Page 13 of Wild Bred

A few weeks ago, I didn’t understand any of this. Her passion for the animals baffled me. But, somehow, I’m starting to get it. She’s not doing any of this for herself. It’s all part of something bigger. It’s all for the good of the world.

I didn’t think she could be any more beautiful to me, but I was wrong.

Mackenna blinks away the dampness in her eyes and turns to look at me. “Should we resume the tour?”

“Sure,” I say. “I’d like that.”

She shows me the foxes next, which she tells me are a bonded pair. As if to prove the point, the foxes are currently curled up together at the base of a large tree in the middle of their enclosure. When we approach, one of them lifts its snout to look at us, but then nuzzles back against its partner.

“These two were both born in captivity in a zoo that ended up not being able to take care of them,” Mackenna tells me. “They aren’t able to survive out in nature on their own, so they’ll be here for the rest of their lives. I’ve tried to give them as good of a home as I can, but obviously I wish I could give them the kind of life they were meant to have.”

“Wicky and Hazel, right?” I ask, remembering the ambassador profiles on her website.

Mackenna grins. “You’ve been doing your research.”

“I figured I should know what other wild animals might show up on my property.” I nod at the fencing in front of us. “Do you need me to reinforce this?”

“I doubt it. You’re the construction expert, though, Reid. What do you think?”

“Looks solid to me. But I also don’t know how resourceful foxes are.”

“I think we’re all good. Thank you for offering, though.”

“Sure.” And then I find myself saying, “If there’s anything you ever need fixed or built around here, just let me know.”

Mackenna raises an eyebrow at me. “You really mean that?”

“I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t mean it.”

“Well, that’s very generous of you. I promise I won’t take advantage of your kindness.”

There’s a weird feeling in my chest. It feels like something turning. Or maybe opening up. Falling away.

“Take advantage all you want,” I say. “As long as I get cookies out of it, it’s all good.”

She half-laughs, half-scoffs. “Oh, that’s part of the deal? I have to bake you cookies?”

The edge of my mouth lifts into a smile. “Unless you’re milling the flour by hand, I’d say it’s a pretty good deal.”

“Fair enough. For any future work you do for the sanctuary, I agree to bake you cookies, in a quantity reflecting the complexity of the job. Do you have any allergies or aversions I should know about?”

Fuck, I love the playful way she’s looking at me right now. I would lean in and kiss her, if only it wasn’t for…what? All the excuses I’ve been telling myself? Because let’s face it. They’re all pitiful excuses. I’ve been getting in my own damn way. The age difference, the neighbor thing, the belief that she’s too pretty for me or too different than me…

…none of it truly holds weight.

My desire pulls me toward her, the space between us shrinking. As I move closer, the gleam in her eyes grows deeper.

“No,” I say, as I slowly dip my mouth toward hers. “I’ll eat anything you make for me, Mackenna.”

6

MACKENNA

When Reid kisses me, the rest of the world melts away. The trees, the sky, the leaf-scattered ground beneath my feet: it’s all gone, leaving me feeling like I’m floating. It feels too good to be true, like I might be dreaming this moment instead of actually living it.

He’s a shockingly good kisser. One slow, unhurried kiss from him sends a burst of achy desire coursing through my entire body. When he pulls his lips from mine, I sigh at the loss, blinking up at him in dazed astonishment.

“You kissed me,” I mumble, my mind full of static.

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