’ll be nice. Don’t worry.”

“Thank you.” I exhale, relieved to have gotten the conversation over with. The last thing I want to deal with is having to fire Justin and find a replacement. I had a hard enough time finding the right person for the job. I don’t want to go through that whole process again.

I walk over to check the clipboard hanging on the wall that has all the tasks that need to get done today. I’m making a mental note of what I need to prioritize when a crack of thunder sounds outside.

“Jesus,” I mutter, peering out the nearest window. The sky is darkening, ominous storm clouds gathering in the distance. “That doesn’t look good.”

Justin joins me at the window. “Holy crap.”

“I’m going to get all the animals protected. Can you check on our emergency supplies?”

“Yep. Will do.”

“Thanks. I’ll have my walkie-talkie on me.”

I rush out the door, my mind racing with all that I need to do before the storm hits. I can already feel a change in the air, a coolness that sends a chill down my spine. Whatever is coming isn’t going to be pretty.

But even with all that I need to do right now, I can’t help but look out toward the hill next door and worry about how Reid’s old house is going to fare the storm.

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